Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Significant Accounting Policies

v3.8.0.1
Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation. Brunswick Corporation (Brunswick or the Company) has prepared its consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation. As stated in Note 2 – Discontinued Operations, Brunswick's results as discussed in the financial statements reflect continuing operations only, unless otherwise noted.

Principles of Consolidation. Brunswick's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all majority owned and controlled domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make certain estimates. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. These estimates affect:

The reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements;
The disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and
The reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.

Estimates in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to:

Allowances for doubtful accounts;
Inventory valuation reserves;
Reserves for dealer allowances;
Reserves related to repurchase and recourse obligations;
Warranty related reserves;
Losses on litigation and other contingencies;
Environmental reserves;
Insurance reserves;
Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets;
Impairments of long-lived assets;
Reserves related to restructuring, exit and integration activities;
Postretirement benefit liabilities;
Valuation allowances on deferred tax assets; and
Income tax reserves.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. These investments include, but are not limited to, investments in money market funds, bank deposits, federal government and agency debt securities and commercial paper.

Investments in Marketable Securities. The Company classifies investments in debt securities that are not considered to be cash equivalents as Short-term investments in marketable securities as discussed in Note 9 – Investments. Short-term investments in marketable securities have a stated maturity of twelve months or less from the balance sheet date. These securities are considered as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses would be recorded net of tax as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in Unrealized investment losses within Shareholders' equity. Declines in market value from the original cost deemed to be "other-than-temporary" are charged to Other income, net, in the period in which the loss occurs. The Company considers both the duration for which a decline in value has occurred and the extent of the decline in its determination of whether a decline in value has been “other than temporary.” Realized gains and losses are calculated based on the specific identification method and are included in Other income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Restricted Cash. The Company considers the cash deposited in a trust that is pledged as collateral against certain workers' compensation-related obligations to be restricted cash. Refer to Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies for more information.

Accounts and Notes Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The Company carries its accounts and notes receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, the Company records an allowance for uncollectible receivables based upon known bad debt risks and past loss history, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of net receivables. A change to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectability of a specific account.

The Company treats the sale of receivables in which the Company retains an interest as a secured obligation. Accordingly, the short-term portion of the receivables sold that are subject to recourse is recorded in Accounts and notes receivable and Accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with net realizable value equal to the estimated selling price less the estimated costs to transact. Approximately 54 percent and 51 percent of the Company's inventories were determined by the first-in, first-out method (FIFO) at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Remaining inventories valued at the last-in, first-out method (LIFO) were $124.9 million and $123.0 million lower than the FIFO cost of inventories at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Inventory cost includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead. There were no liquidations of LIFO inventory layers in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

Property. Property, including major improvements and product tooling costs, is recorded at cost. Product tooling costs principally comprise the cost to acquire and construct various long-lived molds, dies and other tooling the Company uses in its manufacturing processes. Design and prototype development costs associated with product tooling are expensed as incurred. Maintenance and repair costs are also expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated service lives of the related assets, principally using the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over a useful life of five to forty years. Equipment is depreciated over a useful life of two to twenty years. Product tooling costs are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the tooling or the anticipated life of the applicable product, for a period up to eight years. The Company capitalizes interest on qualifying assets during the construction period and capitalized $4.6 million and $2.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company presents capital expenditures on a cash basis within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There were $31.0 million and $35.8 million of unpaid capital expenditures within Accounts payable as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company includes gains and losses recognized on the sale and disposal of property in either Selling, general and administrative expenses or Restructuring, exit, integration and impairment charges as appropriate. The amount of gains and losses for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
(in millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Gains on the sale of property
$
0.7

 
$
0.4

 
$
1.1

Losses on the sale and disposal of property
(2.3
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(2.0
)
Net losses on sale and disposal of property
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(0.9
)


Software Development Costs. The Company expenses all software development and implementation costs incurred until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefit and management has committed to funding the project. Once this is determined, external direct costs of material and services, payroll-related costs of employees working on the project and related interest costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. These capitalized costs are amortized over three to seven years. All other related costs, including training costs and costs to re-engineer business processes, are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles. Goodwill and other intangible assets primarily result from business acquisitions. The Company records the excess of cost over net assets of businesses acquired as goodwill. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value.

For 2017, the impairment test for goodwill was a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In this second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with the carrying amount of the goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.  

The Company calculates the fair value of its reporting units considering both the income approach and the guideline public company method.  The income approach calculates the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing a Gordon Growth model.  Internally forecasted future cash flows, which the Company believes reasonably approximate market participant assumptions, are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (Discount Rate) developed for each reporting unit.  The Discount Rate is developed using market observable inputs, and considers whether or not there is a measure of risk related to the specific reporting unit’s forecasted performance.  Fair value under the guideline public company method is determined for each unit by applying market multiples for comparable public companies to the unit’s financial results.  The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in a reporting unit’s forecasted future performance, including revenue growth and operating margins, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts, and selecting representative market multiples.

For 2016 and 2015, the Company determined through qualitative assessment that the fair values of its reporting units were “more likely than not” greater than their carrying values. As a result, the Company was not required to perform the two-step impairment test. The Company did not record any goodwill impairments in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

The Company's primary intangible assets are customer relationships, trade names and patents and proprietary technology acquired in business combinations. The costs of amortizable intangible assets are recognized over their expected useful lives, typically between three and sixteen years, using the straight-line method. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets described below. Intangible assets not subject to amortization, including trade names, are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset may be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of trade names is measured using a relief-from-royalty approach, which assumes the value of the trade name is the discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid to third parties had the Company not owned the trade name and instead licensed the trade name from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. The basis for future sales projections is internal revenue forecasts by brand, which the Company believes represent reasonable market participant assumptions, to which the selected royalty rate is applied. The resulting cash flows are discounted using an applicable Discount Rate which includes any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset.

The Company recorded a $13.9 million indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment during 2017 related to the Cybex trade name. Refer to Note 3 – Restructuring, Exit, Integration and Impairment Activities for further details. The Company did not record impairments for indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2016 and 2015.

Refer to Note 11 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles for more information.

Equity Investments. For investments in which the Company owns or controls from 20 percent to 50 percent of the voting shares, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's share of net earnings or losses from equity method investments is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company accounts for other investments, over which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, under the cost method of accounting. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its investments. See Note 9 – Investments for further details about the Company's evaluation of the fair value of its investments.

Long-Lived Assets. The Company continually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of its definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. Once an impairment indicator is identified, the Company tests for recoverability of the related asset group using an estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the asset group's remaining life. If an asset group's carrying value is not recoverable, the Company records an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over the long-lived asset group's fair value. Fair value is determined using observable inputs, including the use of appraisals from independent third parties, when available, and, when observable inputs are not available, based on the Company's assumptions of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset, based on the best information available in the circumstances. Specifically, the Company uses discounted cash flows to determine the fair value of the asset when observable inputs are unavailable. The Company tested its long-lived asset balances for impairment as indicators arose during 2017, 2016 and 2015, resulting in impairment charges of $0.1 million, $2.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, which are recognized either in Restructuring, exit, integration and impairment charges or Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Other Long-Term Assets. Other long-term assets consists mainly of long-term receivables originated by the Company and assigned to third parties, long-term pension assets and other long-term receivables and deposits. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, amounts assigned to third parties totaled $30.2 million and $29.0 million, respectively. The assignment of these instruments does not meet sale criteria as a result of the Company's contingent obligation to repurchase the receivables in the event of customer non-payment and therefore is treated as a secured obligation. Accordingly, these amounts were recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under Other long-term assets and Long-term liabilities – Other.

Revenue Recognition. Brunswick's revenue is derived primarily from the sale of boats, marine engines, marine parts and accessories, fitness equipment and active recreation products. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the terms of the sale, primarily upon shipment to customers, once the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Brunswick offers discounts and sales incentives that include retail promotions and rebates that are recorded as reductions of revenues in Net sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated liability and reduction in revenue for sales incentives is recorded at the later of when the program has been communicated to the customer or at the time of sale. Revenues from freight are included as a part of Net sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, whereas shipping, freight and handling costs are included in Cost of sales.

Advertising Costs. The Company records advertising and promotion costs in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period when the advertising first takes place. Advertising and promotion costs were $29.9 million, $26.5 million and $28.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Foreign Currency. The functional currency for the majority of Brunswick's operations is the U.S. dollar. All assets and liabilities of operations with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at period end current rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. Revenues and expenses of operations with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. Transaction gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates are recorded in either Cost of sales or Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Trademark Licensing Agreement. On September 18, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its retail bowling business to AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. (AMF) and entered into a trademark licensing agreement, allowing AMF to use the Company's retail trademarks and trade names over a five year period from the date of sale. As a result, the Company recorded deferred income of $20.7 million related to this agreement, which will be recognized as Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over five years.

Share-Based Compensation. The Company records amounts for all share-based compensation, including grants of stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs), non-vested stock awards and performance-based share awards over the vesting period in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based upon their fair values at the date of the grant. Share-based compensation costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 18 – Stock Plans and Management Compensation for a description of the Company's accounting for share-based compensation plans.

Research and Development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Derivatives. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its risk associated with movements in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. These instruments are used in accordance with guidelines established by the Company's management and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. The Company records all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. See Note 14 – Financial Instruments for further discussion.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.  The following recent accounting pronouncements have been adopted during 2017 or will be adopted in future periods.

Hedge Accounting: In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) to simplify the application of hedge accounting and to better align an entity's risk management activities with the financial reporting of hedging relationships. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASC amendment, but does not expect it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of Benefit Costs: In March 2017, the FASB amended the ASC related to the income statement presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost for an entity’s sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The amendments require entities to present the current-service-cost component with other current compensation costs in the income statement and present the other components outside of income from operations. The amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASC amendment, but does not expect it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Statements of Cash Flows Classifications: In August 2016, the FASB amended the ASC to add and/or clarify guidance on the classification of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. The amendment is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact it will have on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Share-Based Compensation: In March 2016, the FASB amended the ASC to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2017, and recognized $7.9 million of net excess tax benefits related to share-based payments in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017. These net excess tax benefits were historically recorded in additional paid-in capital when recognized. Additionally, the Company adopted the amendment retrospectively for presentation of net excess tax benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, resulting in an increase of $13.4 million and $7.0 million in both Net cash provided by operating activities and Net cash used for financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company also elected to recognize forfeitures of share-based awards as they occur. The remaining amendments, including those related to statutory withholding requirements, did not have a material impact.

Recognition of Leases: In February 2016, the FASB amended the ASC to require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms greater than twelve months. Lessees will continue to recognize expenses similar to current lease accounting. The amendment is to be applied using a modified retrospective method with certain practical expedients, and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition: In May 2014, the FASB issued a final standard on revenue recognition which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This standard will supersede current revenue recognition guidance. Under the new standard, entities are required to identify the contract with a customer; identify the separate performance obligations in the contract; determine the transaction price; allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations in the contract; and recognize the appropriate amount of revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies each performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB amended the ASC to delay the effective date to fiscal years, and the interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2018, from the original effective date of January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted no earlier than January 1, 2017. Entities have the option of using either retrospective transition or a modified retrospective approach in applying the new standard.

The Company will use the modified retrospective approach in applying the new standard. There are no significant implementation matters that have yet to be addressed. The Company determined that the standard does not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The cumulative net adjustment to the 2018 beginning Retained earnings balance is expected to be less than $35 million. The most meaningful changes will be in the Fitness and Boat segments. In the Boat segment, certain customers are offered retail promotions that are currently recorded at the later of when the program has been communicated to the customer or at the time of sale. Under the new standard, these promotions will now be estimated and recognized at the time of sale, primarily upon shipment to customers. In the Fitness segment, certain customer contracts include product rebates recorded in cost of sales at the time of sale. Under the new standard, the Company will no longer record the rebate at the time of sale; however, a portion of revenue will be deferred and not recognized until the rebate is redeemed. As a result, there are changes in the timing of recording certain promotions and rebates, including but not limited to those described above, however, there are no changes in the total amount of cumulative revenue recognized for each transaction.