Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

Basis of Presentation

We prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

Consolidation

Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include our assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as the assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of subsidiaries in which we had a controlling financial interest. We have eliminated intercompany transactions and balances.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts we report. We regularly evaluate our estimates and judgments based on historical experience and other relevant facts and circumstances. Actual amounts could differ from our estimates.

Lease Classification

Lease Classification

We determine the classification of a lease at its inception. If the provisions of the lease subsequently change, other than by renewal or extension, we evaluate whether that change would have resulted in a different lease classification had the change been in effect at inception. If so, the revised agreement is considered a new lease for lease classification purposes. See "Note 6. Leases."

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services.

We disaggregate revenue into four categories as presented on our statements of comprehensive income:

Lease Revenue

Lease revenue, which includes operating lease revenue and finance lease revenue, is our primary source of revenue.

Operating Lease Revenue

We lease railcars, locomotives, aircraft spare engines, and tank containers under full-service and net operating leases. We price full-service leases as an integrated service that includes amounts related to maintenance, insurance, and ad valorem taxes. We do not offer stand-alone maintenance service contracts. Operating lease revenue is within the scope of Topic 842, and we have elected not to separate non-lease components from the associated lease component for qualifying leases. Operating lease revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying lease. As a result, lease revenue may not be recognized in the same period as maintenance and other costs, which we expense as incurred. Variable rents are recognized when applicable contingencies are resolved. Revenue is not recognized if collectability is not reasonably assured. See "Note 6. Leases."

Finance Lease Revenue

In certain cases, we lease railcars and tank containers that, at lease inception, are classified as finance leases. In accordance with Topic 842, finance lease revenue is recognized using the effective interest method, using the interest rate implicit in the lease. See "Note 6. Leases."

Non-Dedicated Engine Revenue

Certain of our owned aircraft spare engines are part of a pool of non-dedicated spare engines managed under a capacity agreement with Rolls-Royce plc (or affiliates thereof, collectively “Rolls-Royce”). Revenue is earned based on our continued ability to meet engine capacity requirements under the agreement, which requires us to enroll a minimum number of engines in a pool of non-dedicated spare engines for short-term lease to Rolls-Royce customers. We recognize revenue based on our right to receive a portion of the revenue earned by the pool, which is calculated based on the average engine flight hours reported for each type of engine enrolled into the pool.

Marine Operating Revenue

We generate marine operating revenue through shipping services completed by our marine vessels. For vessels operating in a pooling arrangement, we recognize pool revenue based on the right to receive our portion of net distributions reported by the pool, with net distributions being the net voyage revenue of the pool after deduction of voyage expenses. For vessels operating out of the pool, we recognize revenue over time as the performance obligation is satisfied, beginning when cargo is loaded through its delivery and discharge.

Other Revenue

Other revenue is comprised of customer liability repair revenue, termination fees, and other miscellaneous revenues. Select components of other revenue are within the scope of Topic 606. Revenue attributable to terms provided in our lease contracts are variable lease components that are recognized when earned, in accordance with Topic 842.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

We compute basic and diluted earnings per share using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation calculation that determines Earnings Per Share ("EPS") for each class of common stock and participating security. Our vested and exercisable stock options contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents and are classified as participating securities in the calculation of EPS. Our unvested stock options, restricted stock units, performance shares and non-employee director awards do not contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents and are therefore not classified as participating securities. Vested non-employee director awards are treated as shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share because these awards are guaranteed to be settled in shares upon the passage of time.

Under the two-class method, net income is allocated between shares of common stock and participating securities based on their participating rights. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. We weight shares issued or reacquired for the portion of the period that they were outstanding. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income, adjusted for earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of unvested stock options, restricted stock units and performance shares. The dilutive effect of participating securities is calculated using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or the two-class method. Earnings allocated to participating securities include their portion of dividends declared and undistributed earnings during the period.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

We classify all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than three months but less than one year at the date of purchase are classified as short-term investments.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash is cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal and use. Our restricted cash primarily relates to cash received from a specific customer and held to pay for potential repairs.

Allowance for Losses

Allowance for Losses

The allowance for losses is our estimate of credit losses associated with receivable balances. Receivables include rent and other receivables and finance lease receivables.

Our loss reserves for rent and other receivables are based on historical loss experience and judgments about the impact of economic conditions, the state of the markets we operate in, and collateral values, if applicable. In addition, we may establish specific reserves for known troubled accounts.

We evaluate reserve estimates for finance lease receivables under ASC 326, on a customer-specific basis, considering each customer's particular credit situation, current economic conditions, and expected value of the underlying collateral upon its repossession, to adjust the allowance when necessary. We also consider the factors we use to evaluate rent and other receivables, which are outlined above.

We charge amounts against the allowance when we deem them uncollectable. We made no material changes in our estimation methods or assumptions for the allowance during 2023. We believe that the allowance is adequate to cover losses inherent in our

receivables balances as of December 31, 2023. Since the allowance is based on judgments and estimates, it is possible that actual losses incurred will differ from the estimate. See "Note 18. Allowance for Losses."

Operating Assets and Facilities

Operating Assets and Facilities

We record operating assets, facilities, and capitalized improvements at cost. We depreciate operating assets and facilities over their estimated useful lives to estimated residual values using the straight-line method. We depreciate leasehold improvements over the shorter of their useful lives or the lease term. Our estimated depreciable lives of operating assets and facilities are as follows:

Railcars	15–45 years
Aircraft spare engines	20–25 years
Locomotives	15–25 years
Marine vessels	30 years
Tank containers	15–25 years
Buildings	40–50 years
Leasehold improvements	5–15 years
Other equipment	3–30 years

We review our operating assets and facilities for impairment annually, or if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted future net cash flows we expect the asset to generate. If we determine an asset is impaired, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the amount the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. We classify assets we plan to sell or otherwise dispose of as held for sale, provided they meet specified accounting criteria, and we record those assets at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. See "Note 10. Asset Impairments and Assets Held for Sale" for further information about asset impairment losses and assets held for sale.

Leased assets as a Lessee

Leased Assets as a Lessee

We record right-of-use assets for operating leases and finance leases as a lessee and we record the related obligations as liabilities. We amortize the leased assets over the lease terms. We review our right-of-use assets for impairment annually, or if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable.

Investments in Affiliates

Investments in Affiliates

We use the equity method to account for investments in joint ventures and other unconsolidated entities if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the financial and operating policies of those investees. Under the equity method, we record our initial investments in these entities at cost and subsequently adjust the investment for our share of the affiliates’ earnings (losses), and distributions. We review the carrying amount of our investments in affiliates annually, or whenever circumstances indicate that the value of these investments may have declined. If we determine an investment is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis, we record a loss equal to the difference between the fair value of the investment and its carrying amount. See "Note 7. Investments in Affiliated Companies."

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We recognize goodwill when the consideration paid to acquire a business exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired. We assign goodwill to the same reporting unit as the net assets of the acquired business and we assess our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or if impairment indicators are present. Goodwill is initially assessed for impairment by performing a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. If necessary, the fair value of the reporting unit is then compared to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the applicable reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss for the difference. The fair values of our reporting units are determined using discounted cash flow models. See "Note 17. Goodwill."

We recognize intangible assets acquired in a business combination at their estimated fair value at the time of the business combination. Intangible assets consist of customer relationships and trade names and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 10 years to 25 years. We review intangible assets for potential impairment if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. Intangible assets are included in other assets on the balance sheet.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We calculate provisions for federal, state, and foreign income taxes on our reported income before income taxes. We base our calculations of deferred tax assets and liabilities on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted rates in effect for the year we expect the differences will reverse. We reflect the cumulative effect of changes in tax rates from those we previously used to determine deferred tax assets and liabilities in the provision for income taxes in the period the change is enacted. Provisions for income taxes in any given period can differ from those currently payable or receivable because certain items of income and expense are recognized in different periods for financial reporting purposes than for income tax purposes. We may deduct expenses or defer income attributable to uncertain tax positions for tax purposes, and include those items in our liability for uncertain tax positions in other liabilities on the balance sheet. See "Note 13. Income Taxes."

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that a market participant would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction at the measurement date. We classify fair value measurements according to the three-level hierarchy defined by GAAP, and those classifications are based on our judgment about the reliability of the inputs we use in the fair value measurement. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, and may include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. For assets or liabilities with a specified contractual term, Level 2 inputs must be observable for substantially the full term of that asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable, meaning they are supported by little or no market activity. Fair value measurements classified as Level 3 typically rely on pricing models and discounted cash flow methodologies, both of which require significant judgment. See "Note 9. Fair Value."

Derivatives

Derivatives

We use derivatives, such as interest rate swap agreements, treasury rate locks, options, cross currency swaps, and currency forwards, to hedge our exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risk on existing and anticipated transactions. We formally designate derivatives that meet specific accounting criteria as qualifying hedges at inception. These criteria require us to have the expectation that the derivative will be highly effective at offsetting changes in the fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged exposure, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis.

We recognize all derivative instruments at fair value and classify them on the balance sheet as either other assets or other liabilities. We generally base the classification of derivative activity in the statements of comprehensive income and cash flows on the nature of the hedged item. For derivatives we designate as fair value hedges, we recognize changes in the fair value of both the derivative and the hedged item in interest expense, and we include the related cash flows in the cash flow section corresponding to the hedged item. For derivatives we designate as cash flow hedges, we record the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative as part of other comprehensive income (loss), and we recognize those changes in earnings in the period the hedged transaction affects earnings. We recognize any ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative immediately in earnings. Cash flows from derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are included in the cash flow section corresponding to the hedged item. Although we do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for purposes other than hedging, we may not designate certain derivatives as accounting hedges. We recognize changes in the fair value of these derivatives in earnings immediately. We classify gains and losses on derivatives that are not designated as hedges as other expenses, and we include the related cash flows in cash flows from operating activities. See "Note 9. Fair Value

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

We translate the assets and liabilities of our operations that have non-US dollar functional currencies at exchange rates in effect at year-end. Revenue, expenses, and cash flows are translated monthly using average exchange rates. We defer gains and losses resulting from foreign currency translation and record those gains and losses as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions and from the remeasurement of non-functional currency assets and liabilities are recognized in other expense during the periods in which they occur. Net gains (losses) recognized were $6.9 million, $(4.6) million and $(0.8) million for 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Environmental Liabilities

Environmental Liabilities

We record accruals for environmental remediation costs at applicable sites when they are probable and when we can reasonably estimate the expected costs. We record adjustments to initial estimates as necessary. Since these accruals are based on estimates, actual environmental remediation costs may differ. We expense or capitalize environmental remediation costs related to current or future operations as appropriate. See "Note 23. Legal Proceedings and Other Contingencies.

Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans

Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans

Our balance sheet reflects the funded status of our pension and post-retirement plans, which is the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation. We recognize the aggregate overfunding of any plans in other assets, the aggregate underfunding of any plans in other liabilities, and the corresponding adjustments for unrecognized actuarial gains (losses) and prior service cost (credits) in accumulated other comprehensive loss. We record the service cost component of net periodic cost in selling, general, and administrative expense in the statements of comprehensive income and the non-service components in other expense. See "Note 11. Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits."

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Maintenance and Repair Costs

We expense maintenance and repair costs as incurred. We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with planned major maintenance activities if those activities improve the asset or extend its useful life. We depreciate those capitalized costs over the estimated useful life of the improvement. We capitalize required regulatory survey costs for vessels and amortize those costs over the applicable survey period, which is generally five years.

Operating Lease Expense

Operating Lease Expense

We classify leases of certain railcars and other equipment as operating leases. We record the lease expense associated with these leases in operating lease expense on a straight-line basis. We also classify our leases of office facilities and related administrative assets as operating leases, and we record the associated expense in selling, general and administrative expense. See "Note 6. Leases."

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

We base our measurement of share-based compensation expense on the grant date fair value of an award, and we recognize the expense over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are recorded when they occur. For awards accounted for as liability awards, the liability and related compensation expense is adjusted to reflect the fair value of the underlying shares at the end of each reporting period. We recognize compensation expense for these awards over the applicable vesting period. See "Note 12. Share-Based Compensation

Net Gain on Asset Dispositions

Net Gain on Asset Dispositions

Net gain on dispositions includes gains and losses on sales of operating assets and residual sharing income, which we also refer to as asset remarketing income; non-remarketing disposition gains, primarily from scrapping of railcars; and asset impairment losses. We recognize disposition gains, including non-remarketing gains, upon completion of the sale or scrapping of operating assets. Residual sharing income includes fees we receive from the sale of managed assets, and we recognize these fees upon completion of the underlying transactions.

Interest expense, net

nterest Expense, net

Interest expense is the interest we accrue on indebtedness and the amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums. We defer debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums and amortize them over the term of the related debt. We report interest expense net of interest income on bank deposits. Interest income on bank deposits was $15.2 million in 2023, $6.4 million in 2022, and $0.7 million in 2021.

Receivable

Finance Lease Receivables

We record a gross lease payment receivable and an estimated residual value, net of unearned income for our finance leases. For sales-type leases, we may also recognize a gain or loss in the period the lease is recorded. Lease payment receivables represent the present value of the rents we expect to receive through the end of the lease term for a leased asset. Estimated residual values are our estimates of value of an asset at the end of a finance lease term. The combination of these is considered the net investment in a lease. Over the lease term, the net investment in these leases is reduced and finance lease income is recognized in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We evaluate our net investment in finance leases for impairment based on current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions under ASC 326. See the “Allowance for Losses” section within this Note for more information.