Superior Industries International, Inc. (referred to herein as the “Company”, “Superior”, 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 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, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, VW Group (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, 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.”

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 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 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. There were no certificates of deposit at December 31, 2019.

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. Refer to 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.

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.

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. Currently our three primary vendors make up more than 10 percent of our aluminum purchases in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

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.

The carrying amount of long-lived 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.

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. Impairment charges, if any, related to goodwill are recorded as a separate charge included in income from operations. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $99.5 million relating to our European reporting unit (refer to Note 10, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”).

Intangible assets include both finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of brand names, technology and customer relationships. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line over their estimated useful lives (since the pattern in which the asset will be consumed cannot be reliably determined). Indefinite-lived intangible assets, excluding goodwill, consist of trade names associated with our aftermarket business. Impairment charges, if any, related to intangible assets are recorded as a separate charge included in income from operations. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we recognized an indefinite-lived intangible impairment charge of $2.7 million relating to trade names used in our European aftermarket business (refer to Note 10, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”).

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 $0.5 million, ($1.0) million, and $12.9 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 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 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.”

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. Refer to Note 19, “Stock-Based Compensation” for additional information concerning our stock-based compensation awards.

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.

Cash paid for interest was $42.3 million, $43.8 million and $24.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Cash paid for income taxes was $9.0 million, $6.5 million and $11.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

As of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, $15.6 million, $10.3 million, and $15.1 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.

ASU 2016-02, Topic 842, “Leases.” Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, ASC 842 using the optional transition approach. Adoption of the standard resulted in recognition of operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities of $18.2 million and $18.6 million, respectively, as well as a charge to eliminate previously deferred rent of $0.4 million, as of January 1, 2019. ASU 2016-02 also requires lessees 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. Under the optional transition approach, financial statements for prior periods have not been restated and the disclosures applicable under the previous standard will be included for those periods. In adopting the standard, the Company has adopted the package of practical expedients. As a consequence, the Company has not reassessed (1) whether existing or expired contracts contain leases under the new definition of a lease, (2) lease classification for expired or existing leases (finance vs. operating) and (3) whether previously capitalized initial direct costs qualify for capitalization under the new standard. In addition, the Company has also adopted an accounting policy to exclude leases of less than one year from capitalization.

ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” In January, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 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 (loss) (“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 adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2019. The guidance requires new disclosures regarding a company’s accounting policy for releasing tax effects in AOCI. The Company has elected to not reclassify the income tax effects of the Act from AOCI.

ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350).” ASU 2017-04 amends the requirement that entities compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of a two-step goodwill impairment test under previously existing guidance. Under ASU 2017-04, in determining the amount of a goodwill impairment an entity will no longer calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination (what is referred to as Step 2 under previously existing guidance). Under the new guidance, entities will perform their annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment will be recognized equal to the excess of the carrying amount over fair value not to exceed the total amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted this standard in conjunction with our annual goodwill impairment test conducted in the fourth quarter of 2019. Refer to Note 10, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” for further discussion regarding the results of our annual goodwill impairment test for 2019.

ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" (ASU 2016-13), which requires entities to use a new impairment model based on Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) rather than incurred losses. Under CECL, estimated credit losses would incorporate relevant information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts and any expected credit losses would be recognized at the time of sale. We plan to adopt ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020. The Company does not expect that adoption will have any significant effect on our financial statements or disclosures because we generally do not incur any significant credit losses due to the financial strength and credit worthiness of our customers.

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 financial statement disclosures.

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 after issuance of the update. We are evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our financial statement disclosures.