Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Power Solutions International, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the assets, liabilities, sales and expenses of all wholly owned subsidiaries and majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company exercises control. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company operates as one business and geographic operating segment. Operating segments are defined as components of a business that can earn revenues and incur expenses for which discrete financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The Company’s CODM is its principal executive officer, who decides how to allocate resources and assess performance. A single management team reports to the CODM, who manages the entire business. The Company’s CODM reviews consolidated statements of operations to make decisions, allocate resources and assess performance, and the CODM does not evaluate the profit or loss from any separate geography or product line.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts recorded in the prior-period consolidated financial statements presented have been reclassified to conform to the current-period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions include the valuation of allowances for uncollectible receivables, inventory reserves, warranty reserves, stock-based compensation, evaluation of goodwill, other intangibles, plant and equipment for impairment, and determination of useful lives of long-lived assets. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments that mature within three months or less. Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company’s revolving credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) included a “lockbox” arrangement that received all receipts and from which the Company could request increases in the revolver borrowings.

Research and Development

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses are expensed when incurred. R&D expenses consist primarily of wages, materials, testing and consulting related to the development of new engines, parts and applications.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be settled or realized. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations.

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with accounting guidance, on the basis of a two-step process whereby (i) it determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (ii) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return are recorded when such benefits meet a more-likely-than-not threshold. Otherwise, these tax benefits are recorded when a tax position has been effectively settled, which means that the appropriate taxing authority has completed its examination even though the statute of limitations remains open, or the statute of limitation has expired. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as part of income tax expense and are accrued beginning in the period that such interest and penalties would be applicable under relevant tax law until such time that the related tax benefits are recognized.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable represent amounts billed to customers and not yet collected. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, which approximates net recoverable value, and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable and is established through a charge to selling, general and administrative expenses. The allowance is primarily determined based on historical collection experience and reviews of customer creditworthiness. Trade accounts receivable and the allowance for doubtful accounts are reviewed on a regular basis. When necessary, an allowance for the full amount of specific accounts deemed uncollectible is recorded. Accounts receivable losses are deducted from the allowance and the account balance is written off when the customer receivable is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of previously written off balances are recognized when received. An allowance associated with anticipated future sales returns is also included in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Insurance Recoveries

The Company records insurance recoveries related to amounts recorded as estimated losses on events covered by the Company’s insurance policies when management determines that the recovery is probable and the amount can be reasonably determined.

Inventories

The Company’s inventories consist primarily of engines and parts. Engines are valued at the lower of cost plus estimated freight-in or net realizable value. Parts are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value approximates replacement cost. Cost is principally determined using the first-in, first-out method and includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead. It is the Company’s policy to review inventories on a continuing basis for obsolete, excess and slow-moving items and to record valuation adjustments for such items in order to eliminate non-recoverable costs from inventory. Valuation adjustments are recorded in an inventory reserve account and reduce the cost basis of the inventory in the period in which the reduced valuation is determined. Inventory reserves are established based on quantities on hand, usage and sales history, customer orders, projected demand and utilization within a current or future power system. Specific analysis of individual items or groups of items is performed based on these same criteria, as well as on changes in market conditions or any other identified conditions.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost and presented net of accumulated depreciation and impairments. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Property, plant and equipment is evaluated periodically to determine if an adjustment to depreciable lives is warranted. Such evaluation is based principally on the expected utilization of the long-lived assets.

Repairs and maintenance costs are charged directly to expense as incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.

Estimated useful lives by each type of asset category are as follows:



		Years
Buildings		Up to 39
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of (i) expected useful life of improvement or (ii) life of lease (including likely extension thereof)
Machinery and equipment		1 to 10

Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets include customer relationships, developed technology, trade names and trademarks. Intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated basis over a period of time that approximates the pattern over which the Company expects to gain the estimated economic benefits, and such period generally ranges between three years and 15 years.

Impairment of Long-Lived assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets or asset groups, excluding goodwill which is separately tested for impairment, whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group, including cash flows from disposition. If the future net undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is calculated. An impairment loss is determined by the amount that the asset’s or asset group’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. If an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted balance becomes the new cost basis and is depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life. The Company also periodically reassesses the useful lives of its long-lived assets due to advances and changes in technologies.

In 2019, the Company incurred immaterial impairment charges related to certain long-lived assets removed from service during the year. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $2.2 million related to developed technology. See Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangibles for further discussion.

As a result of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on the global economy, it is reasonably possible that the Company will be adversely impacted in future periods which may result in the recognition of material impairment charges related to its long-lived assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the amounts assigned to the net acquired assets. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, on an annual basis or more frequently, if events occur or circumstances change indicating potential impairment. The Company annually tests goodwill for impairment on October 1.

In evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., there is a likelihood of more than 50%) that the Company’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative factors that the Company considers include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events. If the Company bypasses the qualitative assessment, or if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the Company performs a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measures the amount of goodwill impairment it will recognize, if any.

In the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with its related carrying value. The Company has two reporting units: PSI and Professional Power Products, Inc. (“3PI”). If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying amount, no further analysis is needed. If, however, the reporting unit’s estimated fair value is less than its carrying amount, the Company proceeds to the second step and calculates the implied fair value of goodwill to determine whether any impairment is required.

The Company calculates its estimated fair value using the income and market approaches when feasible, or an asset approach when neither the income nor the market approach has sufficient data. For the income approach, a discounted cash flow method, the Company uses internally developed discounted cash flow models that include the following assumptions, among others: projections of revenues, expenses and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates and demand trends, expected future investments to grow new units, and estimated discount rates. The Company based these assumptions on its historical data and experience, industry projections, and micro and macro general economic condition projections and expectations. The market approach, also called the Guideline Public Company Approach, compares the value of an entity to similar publicly traded companies. The asset approach estimates the selling price the unit could achieve under assumed market conditions.

If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company performed a Step 1 assessment and determined that the estimated fair value of the reporting units exceeded the carrying value; as such, no impairment charges were recognized.

Warranty Costs

The Company offers a standard limited warranty on the workmanship of its products that in most cases covers defects for a defined period. Warranties for certified emission products are mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and / or the California Air Resources Board (the “CARB”) and are longer than the Company’s standard warranty on certain emission-related products. The Company’s products also carry limited warranties from suppliers. The Company’s warranties generally apply to engines fully manufactured by the Company and to the modifications the Company makes to supplier base products. Costs related to supplier warranty claims are generally borne by the supplier and passed through to the end customer.

Warranty estimates are based on historical experience and represent the projected cost associated with the product. A liability and related expense are recognized at the time products are sold. The Company adjusts estimates when it is determined that actual costs may differ from initial or previous estimates.

The Company records adjustments to preexisting warranties for changes in its estimate of warranty costs for products sold in prior fiscal years in the period in which new information is received and the information indicates that actual costs may differ from the Company’s initial or previous estimates. Such adjustments typically occur when claims experience deviates from historic and expected trends. During 2019, the Company recognized a charge for adjustments to preexisting warranties of $2.7 million compared to charges of $3.8 million in 2018.

When the Company identifies cost effective opportunities to address issues in products sold or corrective actions for safety issues, it initiates product recalls or field campaigns. As a result of the uncertainty surrounding the nature and frequency of product recalls and field campaigns, the liability for such actions is generally recorded when the Company commits to a product recall or field campaign. In each subsequent quarter after a recall or field campaign is initiated, the recorded warranty liability balance is analyzed, reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, to reflect any changes in the anticipated average cost of repair or number of repairs to be completed prospectively.

When collection is reasonably assured, the Company also estimates the amount of warranty claim recoveries to be received from its suppliers. Warranty costs and recoveries are included in Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new revenue recognition guidance, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), on a modified retrospective basis. See Note 2. Revenue for additional information the Company’s policy related to revenue recognition.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted and Not Yet Adopted

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases, which created ASC Topic 842, Leases, and superseded the existing guidance in ASC 840, Leases. See Note 7. Leases for additional information on the Company’s policy related to leases.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – Not Yet Adopted

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. This guidance requires the use of existing accounting guidance applicable to software developed for internal use to be applied to cloud computing service contracts’ implementation costs. The costs capitalized would be amortized over the life of the agreement, including renewal option periods likely to be used. This guidance is effective for fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the standard effective January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis and does not anticipate that this guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement: Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which both reduces and expands selected disclosure requirements. The principal changes expected to impact the Company’s disclosure are requirements to disclose the range and weighted average of each of the significant unobservable items and the way the weighted average of a range is calculated for items in the “table of significant unobservable inputs.” The guidance also requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income and removes requirements regarding, among other items, disclosure of the valuation process for Level 3 measurements. This guidance is effective for fiscal 2020. The Company plans to implement the guidance when it becomes effective and does not currently anticipate that this guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminated the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company currently plans on adopting the guidance on January 1, 2020 when it becomes effective and does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which applies primarily to the Company’s accounts receivable impairment loss allowances. The guidance provides a revised model whereby the current expected credit losses are used to compute impairment of financial instruments. The new model requires evaluation of historical experience and various current and expected factors, which may affect the estimated amount of losses and requires determination of whether the affected financial instruments should be grouped in units of account. The guidance, as originally issued, was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) Effective Dates, which deferred the effective dates of these standards for certain entities. Based on the guidance, the effective date of ASU 2016-13 is deferred for the Company until fiscal year 2023. The Company currently plans to adopt the guidance on January 1, 2023 when it becomes effective. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of the standard on its financial statements.