Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly-owned or controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and allowances, inventory reserves, product warranty reserves and income tax valuation allowances. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.

Cash — Cash consists of deposits with high credit-quality financial institutions.

Accounts Receivable — Trade accounts receivable are stated at current value less allowances, which approximates fair value. We review our receivables on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are properly valued and collectible. This is accomplished through two contra-receivable accounts - returns and allowances and allowance for doubtful accounts.

Returns and allowances are used to record estimates of returns or other allowances resulting from quality, delivery, discounts or other issues affecting the value of receivables. This account is estimated based on historical trends and current market conditions, with the offset to revenues.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is used to record the estimated risk of loss related to the customers’ inability to pay. This allowance is maintained at a level that we consider appropriate based on factors that affect collectability, such as the financial health of our customers, historical trends of charge-offs and recoveries and current economic market conditions. As we monitor our receivables, we identify customers that may have payment problems, and we adjust the allowance accordingly, with the offset to selling, general and administrative expense. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when recovery is considered remote.

Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Inventory quantities on-hand by product are regularly reviewed, and where necessary, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory are recorded based primarily on our estimated production requirements taking into consideration expected market volumes and future potential use.

Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:



Buildings and improvements	15 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment	3 to 20 years
Tools and dies	3 to 7 years
Computer hardware and software	3 to 5 years

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major betterments and renewals that extend the useful lives of property, plant and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the asset. When assets are retired or sold, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the results of operations. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for tax reporting purposes. Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $16.4 million, $16.7 million and $19.0 million, respectively.

We review long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of an asset group may not be recoverable. Our asset groups are established by determining the lowest level of cash flows available. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of such assets, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount necessary to write down the assets to fair value as estimated from expected future discounted cash flows. Estimating the fair value of these assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain.

As a result of a decline in the construction and agriculture markets, more specifically in Asia-Pacific and Europe, and operating losses in China and the United Kingdom during 2015, management determined that the long-lived asset groups related to its China and United Kingdom facilities in the GCA Segment may be impaired. However, the Company’s estimates of the undiscounted future cash flows for each of these asset groups indicates that the facilities should have sufficient cash flows to recover the current carrying amounts of the long-lived assets of $5.9 million as of December 31, 2015. The estimate of undiscounted cash flows may change in future periods resulting in impairment to fair value of these long-lived asset groups.

Goodwill — Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. We review goodwill for impairment annually, utilizing the one-step qualitative assessment, in the second fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is only held within the GTB segment.

In conducting the qualitative assessment, we consider relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying amount of the reporting unit. Such events and circumstances could include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance, entity and reporting unit specific events, cost factors and capital markets pricing. We consider the extent to which each of the adverse events and circumstances identified affect the comparison of the reporting unit’s fair value with its carrying amount. We place more weight on the events and circumstances that most affect the reporting unit’s fair value or the carrying amount of its net assets. We consider positive and mitigating events and circumstances that may affect its determination of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. These factors are all considered by management in reaching its conclusion about whether to perform the first step of the impairment test.

If the reporting unit’s fair value is determined to be more likely than not impaired based on the one-step qualitative approach, we then perform a quantitative valuation to estimate the fair value of our reporting unit. Implied fair value of goodwill is determined by considering both the income and market approach. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparables. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets — We review definite-lived intangible assets, including tradenames, licenses and customer relationships, for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of such assets, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount necessary to write down the assets to fair value as estimated from expected future discounted cash flows. Estimating the fair value of these assets is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the asset.

See Note 7 for additional information on our goodwill and intangible assets.

Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when 1) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, 2) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 3) there is a fixed or determinable price, and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. Title on our products generally passes to the customer when product is shipped from our facilities to our customers.

Shipping and Handling Costs — Shipping and handling costs are recognized in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statement of income (loss).

Warranty — We are subject to warranty claims for products that fail to perform as expected due to design or manufacturing deficiencies. Depending on the terms under which we supply products to our customers, a customer may hold us responsible for some or all of the repair or replacement costs of defective products when the product supplied did not perform as represented. Our policy is to record provisions for estimated future customer warranty costs based on historical trends and for specific claims. These amounts, as they relate to the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are included within accrued liabilities and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following presents a summary of the warranty provision for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):



	2015			2014
Balance — Beginning of the year	$	4,438		$	4,529
Provision for new warranty claims	5,878			3,285
Change in provision for preexisting warranty claims	(467		)	563
Deduction for payments made	(2,192		)	(3,900		)
Currency translation adjustment	(77		)	(39		)
Balance — End of year	$	7,580		$	4,438

Research and Development Costs — Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administration expenses. Research and development costs charged to expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $7.4 million, $6.3 million, and $6.0 million, respectively.

Income Taxes — We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and rates. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that a portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion of such deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recognize tax positions initially in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Comprehensive income (loss) reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income (loss) represents net income (loss) adjusted for foreign currency translation adjustments and minimum pension liability adjustments. We disclose comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). See Note 15 for a rollforward of activity in accumulated comprehensive income (loss).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.

Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. We sell products to various companies throughout the world in the ordinary course of business. We routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and maintain allowances for anticipated losses. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, receivables from our primary customers, including A.B. Volvo, Daimler Trucks, PACCAR, Caterpillar, Navistar and John Deere, represented approximately 67% and 65% of total receivables, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation — Our functional currency is the local currency. Accordingly, all assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period and revenue and costs are translated using average exchange rates for the period. The related translation adjustments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Translation gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved are included in the results of operations.

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts — We use forward purchase exchange contracts to hedge certain of the foreign currency transaction exposures. We estimate our projected revenues and purchases in certain foreign currencies or locations, and hedge a portion of the anticipated long or short position. The contracts typically run from one month up to eighteen months. All forward foreign exchange contracts have been marked-to-market and the fair value of contracts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets with the offsetting non-cash gain or loss recorded in our consolidated statements of income (loss). We do not hold or issue foreign exchange options or forward contracts for trading purposes.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements — In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." ASU 2016-02 is intended to increase transparency and comparability among companies by recognizing lease assets and liabilities and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will begin assessing the impact of the pronouncement in 2016. We anticipate this pronouncement will impact the presentation of our lease assets and liabilities and associated disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330).” ASU 2015-11 applies to inventory measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. Under this amendment, inventory should be measured at lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will have a material impact on its financial statements and will implement this pronouncement beginning in the period after December 15, 2016.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” The update provides additional guidance about customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. ASU 2015-05 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will have a material impact on its financial statements and will implement the pronouncement beginning in the period after December 15, 2015.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This standard amends existing guidance to require the presentation of debt issuance cost in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, but early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and will implement this pronouncement beginning in the period after December 15, 2015.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Topic 205-40)” (“ASU 2014-15”). Under the standard, management is required to evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether it is probable that the entity will not be able to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that financial statements are issued, or are available to be issued, where applicable. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, but early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that this pronouncement will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements and will implement this pronouncement beginning in the period after December 15, 2016.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, ASU 2014-09 supersedes the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and creates new Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers. The mandatory adoption date is January 1, 2018, with an early adoption date of January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of implementing the new guidance on its financial statements and expects to continue this assessment throughout 2016.