Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2021

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation, Policy

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements represent primarily the consolidation of all companies in which Capital Corporation has a controlling interest. Certain variable interest entities (VIEs) are consolidated since the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. The Company records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated company (generally 20 to 50 percent ownership) at its related equity in the net assets of such affiliate (see Note 24).

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year

The Company uses a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in the reporting period, which generally occurs in October. An additional week is included in the fourth fiscal quarter every five or six years to realign the Company’s fiscal quarters with the calendar. The fiscal year ends for 2021, 2020, and 2019 were October 31, 2021, November 1, 2020, and November 3, 2019, respectively. Fiscal years 2021 and 2020 contained 52 weeks compared to 53 weeks in fiscal year 2019. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years or quarters refer to the Company’s fiscal years and the associated periods in those fiscal years.

Use of Estimates in Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures. The COVID pandemic has resulted in uncertainties in the Company’s business, which may result in actual outcomes differing from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Financing revenue is recorded over the lives of the related receivables using the interest method. Deferred costs on the origination of receivables are recognized as a reduction in finance revenue over the expected lives of the receivables using the interest method. Income and deferred costs on the origination of operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the scheduled lease terms in lease revenue.

Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

Receivables are reported on the balance sheet at outstanding principal and accrued interest, adjusted for any write-offs and any unamortized deferred fees or costs on originated Receivables. The Company also records an allowance for credit losses and provision for credit losses related to the Receivables. The allowance represents an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of the Receivable portfolio, and is measured on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Risk characteristics considered by the Company include product category, market, geography, credit risk, and remaining duration. Receivables that do not share risk characteristics with other receivables in the portfolio are evaluated on an individual basis. The Company utilizes loss forecast models, which are selected based on the size and credit risk of the underlying pool of receivables, to estimate expected credit losses. Transition matrix models are used for large and complex Customer Receivable pools, while weighted-average remaining maturity (WARM) models are used for smaller and less complex Customer Receivable pools. Expected credit losses on wholesale receivables are based on historical loss rates, with consideration of current economic conditions and dealer financial risk. The modeled expected credit losses are adjusted based on reasonable and supportable forecasts, which may include economic indicators such as commodity prices, industry equipment sales, unemployment rates, and housing starts. Management reviews each model’s output quarterly, and qualitative adjustments are incorporated as necessary. Receivables are written-off to the allowance when the account is considered uncollectible (see Note 5).

Securitization of Receivables

Securitization of Receivables

Certain financing receivables are periodically transferred to SPEs in securitization transactions (see Note 6). These securitizations qualify as collateral for secured borrowings and no gains or losses are recognized at the time of securitization. The receivables remain on the balance sheet and are classified as retail notes securitized. The Company recognizes finance income over the lives of these receivables using the interest method.

Depreciation

Depreciation

The Company estimates residual values of equipment on operating leases at the inception of the lease, and the equipment is depreciated over the lease terms to the estimated residual value using the straight-line method. The Company

reviews residual value estimates during the lease term and depreciation is adjusted prospectively on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term if residual estimates are revised.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets when events or circumstances warrant such a review. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is considered impaired, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset (see Notes 7 and 20).

Fees Paid to John Deere

Fees Paid to John Deere

Fees paid to John Deere include corporate support fees and interest on intercompany borrowings from John Deere based on approximate market rates.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company’s policy is that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. The Company manages the relationship of the types and amounts of its funding sources to its Receivable and Lease portfolios in an effort to diminish risk due to interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations, while responding to favorable financing opportunities. The Company also has foreign currency exposures at some of its foreign and domestic operations related to financing in currencies other than the functional currencies.

All derivatives are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Cash collateral received or paid is not offset against the derivative fair values on the balance sheet. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, fair value hedge, or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and reclassified to the income statement when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in the income statement. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as fair value hedges are recognized currently in net income. These changes are offset in net income by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in the income statement.

All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued (see Note 21).

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currencies for most of the Company’s foreign operations are their respective local currencies. The assets and liabilities of these operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the end of the period exchange rates. The revenues and expenses are translated at weighted-average rates for the period. The gains or losses from these translations are recorded in OCI. Gains or losses from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the subsidiary involved and foreign currency exchange derivative contracts are included in net income. The pretax net losses for foreign currency exchange in 2021 and 2020 were $14.9 million and $18.8 million, respectively. The pretax net gain for foreign currency exchange in 2019 was $3.9 million.

Receivables - Non-Performing, Policy

Credit Quality

The Company monitors the credit quality of Receivables based on delinquency status. Past due balances of Receivables still accruing finance income represent the total balance held (principal plus accrued interest) with any payment amounts 30 days or more past the contractual payment due date. Non-performing Receivables represent receivables for which the Company has ceased accruing finance income. Generally, when retail notes, revolving charge accounts, and financing lease accounts are 90 days delinquent, accrual of finance income and lease revenue is suspended, and accrued finance income and lease revenue previously recognized is reversed. Generally, when a wholesale receivable becomes 60 days delinquent, the Company determines whether the accrual of finance income on interest-bearing wholesale receivables should be suspended and whether accrued finance income previously recognized should be reversed. During 2021, $12.4 million of accrued finance income and lease revenue was reversed on non-performing Receivables. Finance income and lease revenue for non-performing Receivables is recognized on a cash basis. Accrual of finance income and lease revenue is generally resumed when the receivable becomes contractually current and collections are reasonably assured. Finance income and lease revenue of $17.1 million was recognized from cash payments on non-performing Receivables during 2021.

Receivable balances are written off to the allowance for credit losses when, in the judgment of management, they are considered uncollectible. Generally, when retail notes and financing lease accounts are 120 days delinquent, the collateral is repossessed or the account is designated for litigation, and the estimated uncollectible amount from the customer is written off to the allowance for credit losses. Revolving charge accounts are generally deemed to be uncollectible and written off to the allowance for credit losses when delinquency reaches 120 days. Generally, when a wholesale account becomes 60 days delinquent, the Company determines whether the collateral should be repossessed or the account designated for litigation, and the estimated uncollectible amount is written off to the allowance for credit losses.

Receivables - Allowance for Credit Losses, Policy

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of the Company’s Receivable portfolio. The Company measures expected credit losses on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Risk characteristics considered by the Company include product category, market, geography, credit risk, and remaining duration. Receivables that do not share risk characteristics with other receivables in the portfolio are evaluated on an individual basis. Non-performing Receivables are included in the estimate of expected credit losses.  

The Company utilizes loss forecast models, which are selected based on the size and credit risk of the underlying pool of receivables, to estimate expected credit losses. Transition matrix models are used for large and complex Customer Receivable pools, while WARM models are used for smaller and less complex Customer Receivable pools. Transition matrix models, which are used for the majority of the Customer Receivables, estimate credit losses using historical delinquency and default information to assign probabilities that a receivable will pay as contractually scheduled or become delinquent and advance through the various delinquency stages. The model simulates the runoff of the portfolio, month-by-month, over the life of the receivables until the balances are fully repaid or default, using roll rates applied to the outstanding portfolio. The roll rates are applied based on the delinquency status of the customer accounts and are further segmented based on the credit risk and remaining duration of the underlying receivables. Estimated recovery rates are applied to the balance at default to calculate the expected credit losses. The modeled expected credit losses are adjusted based on reasonable and supportable forecasts, which may include economic indicators such as commodity prices, industry equipment sales, unemployment rates, and housing starts. The WARM models apply historical average annual loss rates, adjusted for current and forecasted economic conditions, to the projected portfolio runoff. Expected credit losses on wholesale receivables are based on historical loss rates, with consideration of current economic conditions and dealer financial risk, along with reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management reviews each model’s output quarterly, and qualitative adjustments are incorporated as necessary.

Recoveries from freestanding credit enhancements, such as dealer deposits and certain credit insurance contracts, are not included in the estimate of expected credit losses. Recoveries from dealer deposits are recognized in other income on the statement of consolidated income when the dealer’s withholding account is charged. During the year ended October 31, 2021, $14.3 million was recorded in other income related to recoveries from freestanding credit enhancements. Prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13, the allowance for credit losses was estimated on probable credit losses incurred after consideration of expected recoveries from freestanding credit enhancements.

Troubled Debt Restructuring, Policy

A troubled debt restructuring is generally the modification of debt in which a creditor grants a concession it would not otherwise consider to a debtor that is experiencing financial difficulties. These modifications may include a reduction of the stated interest rate, an extension of the maturity date, a reduction of the face amount or maturity amount of the debt, or a reduction of accrued interest.

Lessor Leases, Policy

The Company leases John Deere equipment and a limited amount of non-John Deere equipment to retail customers through sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases. Sales-type and direct financing leases are reported in financing leases on the consolidated balance sheet. Operating leases are reported in equipment on operating leases – net on the consolidated balance sheet.

Initial lease terms generally range from less than one year to seven years. Leases offered by the Company may include early termination and renewal options. At the end of a lease, the lessee generally has the option to purchase the underlying equipment for a fixed price or return it to the dealer. If the equipment is returned to the dealer, the dealer also has the option to purchase the equipment or return it to the Company for remarketing.

The Company has elected to combine lease and nonlease components. The nonlease components primarily relate to preventative maintenance and extended warranty agreements financed by the customer. The Company has also elected to report consideration related to sales and value-added taxes net of the related tax expense. Property taxes on leased assets are recorded on a gross basis in lease revenues and administrative and operating expenses on the statement of consolidated income. Variable lease revenues primarily relate to separately invoiced property taxes on leased equipment in certain markets, late fees, and excess use and damage fees.

The Company estimates the residual values for operating leases at lease inception based on several factors, including lease term, expected hours of usage, historical wholesale sale prices, return experience, intended use of the equipment, market dynamics and trends, and third-party residual guarantees. The Company reviews residual value estimates during the lease term and tests the carrying value of its operating lease assets for impairment when events or circumstances necessitate. The depreciation is adjusted prospectively on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term if residual value estimates are revised.

Unremitted Earnings in Foreign Investment, Policy

At October 31, 2021, accumulated earnings of $77.1 million in certain subsidiaries outside the U.S. are expected to remain indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. As such, a provision for foreign withholding taxes has not been made. Determination of the amount of foreign withholding tax liability on these unremitted earnings is not practicable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

For purposes of the statement of consolidated cash flows, the Company considers investments with purchased maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Substantially all of the Company’s short-term borrowings, excluding the securitization borrowings and current maturities of long-term borrowings, mature or may require payment within three months or less.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To determine fair value, the Company uses various methods including market and income approaches. The Company utilizes valuation models and techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs. The models are industry-standard models that consider various assumptions including time values and yield curves as well as other economic measures. These valuation techniques are consistently applied.