Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KAR Auction Services and all of its majority owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates based in part on assumptions about current, and for some estimates, future economic and market conditions that affect the reported 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 period. Although the current estimates contemplate current conditions and expected future changes, as appropriate, it is reasonably possible that future conditions could differ from these estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Among other effects, such changes could result in future impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets, incremental losses on finance receivables, additional allowances on accounts receivable and changes in litigation and other loss contingencies.
Business Segments
Our operations are grouped into three operating segments: ADESA Auctions, IAA and AFC. The three operating segments also serve as our reportable business segments. Operations are measured through detailed budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated income by each business segment.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity
We recognize all derivative financial instruments in the consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, Derivatives and Hedging. We currently use four interest rate caps to manage the variability of cash flows to be paid due to interest rate movements on our variable rate debt. The fair values of the interest rate derivatives are based on quoted market prices for similar instruments from commercial banks. The fair value of the derivatives is recorded in "Other assets" on the consolidated balance sheet. We have not designated any of the current interest rate caps as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the interest rate derivatives are recognized as "Interest expense" in the consolidated statement of income.
Foreign Currency Translation
The local currency is the functional currency for each of our foreign entities. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates in effect during the year. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated using the exchange rates in effect at year end. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of income within "Other income, net" and resulted in a loss of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a gain of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a loss of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Adjustments arising from the translation of net assets located outside the U.S. (gains and losses) are shown as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive income." Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. These investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted Cash
AFC Funding Corporation, a wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote, consolidated, special purpose subsidiary of AFC, is required to maintain a minimum cash reserve of 1 percent of total receivables sold to the group of bank purchasers as security for the receivables sold. Automotive Finance Canada Inc. ("AFCI") is also required to maintain a minimum cash reserve of 1 percent of total receivables sold to its securitization facility. The amount of the cash reserve depends on circumstances which are set forth in the securitization agreements. AFC also maintains other cash reserves from time to time associated with its banking and vehicle service contract program insurance relationships. Receivables
Trade receivables include the unremitted purchase price of vehicles purchased by third parties at the auctions, fees to be collected from those buyers and amounts due for services provided by us related to certain consigned vehicles in our possession. The amounts due with respect to the consigned vehicles are generally deducted from the sales proceeds upon the eventual auction or other disposition of the related vehicles.
Finance receivables include floorplan receivables created by financing dealer purchases of vehicles in exchange for a security interest in those vehicles and special purpose loans. Floorplan receivables become due at the earlier of the dealer subsequently selling the vehicle or a predetermined time period (generally 30 to 90 days). Special purpose loans relate to loans that are either line of credit loans or working capital loans that can be either secured or unsecured based on the facts and circumstances of the specific loans.
Due to the nature of our business, substantially all trade and finance receivables are due from vehicle dealers, salvage buyers, institutional sellers and insurance companies. We have possession of vehicles or vehicle titles collateralizing a significant portion of the trade and finance receivables.
Trade receivables and finance receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and credit losses. The allowances for doubtful accounts and credit losses are based on management's evaluation of the receivables portfolio under current conditions, the volume of the portfolio, overall portfolio credit quality, review of specific collection issues and such other factors which in management's judgment deserve recognition in estimating losses.
Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of inventories, prepaid expenses, taxes receivable and other miscellaneous assets. The inventories, which consist of vehicles, supplies and parts, are accounted for on the specific identification method and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the second quarter, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise. ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, permits an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment model. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit's fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. The quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment is a two-step test. Under the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and we must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not need to be performed.
Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets
Customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life determined in the valuation of the particular acquisition. Other intangible assets generally consist of tradenames, computer software and non-compete agreements, which if amortized, are amortized using the straight-line method. Tradenames with indefinite lives are not amortized and tradenames that have been assigned a useful life are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Costs incurred related to software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized during the application development stage of software development and amortized over their estimated useful lives. The non-compete agreements are amortized over the life of the agreements. The lives of other intangible assets are re-evaluated periodically when facts and circumstances indicate that revised estimates of useful lives may be warranted. Indefinite-lived tradenames are assessed for impairment, in accordance with ASC 350, annually in the second quarter or more frequently as impairment indicators arise. At the end of each assessment, we make a determination as to whether the tradenames still have an indefinite life.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates intended to depreciate the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives. Upon retirement or sale of property and equipment, the cost of the disposed assets and related accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. Expenditures for normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Additions and expenditures for improving or rebuilding existing assets that extend the useful life are capitalized. Leasehold improvements made either at the inception of the lease or during the lease term are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term including any renewals that are reasonably assured.
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs reflect the expenditures incurred in conjunction with term loan debt, the revolving credit facility, the senior notes and the U.S. and Canadian receivables purchase agreements. The debt issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method or the straight-line method, as applicable, over the lives of the related debt issues. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.
Other Assets
Other assets consist of equity and cost method investments, below market leases, deposits, notes receivable and other long-term assets.
Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews our property and equipment, customer relationships and other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. The determination includes evaluation of factors such as current market value, future asset utilization, business climate, and future cash flows expected to result from the use of the related assets. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds the total amount of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from that asset, a loss is recognized in the period to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. The impairment analysis is based on our current business strategy, expected growth rates and estimated future economic and regulatory conditions.
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable include amounts due sellers from the proceeds of the sale of their consigned vehicles less any fees, as well as trade payables and outstanding checks to sellers and vendors. Book overdrafts, representing outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit, are recorded in "Accounts payable" and amounted to $153.8 million and $162.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Self Insurance Reserves
We self-insure our employee medical benefits, as well as a portion of our automobile, general liability and workers' compensation claims. We have insurance coverage that limits the exposure on individual claims. The cost of the insurance is expensed over the contract periods. We record an accrual for the claims expense related to our employee medical benefits, automobile, general liability and workers' compensation claims based upon the expected amount of all such claims. Accrued medical benefits and workers' compensation expenses are included in "Accrued employee benefits and compensation expenses" while accrued automobile and general liability expenses are included in "Other accrued expenses." Environmental Liabilities
Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based on current law and existing technologies. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in "Other accrued expenses" at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties.
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which superseded the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The new guidance provides clarification on the recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Topic 606 also requires additional disclosures to help financial statement users better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. In preparation for the adoption of Topic 606, we assessed our contracts with customers, evaluated our revenue streams and compared current accounting practices to those required under the new standard. As a result of these efforts, we identified certain impacts to the presentation and timing of revenue recognition for a contract liability (deferred revenue) related to a material right associated with certain volume-related rebates. We have implemented the appropriate changes to our processes and controls to support recognition and disclosure under Topic 606. We adopted Topic 606 in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard as a decrease of $3.0 million to the opening balance of retained earnings. Prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted.
There were no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. For each of our primary revenue streams, cash flows are consistent with the timing of revenue recognition.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods was not material. Revenue expected to be recognized in any future year related to remaining performance obligations, excluding revenue pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less and contracts where revenue is recognized as invoiced, is not material.
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company generates its revenues from contracts with customers. In contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company identifies each performance obligation and evaluates whether the performance obligations are distinct within the context of the contract at contract inception. Performance obligations that are not distinct at contract inception are combined. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct performance obligation proportionately based on the estimated standalone selling price for each performance obligation. The Company then determines how the goods or services are transferred to the customer in order to determine the timing of revenue recognition. ADESA Auction Services
The performance obligation contained within the ADESA auction contracts for sellers is facilitating the remarketing of vehicles, including titling, administration and sale at auction. The remarketing performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time the vehicle is sold through the auction process. The ADESA ancillary services contracts include services such as inbound and outbound transportation logistics, reconditioning, vehicle inspection and certification and collateral recovery services. The performance obligations related to these services are subject to separate contracts and are satisfied at the point in time the services are completed. Contracts with buyers are generally established via purchase at auction, subject to standard terms and conditions. These contracts contain a single performance obligation, which is satisfied at a point in time when the vehicle is purchased through the auction process. Most of the vehicles that are sold through auctions are consigned to ADESA by the seller and held at ADESA’s facilities or third-party locations. ADESA does not take title to these consigned vehicles and records only its auction fees as revenue because it has no influence on the vehicle auction selling price agreed to by the seller and the buyer at the auction. Our buyer fees are typically based on a tiered structure with fees increasing with the sale price of the vehicle, while seller fees are typically fixed. ADESA generally enforces its rights to payment for seller transactions through net settlement provisions following the sale of a vehicle.
IAA Salvage Services
The performance obligation contained within the IAA auction contracts for sellers is facilitating the remarketing of salvage vehicles, including the inbound tow, processing, storage, titling, enhancing and sale at auction. The remarketing performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time the vehicle is sold through the auction process. Related costs are deferred and recognized at the time of sale. Contracts with buyers are generally established via purchase at auction, subject to standard terms and conditions. These contracts contain a single performance obligation, which is satisfied at a point in time when the vehicle is purchased through the auction process. Buyers pay a registration fee to access the auctions for a one-year term in addition to the fees paid upon purchase of a vehicle. The performance obligation to provide access to the auctions, associated with the registration, is satisfied ratably over the one-year contractual term of the buyer agreement. Most of the vehicles that are sold through auctions are consigned to IAA by the seller and held at IAA’s facilities. IAA does not take title to these consigned vehicles and records only its auction fees as revenue because it has no influence on the vehicle auction selling price agreed to by the seller and the buyer at the auction. Our buyer fees are typically based on a tiered structure with fees increasing with the sale price of the vehicle, while seller fees are typically fixed. IAA generally enforces its rights to payment for seller transactions through net settlement provisions following the sale of a vehicle.
AFC
AFC's revenue is comprised of interest and fee income, provision for credit losses and other revenues associated with our finance receivables, as well as other service revenue. The following table summarizes the primary components of AFC's revenue:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
AFC Revenue (in millions) | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
Interest and fee income | $ | 327.3 |
| | $ | 290.3 |
| | $ | 275.1 |
|
Other revenue | 13.1 |
| | 11.8 |
| | 10.3 |
|
Provision for credit losses | (32.9 | ) | | (33.9 | ) | | (30.7 | ) |
Other service revenue | 33.4 |
| | 33.1 |
| | 32.1 |
|
| $ | 340.9 |
| | $ | 301.3 |
| | $ | 286.8 |
|
Interest and fee income
Revenues associated with interest and fee income are accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, and therefore are not subject to evaluation under Topic 606. Interest on finance receivables is recognized based on the number of days the vehicle remains financed. AFC ceases recognition of interest on finance receivables when the loans become delinquent, which is generally 31 days past due. Dealers are also charged a fee to floorplan a vehicle ("floorplan fee"), to extend the terms of the receivable ("curtailment fee") and a document processing fee. AFC fee income including floorplan and curtailment fees is recognized over the estimated life of the finance receivable.
Other revenue
Other revenue includes lot check fees, filing fees, lien holder payoff services and other related program fees, each of which are charged to and collected from AFC's customers.
Other service revenue
Other service revenue represents the revenue generated by Preferred Warranties, Inc. ("PWI"). PWI receives advance payments for vehicle service contracts and unearned revenue is deferred and recognized over the terms of the contracts utilizing a historical earnings curve. The average term of the contracts originated in 2018 was approximately 1.8 years and PWI had unearned revenue of $34.0 million at December 31, 2018. Income Taxes
We file federal, state and foreign income tax returns in accordance with the applicable rules of each jurisdiction. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes includes federal, foreign, state and local income taxes payable, as well as deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable amounts in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized.
In accordance with ASC 740, we recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income per share represents net income divided by the sum of the weighted average common shares outstanding plus potential dilutive instruments related to our stock-based employee compensation program. The effect of stock options and restricted stock on net income per share-diluted is determined through the application of the treasury stock method, whereby net proceeds received by the Company based on assumed exercises are hypothetically used to repurchase our common stock at the average market price during the period. Stock options that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net income per diluted share and performance-based restricted stock units ("PRSUs") subject to performance conditions which have not yet been satisfied are excluded from the calculations. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. We recognize all stock-based compensation as expense in the financial statements and that cost is measured as the fair value of the award at the grant date for equity-classified awards. We also recognize the impact of forfeitures as they occur and excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee stock-based compensation within income tax expense. New Accounting Standards
In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The new guidance is expected to reduce diversity in practice and result in fewer changes to the terms of an award being accounted for as modifications. Changes that do not impact the fair value, vesting conditions or classification of an award will not require modification accounting. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which addresses diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption resulted in an increase of $1.5 million and $1.7 million in net cash used by investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase related to reclassifying the changes in our restricted cash balance from investing activities to the cash and cash equivalents balances within the consolidated statements of cash flows.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which provides guidance on the statement of cash flows presentation of certain transactions where diversity in practice exists. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2018-15 will have on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 (implied fair value measurement). Instead goodwill impairment would be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The update changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted beginning in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on the consolidated financial statements, however we do not expect that it will have a material impact based on the short-term nature of AFC's loans.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which replaces existing lease guidance. The ASU is intended to provide enhanced transparency and comparability by requiring lessees to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet, with an exception for leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease. The new guidance will continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. As permitted by ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, the Company expects to apply the new standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption relating to the derecognition of existing liabilities and assets associated with certain sale leaseback transactions that currently do not qualify for sale accounting. In addition, the Company currently expects to recognize additional operating liabilities of approximately $1 billion with related right of use assets of approximately $900 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments for existing operating leases. In addition, our Credit Agreement specifies that the net debt covenant shall continue to be calculated as if the accounting standard had not been adopted and that we could enter into negotiations to amend such provisions in the Credit Agreement so as to equitably reflect such changes with the desired result that the criteria for evaluating our financial condition would be the same after the change as if such change had not been made. 
