Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

v2.4.1.9
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of the Business
Nature of the business:
Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Columbia Sportswear Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and entities in which it maintains a controlling financial interest (the “Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Estimates and Assumptions
Estimates and assumptions:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. Some of these more significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, including sales returns and claims from customers, allowance for doubtful accounts, excess, slow-moving and close-out inventories, product warranty, long-lived and intangible assets, income taxes and stock-based compensation.
Changes Affecting Comparability
Changes affecting comparability:
In 2014 and 2013, amounts relating to foreign currency gains and losses are reported as other non-operating expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2012, amounts are immaterial and are presented in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses.
On September 26, 2014, the Company completed a two-for-one stock split paid in the form of a 100% stock dividend. All references made to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value or at cost, which approximates fair value, and include investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash and cash equivalents consisted of cash, money market funds, time deposits, certificates of deposit, reverse repurchase agreements and municipal bonds with original maturities ranging from overnight to less than 90 days.
Investments
Investments:
At December 31, 2014, short-term investments consisted of certificates of deposit and municipal bonds with original maturities greater than 90 days. At December 31, 2013, short-term investments consisted of certificates of deposit, municipal bonds with original maturities greater than 90 days, variable-rate demand notes that have features which enable the Company to sell back the bonds at par value within 7 days and shares in a short-term bond fund.  These investments are considered available for use in current operations.  The majority of short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized gains and losses reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income.  The remainder of short-term investments consists of investments held as part of the Company's deferred compensation plan. These investments are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized gain and losses reported in operating income. Realized gains or losses are determined based on the specific identification method.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, long-term investments included in other non-current assets consisted of mutual fund shares held to offset liabilities to participants in the Company’s deferred compensation plan. The investments are classified as long-term because the related deferred compensation liabilities are not expected to be paid within the next year. These investments are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of operating income.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable:
Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company makes ongoing estimates of the collectability of accounts receivable and maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s customers to make required payments.
Inventories
Inventories:
Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are carried at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company periodically reviews its inventories for excess, close-out or slow moving items and makes provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated useful lives are: land improvements, 15 years; buildings and building improvements, 15-30 years; furniture and fixtures, 3-10 years; and machinery, software and equipment, 3-10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement, which is most commonly 7 years, or the remaining term of the underlying lease.
Improvements to property, plant and equipment that substantially extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Internal and external costs directly related to the development of internal-use software during the application development stage, including costs incurred for third party contractors and employee compensation, are capitalized and depreciated over a 3-10 year estimated useful life.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are measured for impairment only when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. In these cases, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows to be derived from the asset or asset group to determine whether a potential impairment exists. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, the Company recognizes an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairment charges for long-lived assets are included in SG&A expense and were $73,000, $8,995,000 and $1,653,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Charges during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012 were recorded in the United States and EMEA regions for retail stores. The charge during the year ended December 31, 2013 was recorded in the EMEA region for its European distribution center.
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible assets and goodwill:
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and goodwill are not amortized but are periodically evaluated for impairment. Intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and are measured for impairment only when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired.
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill:
The Company reviews and tests its intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may be impaired. The Company’s intangible assets with indefinite lives consist of trademarks and trade names. Substantially all of the Company’s goodwill is recorded in the United States segment and impairment testing for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level. In the impairment test for goodwill, the two-step process first compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with the carrying amount of that reporting unit. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow analysis, comparisons with the market values of similar publicly traded companies and other operating performance based valuation methods, as necessary. If step one indicates impairment, step two compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value of all reporting unit assets and liabilities, except goodwill, to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. The Company calculates impairment as the excess of carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. In the impairment tests for trademarks and trade names, the Company compares the estimated fair value of each asset to its carrying amount. The fair values of trademarks and trade names are generally estimated using a relief from royalty method under the income approach. If the carrying amount of a trademark or trade name exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company calculates impairment as the excess of carrying amount over the estimate of fair value.
If events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of intangible assets with finite lives may be impaired, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows to be derived from the asset or asset group to determine whether a potential impairment exists. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset the Company recognizes an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset.
Impairment charges are classified as a component of SG&A expense. The impairment tests and related fair value estimates are based on a number of factors, including assumptions and estimates for projected sales, income, cash flows, discount rates, remaining useful lives and other operating performance measures. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. These assumptions and estimates may change in the future due to changes in economic conditions, changes in the Company’s ability to meet sales and profitability objectives or changes in the Company’s business operations or strategic direction.
Income Taxes
Income taxes:
Income taxes are provided on financial statement earnings for financial reporting purposes. Income taxes are based on amounts of taxes payable or refundable in the current year and on expected future tax consequences of events that are recognized in the financial statements in different periods than they are recognized in tax returns. As a result of timing of recognition and measurement differences between financial accounting standards and income tax laws, temporary differences arise between amounts of pre-tax financial statement income and taxable income and between reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect estimated future tax effects attributable to these temporary differences and to net operating loss and net capital loss carryforwards, based on tax rates expected to be in effect for years in which the differences are expected to be settled or realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable income in specific jurisdictions. Valuation allowances are used to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts considered likely to be realized. U.S. deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed income of foreign subsidiaries, where such earnings are considered to be indefinitely invested, or to the extent such recognition would result in a deferred tax asset.
Accrued income taxes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets include unrecognized income tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, appropriately classified as current or noncurrent. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  In making this determination, the Company assumes that the taxing authority will examine the position and that it will have full knowledge of all relevant information. The provision for income taxes also includes estimates of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
Derivatives
Derivatives:
The effective portion of changes in fair values of outstanding cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income until earnings are affected by the hedged transaction, and any ineffective portion is included in current income. In most cases amounts recorded in other comprehensive income will be released to earnings some time after maturity of the related derivative. The Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of effective hedge results is the same as that of the underlying exposure. Results of hedges of product costs are recorded in cost of sales when the underlying hedged transaction affect earnings. Results of hedges of revenue are recorded in net sales when the underlying hedged transactions affects earnings. Unrealized derivative gains and losses, which are recorded in assets and liabilities, respectively, are non-cash items and therefore are taken into account in the preparation of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows based on their respective balance sheet classifications. See Note 20 for more information on derivatives and risk management.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign currency translation:
The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at period end, and the net sales and expenses have been translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates in effect during the period. The foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and are not currently adjusted for income taxes when they relate to indefinite net investments in non-U.S. operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue recognition:
The Company records wholesale, distributor, e-commerce and licensed product revenues when title passes and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. Title generally passes upon shipment to, or upon receipt by, the customer depending on the terms of sale with the customer. Retail store revenues are recorded at the time of sale. Revenue is recorded net of sales taxes, value added taxes or similar taxes, which are collected on behalf of local taxing authorities.
Where title passes upon receipt by the customer, predominantly in the Company’s European wholesale business, precise information regarding the date of receipt by the customer is not readily available. In these cases, the Company estimates the date of receipt by the customer based on historical and expected delivery times by geographic location. The Company periodically tests the accuracy of these estimates based on actual transactions. Delivery times vary by geographic location, generally from one to five days. To date, the Company has found these estimates to be materially accurate.
At the time of revenue recognition, the Company also provides for estimated sales returns and miscellaneous claims from customers as reductions to revenues. The estimates are based on historical rates of product returns and claims as well as events and circumstances that indicate changes to historical rates of returns and claims. However, actual returns and claims in any future period are inherently uncertain and thus may differ from the estimates. If actual or expected future returns and claims are significantly greater or lower than the reserves that have been established, the Company would record a reduction or increase to net revenues in the period in which it made such determination.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales:
The expenses that are included in cost of sales include all direct product and conversion-related costs, and costs related to shipping, duties and importation. Specific provisions for excess, close-out or slow moving inventory are also included in cost of sales. In addition, some of the Company’s products carry limited warranty provisions for defects in quality and workmanship. A warranty reserve is established at the time of sale to cover estimated costs based on the Company’s history of warranty repairs and replacements and is recorded in cost of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense:
SG&A expense consists of personnel-related costs, advertising, depreciation and other selling and general operating expenses related to the Company’s business functions, including planning, receiving finished goods, warehousing, distribution, retail operations and information technology.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs:
Shipping and handling fees billed to customers and consumers are recorded as revenue. The direct costs associated with shipping goods to customers and consumers are recorded as cost of sales. Inventory planning, receiving and handling costs are recorded as a component of SG&A expenses and were $59,561,000, $56,891,000 and $59,212,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation:
Stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period using the straight-line attribution method. The Company estimates stock-based compensation for stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires various highly subjective assumptions, including volatility and expected option life. Further, the Company estimates forfeitures for stock-based awards granted which are not expected to vest. For restricted stock unit awards subject to performance conditions, the amount of compensation expense recorded in a given period reflects the Company's assessment of the probability of achieving its performance targets. If any of these inputs or assumptions changes significantly, stock-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. Assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary to reflect changes in market conditions and the Company’s experience. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by people who receive equity awards. The fair value of service-based and performance-based restricted stock units is discounted by the present value of the estimated future stream of dividends over the vesting period using the Black-Scholes model.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs:
Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred and are included in SG&A expenses. Total advertising expense, including cooperative advertising costs, was $110,109,000, $78,095,000 and $76,714,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Through cooperative advertising programs, the Company reimburses its wholesale customers for some of their costs of advertising the Company’s products based on various criteria, including the value of purchases from the Company and various advertising specifications. Cooperative advertising costs are included in expenses because the Company receives an identifiable benefit in exchange for the cost, the advertising may be obtained from a party other than the customer, and the fair value of the advertising benefit can be reasonably estimated. Cooperative advertising costs were $8,056,000, $6,032,000 and $7,851,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncement:
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This ASU outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. This accounting standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.