Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The summary of significant accounting policies of Manitex International, Inc. is presented to assist in understanding the Company’s financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company’s management who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents —For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all short-term securities purchased with maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash—Certain of the Company’s lending arrangements require the Company to post collateral or maintain minimum cash balances in escrow. These cash amounts are reported as current assets on the balance sheets based on when the cash will be contractually released. Total restricted cash was $1,308 and $0 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

 

Revenue Recognition —Revenue and related costs are recognized when title passes and risk of loss pass to our customers which generally occurs upon shipment depending upon the terms of the contract. Under certain contracts with our customers title passes to the customers when the units are completed. The units are segregated from our inventory and identified as belonging to the customer, the customer is notified that the units are complete and awaiting pick up or delivery as specified by the customer before income is recognized. Additionally, the customer is requested to sign an “Invoice Authorization Form” which acknowledges the contract terms and acknowledges that the customer has economic ownership and control over the unit. It also acknowledges that we are going to invoice the unit per terms of the contract. The Company insures any custodial risk that it may retain.

For FOB contracts, customers may be invoiced prior to the time customers take physical possession. Revenue is recognized in such cases only when the customer has a fixed commitment to purchase the units, the units have been completed, tested and made available to the customer for pickup or delivery, and the customer has authorized in writing that we hold the units for pickup or delivery at a time specified by the customer. In such cases, the units are invoiced under our customary billing terms, title to the units and risks of ownership pass to the customer upon invoicing, the units are segregated from our inventory and identified as belonging to the customer and we have no further obligations under the order. The Company insures any custodial risk that it may retain.

In addition, our policy requires in all instances certain minimum criteria be met in order to recognize revenue, specifically:

Investment—Equity Method of Accounting —Our non-marketable equity investments are investments we have made in privately-held companies accounted for under the equity method. We periodically review our non-marketable equity investments for impairment. In September 2016, the Company determined its investment in Lift Ventures was impaired and has recognized an impairment charge to write off its entire investment in Lift Ventures (See Note 26).  There was no impairment related to this investment in prior periods.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts —The Company has adopted a policy consistent with U.S. GAAP for the periodic review of its accounts receivable to determine whether the establishment of an allowance for doubtful accounts is warranted based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of the accounts. The Company established an allowance for bad debt of $70 and $228 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company also has in some instances a security interest in its accounts receivable until payment is received.

Property, Equipment and Depreciation —Property and equipment are stated at cost or the fair market value at date of acquisition for property and equipment acquired in connection with the acquisition of a company. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided over the following useful lives:

 

 

 

Expenditures for major renewals and betterments that extend the useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $4,904, $4,776 and $1,081, respectively.

Other Intangible Assets —The Company accounts for Other Intangible Assets under the guidance of ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”. The Company capitalizes certain costs related to patent technology. Additionally, a substantial portion of the purchase price related to the Company’s acquisitions has been assigned to patents or unpatented technology, trade name, customer backlog, and customer relationships. Under the guidance, Other Intangible Assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (reportable segment). The Company’s three operating segments comprise the reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes.

Under ASU 2011-08, entities are provided with the option of first performing a qualitative assessment on none, some, or all of its reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If after completing a qualitative analysis, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value a quantitative analysis is required.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company elected to evaluate the Lifting Equipment and Equipment Distribution reporting unit’s goodwill using the quantitative two step approach.  Additionally, in 2016 and 2015 the Company evaluated ASV’s goodwill using the quantitative approach. The first step used to identify potential impairment involves comparing the reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. During the first step testing, the Company evaluated goodwill for impairment using a business valuation method, which is calculated as of a measurement date by determining the present value of debt-free, after-tax projected future cash flows, discounted at the weighted average cost of capital of a hypothetical third party buyer. The market approach was also considered in evaluating the potential for impairment by calculating fair value based on multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of comparable, publicly traded companies. This analysis did not indicate impairment of the Lifting Equipment or ASV segments’ goodwill.  The Company also observed implied EBITDA multiples from relatively recent merger and acquisition activity in the industry, which was used to test the reasonableness of the results.  The estimated fair values of the Lifting Equipment reporting segment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5%.  The fair value of the ASV segment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 20%. Except for a possible impairment of the Equipment Distribution segment goodwill in 2016, the aforementioned step one quantitative testing did not indicate any impairment.  As there was an indication of possible impairment in 2016, the Equipment Distribution segment’s goodwill was subject to additional step two testing, which is described below.

The second step of the process involves the calculation of an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which step one indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit and the subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted.

This further analysis indicated that the Equipment Distribution segment goodwill was impaired and a $275 impairment charge was recognized in 2016 to fully write off the equipment Distribution segment’s goodwill.

The determination of fair value requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to, revenue growth and operating earnings projections, discount rates, terminal growth rates, and required capital expenditure projections.  Our projections make certain assumptions including expanding PM market share in North America, a normalization of energy markets over time and a continued expansion of dealer networks, particularly for ASV.  If our progress in meeting these and other assumptions is slower or different than what was anticipated, it may impact our ability to meet the projections.  Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Deterioration in the market or actual results as compared with the projections (including not meeting near term projections) may result in an impairment in the near term. In the event, the Company determines that goodwill is impaired in the future the Company would need to recognize a non-cash impairment charge.

 

Impairment of Long Lived Assets —The Company’s policy is to assess the realizability of its long-lived assets, including intangible assets, and to evaluate such assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets (or group of assets) may not be recoverable. Impairment is determined to exist if the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value. Future cash flow projections include assumptions for future sales levels, the impact of cost reduction programs, and the level of working capital needed to support each business. The amount of any impairment then recognized would be calculated as the difference between estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. The Company did not have any impairment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Inventory —Inventory consists of stock materials and equipment stated at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market. All equipment classified as inventory is available for sale. The company records excess and obsolete inventory reserves. The estimated reserve is based upon specific identification of excess or obsolete inventories. Selling, general and administrative expenses are expensed as incurred and are not capitalized as a component of inventory.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions —The financial statements of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated using the current exchange rate for assets and liabilities and the weighted-average exchange rate for the year for income and expense items. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) as a component of shareholders’ equity.

The Company converts receivables and payables denominated in other than the Company’s functional currency at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date. The resulting transaction exchange gains or losses, except for certain transaction gains or loss related to intercompany receivable and payables, are included in other income and expense. Transaction gains and losses related to intercompany receivables and payables not anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future are excluded from the determination of net income and are recorded as a translation adjustment (with consideration to the tax effect) to accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) as a component of shareholders’ equity.

Derivatives—Forward Currency Exchange Contracts —When the Company enters into forward currency exchange contracts it does so in relationship such that the exchange gains and losses on the assets and liabilities that are being hedged which are denominated in other than the reporting units’ functional currency would be offset by the changes in the market value of the forward currency exchange contracts it holds. The forward currency exchange contracts that the Company has to offset existing assets and liabilities denominated in other than the reporting units’ functional currency have been determined not to be considered a hedge under ASC 815-10. The Company records at the balance sheet date the forward currency exchange contracts at its market value with any associated gain or loss being recorded in current earnings. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses related to forward currency contracts are included in current earnings and are reflected in the Statement of Operations in the other income expense section on the line titled foreign currency transaction gain (loss).

The forward currency contracts to hedge future sales are designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815-10. As required, forward currency contracts are recognized as an asset or liability at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings (date of sale). Gains or losses on cash flow hedges when recognized into income are included in net revenues.

Interest Rate Swap Contracts—The Company enters into derivative instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk related to certain foreign term loans. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at the date the contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The resulting gain or loss is recognized in current earnings immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which case the effective portion of the gain or loss is recognized and is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedging instrument affects earnings (date of sale). As part of the acquisition of PM Group, which was acquired on January 15, 2015, the Company acquired interest rate swap contracts, which manage the exposure to interest rate risk related to term loans with certain financial institutions in Italy. These contracts have been determined not to be hedge instruments under ASC 815-10.

Credit Risk Concentrations —Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, trade receivables and payables. The Company maintains its cash balances principally at banks located in Chicago, Illinois and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania as well as several separate Italian banks. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had uninsured balances of $3,755 and $4,978, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, no customers accounted for 10% or more of total Company’s accounts receivable.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, no one customer accounted for 10% or more of total company’s revenues.  For 2016, 2015 and 2014 purchases from any single supplier did not exceed 10% of total purchases.

Research and Development Expenses— The Company expenses research and development costs, as incurred. For the periods ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 expenses were $4,877, $4,983 and $1,084, respectively.

Advertising —Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $1,083, $847 and $428 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Retirement Benefit Costs and Termination Benefits —Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions. For defined benefit retirement benefit plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at the end of each annual reporting period. Remeasurement, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the changes to the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), is reflected immediately in the statement of financial position with a charge or credit recognized in other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurement recognized in other comprehensive income is reflected immediately in retained earnings and will not be reclassified to profit or loss. Past service cost is recognized in profit or loss in the period of a plan amendment. Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset. Defined benefit costs are categorized as follows:

 

Curtailment gains and losses are accounted for as past service costs. The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position represents the actual deficit or surplus in PM Group’s defined benefit plans. Any surplus resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans. A liability for a termination benefit is recognized at the earlier of when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of the termination benefit and when the entity recognizes any related restructuring costs.

 

Litigation Claims —In determining whether liabilities should be recorded for pending litigation claims, the Company must assess the allegations and the likelihood that it will successfully defend itself. When the Company believes it is probable that it will not prevail in a particular matter, it will then record an estimate of the amount of liability based, in part, on advice of outside legal counsel.

Shipping and Handling —The Company records the amount of shipping and handling costs billed to customers as revenue. The cost incurred for shipping and handling is included in the cost of sales.

Use of Estimates —The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Income Taxes —The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of ASC 740 “ Income Taxes,” which requires recognition of income taxes based on amounts payable with respect to the current year and the effects of deferred taxes for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial accounting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not a tax benefit will not be realized.

ASC 740 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, as well as guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income prior to the expiration of any net operating loss carryforwards. See Note 14, Income Taxes, for further details.

Accrued Warranties —Warranty costs are accrued at the time revenue is recognized. The Company’s products are typically sold with a warranty covering defects that arise during a fixed period of time. The specific warranty offered is a function of customer expectations and competitive forces. The Equipment Distribution segment does not accrue for warranty costs at the time of sales, as they are reimbursed by the manufacturers for any warranty that they provide to their customers.

A liability for estimated warranty claims is accrued at the time of sale. The liability is established using historical warranty claim experience. Historical warranty experience is, however, reviewed by management. The current provision may be adjusted to take into account unusual or non-recurring events in the past or anticipated changes in future warranty claims. Adjustments to the initial warranty accrual are recorded if actual claim experience indicates that adjustments are necessary. Warranty reserves are reviewed to ensure critical assumptions are updated for known events that may impact the potential warranty liability.

Debt Issuance Costs —Debt issuance costs incurred in securing the Company’s financing arrangements are capitalized and amortized over the term of the associated debt. Deferred financing costs associated with long-term debt are presented in the balance sheet as direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discount.  Deferred financing costs associated with revolving lines of credit are included with other long-term assets on the Company’s balance sheet.

Sale and Leaseback —In accordance with ASC 840-40 Sales-Leaseback Transactions, the Company has recorded deferred revenue in relationship to the sale and leaseback of one of the Company’s operating facilities and on certain equipment.   As such, the deferred gains have been deferred and are being amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the leases.

Computation of EPS —Basic Earnings per Share (“EPS”) was computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

The number of shares related to options, warrants, restricted stock, convertible debt and similar instruments included in diluted EPS (“EPS”) is based on the “Treasury Stock Method” prescribed in ASC 260-10, Earnings per Share. This method assumes theoretical repurchase of shares using proceeds of the respective stock option or warrant exercised, and for restricted stock the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services which has not yet been recognized and the amount of current and deferred tax benefit, if any, that would be credited to additional paid in capital upon the vesting of the restricted stock, at a price equal to the issuer’s average stock price during the related earnings period. Accordingly, the number of shares includable in the calculation of EPS in respect of the stock options, warrants, restricted stock, convertible debt and similar instruments is dependent on this average stock price and will increase as the average stock price increases.

Stock Based Compensation —In accordance with ASC 718 Compensation-Stock Compensation, share-based payments to employees, including grants of restricted stock units, are measured at fair value as of the date of grant and are expensed in the consolidated statement of income over the service period (generally the vesting period).

Comprehensive Income —“Reporting Comprehensive Income” requires reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income includes, in addition to net earnings, other items that are reported as direct adjustments to shareholder’s equity. Currently, the comprehensive income adjustment required for the Company has two components. First is a foreign currency translation adjustment, the result of consolidating its foreign subsidiary. The second component is a derivative instrument fair market value adjustment (net of income taxes) related to forward currency contracts designated as a cash flow hedge.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings (date of sale). See Note 6 for additional details.

Reclassifications —Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2015 and 2014 financial statements to conform to the 2016 presentation.

Business Combinations —The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with guidance found in ASC 805, Business Combinations. The guidance requires consideration given, including contingent consideration, assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be valued at their fair market values at the acquisition date. The guidance further provides that: (1) in-process research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset; (2) acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred, (3) restructuring costs associated with a business combination will generally be expensed subsequent to the acquisition date; and (4) changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.

ASC 805 requires that any excess of purchase price over fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangibles and liabilities assumed be recognized as goodwill. In accordance with ASC 805, any excess of fair value of acquired net assets, including identifiable intangibles assets, over the acquisition consideration results in a bargain purchase gain. Prior to recording a gain, the acquiring entity must reassess whether all acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been identified and recognized and perform re-measurements to verify that the consideration paid, assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been properly valued.