Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Nature of Operations

Superior Industries International, Inc. (referred to herein as the “Company” or “we,” “us” and “our”) designs and manufactures aluminum wheels for sale to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and aftermarket customers. We are one of the largest suppliers of cast aluminum wheels to the world’s leading automobile and light truck manufacturers, with manufacturing operations in the United States, Mexico, Germany and Poland. Our OEM aluminum wheels are sold primarily for factory installation, as either standard equipment or optional equipment, on vehicle models manufactured by BMW-Mini, Daimler AG Company (Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Smart), FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, VW Group (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Porsche, Bentley) and Volvo. We also 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 global presence and influence with North American, European and Asian OEMs. We have determined that our North American and European operations should be treated as separate operating segments as further described in Note 6, “Business Segments.”

Presentation of Consolidated Financial Statements

Presentation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned 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 making estimates, actual results could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to these balances in future periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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. Certificates of deposit and fixed deposits whose original maturity is greater than three months and is one year or less are classified as short-term investments. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, certificates of deposit totaling $0.8 million were restricted in use (to collateralize letters of credit securing workers’ compensation obligations) and were classified as short-term investments on our consolidated balance sheet.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

We account for our derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and carry them at fair value. 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 (including changes in time value for forward contracts) is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in shareholders’ equity and reclassified into income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Derivatives that do not qualify or have not been designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value through current income. See Note 5, “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 other raw materials. 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.

Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes and Non-Cash Investing Activities

Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes and Non-Cash Investing Activities

Cash paid for interest was $43.8 million, $24.3 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Cash paid for income taxes was $6.5 million, $11.1 million and $21.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, $10.3 million, $15.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of equipment had been purchased but not yet paid for and are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable primarily consists of amounts that are due and payable from our customers for the sale of aluminum wheels. We evaluate the collectability of receivables each reporting period and record an allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate of probable losses. Additions to the allowance are charged to bad debt expense reported in selling, general and administrative expense.

Inventory

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. 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. Currently our three primary vendors make up more than 10 percent of our aluminum purchases in 2018 and 2017.

Property, Plant and Equipment

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
Computer equipment		3 to 5 years
Production machinery and technical equipment		3 to 20 years
Buildings		15 to 50 years
Other equipment, operating and office equipment		3 to 20 years

When property, plant and equipment is replaced, retired or disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed and any resulting gain or loss is recorded as a component of cost of sales or other income or expense.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The carrying amount of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used in the business is evaluated for impairment when events and circumstances warrant. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired, a loss is recorded based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using anticipated cash flows.

Impairment of Goodwill

Impairment of Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Impairment testing is required more often than annually if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. We conduct our annual impairment testing as of December 31, 2018.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

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 (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 (expense), net. We had foreign currency transaction gains (losses) of ($1.0) million, $12.9 million, ($0.4) million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Topic ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” Under this new standard, 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 less than a 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 warranties 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 retrospective adjustment for changes in commodity prices for certain raw materials, aluminum 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. Price adjustments due to production efficiencies are generally recognized as and when negotiated with customers. Customer contract prices are generally adjusted quarterly to incorporate retroactive price adjustments.

Under the Company’s policies, shipping costs are treated as a cost of fulfillment. In addition, as permitted under a practical expedient relating to disclosure of performance obligations, 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 3, “Revenue.”

Research and Development

Research and Development

Research and development costs (primarily engineering and related costs) are expensed as incurred and are included in cost of sales in the consolidated income statements. Amounts expensed during 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $5.7 million, $7.7 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation using the estimated fair value recognition method. We recognize these compensation costs net of the applicable forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis for only those shares expected to vest over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of three years. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience. See Note 20, “Stock-Based Compensation” for additional information concerning our stock-based compensation awards.

Income Taxes

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 for a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the tax rate change is enacted. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. 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 determination of the need for a valuation allowance is based on an on-going evaluation of current information including, among other things, historical operating results, estimates of future earnings in different taxing jurisdictions and the expected timing of the reversals of temporary differences. 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 future taxable income in the U.S. and certain other jurisdictions, 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. Consistent with our policy, the valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets will not be reversed until such time as we have generated three years of cumulative pre-tax income and have reached sustained profitability, which we define as two consecutive one year periods of pre-tax income.

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.

Presently, we have not recorded a deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. These temporary differences may become taxable upon a repatriation of earnings from the subsidiaries or a sale or liquidation of the subsidiaries. At this time the Company does not have any plans to repatriate income from its foreign subsidiaries.

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Topic 606, “Revenue – Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (including all related amendments). On January 1, 2018, we adopted “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and all the related amendments (the “new revenue standard”) using the modified retrospective method. Adoption of the new revenue standard did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations as the Company’s method for recognizing revenue under the new revenue standard does not vary significantly from revenue recognition practices under the prior standard.

ASU 2017-12 Improvements to Hedge Accounting Activities.” On January 1, 2018, we adopted the “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The principal change in accounting for hedges under this standard is that hedge ineffectiveness (for qualifying hedges subject to hedge accounting) will be recognized in other comprehensive income (rather than earnings) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, at which point accumulated gains or losses will be recognized in earnings and classified with the underlying hedged transaction. Other than the accounting for hedge ineffectiveness, the provisions of this standard apply prospectively. Gains and losses arising from hedge ineffectiveness previously recognized in earnings have been immaterial. Accordingly, there is no cumulative balance sheet adjustment or restatement associated with adoption of this standard.

ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018. The objective of the ASU is to address the diversity in practice in the presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our statements of cash flows for the years ended 2018, 2017, or 2016.

ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” In March 2017, the FASB issued this standard to improve the reporting of net benefit cost in the financial statements. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018. Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our results of operations.

ASU 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” We have adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis as required. The objective of the ASU is to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations since we have no imminent acquisitions or disposals.

ASU 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory.” The objective of the ASU is to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This standard was adopted January 1, 2018 and did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations since we have no significant intra-entity transfers other than inventory.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The objective of the ASU is to simplify how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our financial statements and disclosures.

ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, “Leases” (including all related amendments). In February of 2016, the FASB issued an ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” The ASU requires an entity to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessor and sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2019, using the optional transition method, which resulted in capitalization of right of use assets and recognition of lease obligations of approximately $20 million. We have elected the package of practical expedients that will allow us to 1) not reassess whether existing or expired contracts contain or contained a lease; 2) not reassess the classification (operating or financing) of our existing leases; and 3) not reassess initial direct costs for existing leases; as well as the accounting policy election not to apply balance sheet recognition to leases with terms of 12 months or less. Our assessment and adoption of the new accounting standard are based on a global review of our leasing arrangements. Our lease portfolio principally includes leases of real estate, such as office buildings, and leases of personal property, such as equipment used in our manufacturing processes. We have refined our internal policies to include criteria for evaluating the impact of the new standard and related internal controls to support the requirements of the new standard. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on our results of operations or cash flows.

ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (“the Act”) related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in AOCI. The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Act is recognized in the period of adoption. The Company must adopt this guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance, when adopted, will require new disclosures regarding a company’s accounting policy for releasing the tax effects in AOCI. The Company has elected to not reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act from AOCI. The Company has decided it will not prospectively implement ASU 2018-02.

ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement.” In August 2018, the FASB issued an ASU entitled “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” which is designed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures by removing, modifying and adding disclosures related to fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU allows for early adoption in any interim period after issuance of the update. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our notes to the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2018-14, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans.” In August 2018, the FASB issued an ASU entitled “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General Subtopic 715-20 - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans,” which is designed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures by removing and adding disclosures related to defined benefit plans. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. The new standard allows for early adoption in any year end after issuance of the update. We are evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our financial statement disclosures.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company applies fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, while other assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as when we have an asset impairment. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

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

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, investments in certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to the short period of time until maturity.

Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We use derivatives to partially offset our exposure to foreign currency, interest rates, aluminum and other commodity risk. We may enter into forward contracts, option contracts, swaps, collars or other derivative instruments to offset some of the risk on expected future cash flows and on certain existing assets and liabilities. However, we may choose not to hedge certain exposures for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, accounting considerations and the prohibitive economic cost of hedging particular exposures. There can be no assurance the hedges will offset more than a portion of the financial impact resulting from movements in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and aluminum as well as natural gas commodity prices.

To help protect gross margins from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, certain of our subsidiaries, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar or the Euro, hedge a portion of their forecasted foreign currency costs denominated in the Mexican Peso and Polish Zloty, respectively. We may hedge portions of our forecasted foreign currency exposure up to 48 months.

We record all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Our accounting treatment for these instruments is based on the hedge designation. The cash flow hedges that are designated as hedging instruments are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, at which point accumulated gains or losses will be recognized in earnings and classified with the underlying hedged transaction. Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are adjusted to fair value through earnings in the financial statement line item to which the derivative relates. The Company has derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments as well as derivatives that did not qualify for designation as hedging instruments.

Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedges

Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are adjusted to fair value through earnings in the financial statement line item to which the derivative relates.