SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
For each accounting topic that is addressed in its own footnote, the description of the accounting policy may be found in the related footnote. The other significant accounting policies are described below.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our results during the periods reported. Estimates are used to account for certain items such as marketing accruals, warranty costs, employee benefit programs, etc. Estimates are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ.
Foreign Currency Translation
The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries using the local currency as their functional currency are translated to U.S. dollars using end-of-period exchange rates and any resulting translation adjustments are reported in Other comprehensive income/(loss). Upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, the accumulated amount of translation adjustments related to that entity is reclassified to net income as part of the recognized gain or loss on the investment.
Gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the affiliate’s functional currency, the effect of remeasuring assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries using U.S. dollars as their functional currency, and the results of our foreign currency hedging activities are reported in Automotive cost of sales, Selling, administrative, and other expenses, and Automotive interest income and other income/(loss), net. The pre-tax gains/(losses) of this activity for 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $(349) million, $(426) million, and $4 million, respectively.
Trade Receivables
Trade receivables, recorded on our consolidated balance sheet in Other receivables, net, consist primarily of Automotive sector receivables for vehicles, parts, and accessories. Trade receivables initially are recorded at the transaction amount. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate of the probable losses. At every reporting period, we assess the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts taking into consideration recoveries received during that period. Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are made by recording charges to bad debt expense reported in Automotive cost of sales. Receivables are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts when an account is deemed to be uncollectible.
Net Intangible Assets
We capitalize and amortize our finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired. Our intangible assets are comprised primarily of license and advertising agreements, land rights, patents, customer contracts, and technology. Our indefinite-lived intangibles have been tested for impairment in 2013 and no impairment was required.
The net carrying amount of our intangible asset was $85 million and $87 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is reported in Other Assets on our balance sheet. Pre-tax amortization expense was $11 million, $10 million, and $12 million at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Amortization for intangible assets is forecasted to be $11 million in 2014 and each year thereafter.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Long-Lived Asset Impairment
We test long-lived asset groups for recoverability, at the operating segment level when changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Events that trigger a test for recoverability include material adverse changes in projected revenues and expenses, significant underperformance relative to historical and projected future operating results, significant negative industry or economic trends, and a significant adverse change in the manner in which an asset group is used or in its physical condition. When a triggering event occurs, a test for recoverability is performed, comparing projected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. If the test for recoverability identifies a possible impairment, the asset group’s fair value is measured relying primarily on a discounted cash flow methodology. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. When an impairment loss is recognized for assets to be held and used, the adjusted carrying amount of those assets is depreciated over their remaining useful life.
Revenue Recognition — Automotive Sector
Automotive revenue is generated primarily by sales of vehicles, parts, and accessories. Revenue is recorded when all risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to our customers (generally dealers and distributors). For the majority of our sales, this occurs when products are shipped from our manufacturing facilities. When vehicles are shipped to customers or vehicle modifiers on consignment, revenue is recognized when the vehicle is sold to the ultimate customer. When we give our dealers the right to return eligible parts for credit, we reduce the related revenue for expected returns.
We sell vehicles to daily rental car companies subject to guaranteed repurchase options. These vehicles are accounted for as operating leases. At the time of sale, the proceeds are recorded as deferred revenue in Other liabilities and deferred revenue. The difference between the proceeds and the guaranteed repurchase amount is recognized in Automotive revenues over an average term of eight months, using a straight-line method. The cost of the vehicles is recorded in Net investment in operating leases and the difference between the cost of the vehicle and the estimated auction value is depreciated in Automotive cost of sales over the term of the lease. Proceeds from the sale of the vehicle at auction are recognized in Automotive revenues at the time of sale.
Revenue Recognition — Financial Services Sector
Financial Services revenue is generated primarily from interest on finance receivables (including direct financing leases) and is recognized using the interest method, including the accretion of certain direct origination costs that are deferred. Revenue from rental payments received on operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The accrual of interest on finance receivables and revenue on operating leases is discontinued at the earlier of the time a receivable or account is determined to be uncollectible, at bankruptcy status notification, or greater than 120 days past due.
Retail and Lease Incentives
We offer special retail financing and lease incentives to dealers’ customers who choose to finance or lease Ford- or Lincoln-brand vehicles from Ford Credit. The estimated cost for these incentives is recorded as a revenue reduction to Automotive revenues when the vehicle is sold to the dealer. See Note 1 for additional information regarding transactions between Automotive and Financial Services sectors. We pay the discounted value of the incentive directly to Ford Credit on behalf of the retail customer upon acquisition of the retail finance or lease contract to compensate Ford Credit for the lower interest or lease rates offered to the retail customer. The Financial Services sector recognized revenue of $1.5 billion, $1.6 billion, and $2.1 billion in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, for special financing consistent with the earnings process of the underlying receivable, and lower depreciation of $946 million, $850 million, and $889 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to leasing programs.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Sales and Marketing Incentives
Sales and marketing incentives generally are recognized by the Automotive sector as revenue reductions in Automotive revenues. The incentives generally take the form of cash payments to dealers and dealers’ customers. The reduction to revenue is accrued at the later of the date the related vehicle is sold or the date the incentive program is both approved and communicated. We generally estimate these accruals using incentive programs that are approved as of the balance sheet date and are expected to be effective at the beginning of the subsequent period.
Supplier Price Adjustments
We frequently negotiate price adjustments with our suppliers throughout a production cycle, even after receiving production material. These price adjustments relate to changes in design specifications or other commercial terms such as economics, productivity, and competitive pricing. We recognize price adjustments when we reach final agreement with our suppliers. In general, we avoid direct price changes in consideration of future business; however, when these occur, our policy is to defer the financial statement impact of any such price change given explicitly in consideration of future business where guaranteed volumes are specified.
Raw Material Arrangements
We may, at times, negotiate prices for and facilitate the purchase of raw materials on behalf of our suppliers. These raw material arrangements, which take place independently of any purchase orders issued to our suppliers, are negotiated at arms’ length and do not involve volume guarantees. When we pass the risks and rewards of ownership to our suppliers, including inventory risk, market price risk, and credit risk for the raw material, we record both the cost of the raw material and the income from the subsequent sale to the supplier in Automotive cost of sales.
Government Incentives
We receive incentives from U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities in the form of tax rebates or credits, grants, and loans. Government incentives are recorded in the financial statements in accordance with their purpose, either as a reduction of expense or a reduction of the cost of the capital investment. A discount is calculated on government loans with a below-market interest rate. The benefit of these incentives generally is recorded when all conditions as specified in the agreement are fulfilled.
Selected Other Costs
Engineering, research, and development costs are included in Automotive cost of sales; advertising costs are included in Selling, administrative, and other expenses. Engineering, research, and development costs are expensed as incurred when performed internally or when performed by a supplier if we guarantee reimbursement. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Engineering, research, development, and advertising expenses for the years ended December 31 were as follows (in billions):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2013 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Engineering, research, and development | $ | 6.4 |
| | $ | 5.5 |
| | $ | 5.3 |
|
Advertising | 4.4 |
| | 4.0 |
| | 4.1 |
|
Presentation of Sales and Sales-Related Taxes
We collect and remit taxes assessed by different governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with a revenue-producing transaction between us and our customers. These taxes may include, but are not limited to, sales, use, value-added, and some excise taxes. We report the collection of these taxes on a net basis (excluded from revenues).
