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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization and Basis of Consolidation
Organization
AZZ Inc. (the "Company," "AZZ" or "we") operates primarily in the United States of America and Canada. The Company has three operating segments: AZZ Metal Coatings, AZZ Precoat Metals, and AZZ Infrastructure Solutions. Through September 30, 2022, the Company also had operations in Brazil, China, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, and India through its AZZ Infrastructure Solutions segment ("AIS"). On September 30, 2022, the Company contributed AIS to AIS Investment Holdings LLC (the "AIS JV"), and sold a 60% interest in the AIS JV to Fernweh. See Note 6 for further discussion of the divestiture. See Note 14 for information about the Company's operations by segment.
On May 13, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of the Precoat Metals business division ("Precoat Metals") of Sequa Corporation ("Sequa"), a portfolio company owned by Carlyle, a global private equity firm. See Notes 5 and 12 for further discussion about Precoat. As a result of the Precoat Acquisition, the Company changed its operating segments, and added AZZ Precoat Metals as a new operating segment.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. See Note 6 for more information about results of operations reported in discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows as of February 28, 2022 and as of and for the year ended February 28, 2022 and 2021.
Use of estimates
Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of credit risk
Concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. As of February 28, 2023, the Company had $9.3 million in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") limits.
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions. The Company's policy is designed to limit exposure to any one institution. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the Company's banking relationships, and has not experienced any losses in such accounts. We believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents.
The Company has limited concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable due to its multiple operating segments, large and diversified customer base and its geographic diversification. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers' financial condition. Collateral is usually not required from customers as a condition of sale.
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses
Accounts receivable are stated amounts due from customers. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The Company treats trade accounts receivable as one portfolio and records an allowance based on a combination of management’s knowledge of its customer base, historical losses, current economic conditions and customer specific events. The Company adjusts this allowance based on specific information in connection with aged receivables. Accounts receivable are considered to be past due when payment is not received in accordance with the customer’s credit terms. Accounts are written off when management determines the account is uncollectible. Recoveries, unless material, are recorded against the allowance in the period received.
Revenue recognition
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The amount and timing of revenue recognition varies by segment, based on the nature of the goods or services provided and the terms and conditions of the customer contract.
AZZ Metal Coatings Segment
AZZ's Metal Coatings segment is a provider of hot-dip galvanizing, powder coating, anodizing and plating, and other metal coating applications to the steel fabrication and other industries. Within this segment, the contract is typically governed by a customer purchase order or work order. The contract generally specifies the delivery of what constitutes a single performance obligation consisting of metal coating services. The Company recognizes sales over time as the metal coating is applied to customer provided material as the process enhances a customer controlled asset. Contract modifications are rare within this segment and most contracts are on a fixed price basis with no variable consideration.
AZZ Precoat Metals Segment
AZZ Precoat Metals provides advanced applications of protective and decorative coatings and related value-added services for steel and aluminum coil, primarily serving the construction; appliance; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); container; transportation and other end markets.
Within this segment, the contract is typically governed by a customer purchase order. The contract generally specifies the delivery of a performance obligation consisting of coating services, and may also include secondary services, such as slitting, embossing or cut to length. The Company recognizes sales over time as the coil coating is applied to customer provided material as the process enhances a customer controlled asset. Contract modifications are rare within this segment. In certain cases, the Company may offer volume discounts, which are recorded as a reduction to sales, and recognized over time in the same manner as the related revenue.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in accounts receivable, contract assets (unbilled receivables), and contract liabilities (customer advances and deposits) on the consolidated balance sheets, primarily related to the Company’s Precoat Metals segment. Billing can occur subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets. In addition, the Company can receive advances or deposits from its customers, before revenue is recognized, resulting in contract liabilities. These assets and liabilities are reported on the consolidated balance sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
The increases or decreases in accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities from continuing operations during fiscal year 2023 were primarily due to the Precoat acquisition, as well as normal timing differences between the Company’s performance and customer payments. Contract liabilities of $1.3 million as of February 28, 2023 are included in "Other accrued liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheets. There were no contract liabilities as of February 28, 2022. As of February 28, 2023, the balance for contract assets was $79.3 million, primarily related to the AZZ Precoat Metals segment, and $2.9 million as of February 28, 2022.
Other
No general rights of return exist for customers; however, the Company provides assurance-type warranties and has established a provision for estimated warranties. The Company generally does not sell extended warranties. Revenue is recognized net of applicable sales and other taxes. The Company does not adjust the contract price for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the Company transfers a good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less, which is generally the case. Shipping and handling is treated as a fulfillment obligation instead of a separate performance obligation and such costs are expensed as incurred.
Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalentsThe Company considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash on hand, deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
Inventories
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined principally using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method for the AZZ Metal Coatings and Precoat Metals segments. The Company determines the reserves for excess quantities and obsolescence based on forecasted demand within specific time horizons, technological obsolescence, and an assessment of any inventory that is not in sellable condition, and records a charge to reduce inventory to its net realizable value. The Company's inventory reserve was $7.3 million and $1.1 million as of February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, respectively.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:
 
Buildings and structures
10-27 years
Machinery and equipment
3-15 years
Furniture and fixtures
3-15 years
Automotive equipment
3-5 years
Computers and software
3-7 years
Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred; renewals and betterments that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized.
Long-lived assets Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of their carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those assets. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, the Company records impairment losses for the excess of their carrying value over the estimated fair value. The Company did not recognize any impairment charges for fiscal year 2023 or 2022 since there were no changes in events or circumstances that would suggest amounts were not recoverable.
Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assetsGoodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of certain tradenames that were obtained through acquisitions. The Company tests goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles for potential impairment annually as of December 31, or more frequently, if events or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. If no impairment indicators are present, the Company may first perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine whether a quantitative assessment is necessary. If the Company performs a quantitative assessment for its annual goodwill impairment test, then the Company uses the income approach and market approach. The income approach and market approach use Level 3 fair value inputs, as described in "fair value measurements" below. Based on the results of its analysis, the Company determines whether an impairment may exist. A significant change in projected cash flows or cost of capital for future years could result in an impairment of goodwill in future years. Variables impacting future cash flows include, but are not limited to, the level of customer demand for and response to products and services we offer in the markets in which we operate; changes in economic conditions of these markets; raw material and natural gas costs and availability of experienced labor and management to implement our growth strategies. For fiscal year 2023, the Company elected to perform a qualitative analysis and determined that no conditions existed that would make it more-likely-than-not that the goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired. Therefore, no further quantitative testing was required. For fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, no impairment losses were recognized for goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Debt issuance costs
Debt issuance costs
Debt issuance costs that are incurred by the Company in connection with the issuance of debt are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the term of the debt. Costs related to the Company’s revolving credit facility are included in "Intangibles and other assets, net" on the consolidated balance sheets. Costs related to the Company's senior notes are presented as a reduction to long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets.
Related Party Transactions
Following the close of the AIS JV, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with AIS Investment Holdings LLC, which is considered a related party. In conjunction with the transition services agreement ("TSA"), the Company recognized $3.4 million of TSA fees for fiscal year 2023, which are included as a reduction to "Selling, general and administrative" expense in the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, as of February 28, 2023, the Company has recorded related party receivables and payables of $8.4 million and $6.3 million, which are included in "Accounts receivable" and "Other accrued liabilities," respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.
Income taxes
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 on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. 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 recognizes a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes those net assets are not more likely than not to 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. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
As applicable, the Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state, provincial, local, and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, as of February 28, 2023, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state examinations by tax authorities for years before fiscal 2019.
Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which are carried at fair value, are classified in one of the following three categories:
•Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2: Observable market-based inputs, other than Level 1, or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data.
•Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and reflect the Company’s own assumptions.

See Note 17 for more information.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation
The local currency is the functional currency for the Company’s foreign operations. Related assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates existing at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates. The foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Accruals for Contingent Liabilities Accruals for Contingent LiabilitiesThe Company is subject to the possibility of various loss contingencies arising in the normal course of business. The amounts the Company may record for estimated claims, such as self-insurance programs, warranty, environmental, legal, and other contingent liabilities, requires the Company to make judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. The Company uses past history and experience and other specific circumstances surrounding these claims in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Due to the inherent limitations in estimating future events, actual amounts paid or transferred may differ from those estimates.
Leases
Leases
The Company is a lessee under various leases for facilities and equipment. For such leases, the Company recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet as of the lease commencement date based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments. An ROU asset represents the Company's right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and a lease liability represents the Company's obligation to make lease payments. However, for short-term leases with an initial term of twelve months or less that do not contain an option to purchase that is likely to be exercised, the Company does not record ROU assets or lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of future payments unless the implicit rate in the lease is readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is calculated based on what the Company would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis, over a similar term, based on information available at lease commencement. In determining the future minimum lease payments, the Company incorporates options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised. The ROU asset includes any initial direct costs incurred and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the term of the lease, including any options for which the Company is reasonably certain will be exercised, with a maximum of 10 years.
Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, as the ROU asset is amortized and the lease liability is accreted. For its facility leases, the Company accounts for lease and non-lease components on a combined basis, and for its equipment leases, lease and non-lease components are accounted for separately.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. ("ASU") 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting" ("ASU 2020-04"), which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, "Reference Rate Reform", ("ASU 2021-01"), which clarifies the scope and application of certain optional expedients and exceptions regarding the original guidance. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 ("ASU 2022-06"), which defers the sunset date of the reference rate reform guidance to December 31, 2024. The amendments in these ASUs were effective upon issuance. As the Company no longer has any LIBOR-based contracts, these ASUs did not have a material effect on the Company's current financial position, results of operations or cash flows as of February 28, 2023.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). This standard is intended to simplify the accounting and disclosure requirements for income taxes by eliminating various exceptions in accounting for income taxes as well as clarifying and amending existing guidance to improve consistency in the application of ASC 740. ASU 2019-12 was effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal 2022. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.