Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Consolidated subsidiaries domiciled in foreign countries comprised approximately 67%, 71% and 66%, of the Company's consolidated sales and $39,078, $36,358 and $33,912 of the Company's consolidated pretax income for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively, and 55% and 54%, of the Company's consolidated total assets at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segment Reporting

The Company's senior management allocates resources and assesses the performance of its electrical and steam heat tracing of piping, vessels, instrumentation and associated equipment sales activities as one reportable segment.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in bank and money market funds. All highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.

Receivables

The Company's receivables are recorded at cost when earned and represent claims against third parties that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of the Company's receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, represents their estimated net realizable value. If events or changes in circumstances indicate specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the Company's ability to collect those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. The Company has established an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon an analysis of aged receivables. Past-due receivable balances are written-off when the Company's internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting the amounts due.

The Company's primary base of customers operates in the oil, chemical processing and power generation industries. Although the Company has a concentration of credit risk within these industries, the Company has not experienced significant collection losses on sales to these customers. The Company's foreign receivables are not concentrated within any one geographic region nor are they subject to any current economic conditions that would subject the Company to unusual risk. The Company does not generally require collateral or other security from customers.

The Company performs credit evaluations of new customers and sometimes requires deposits, prepayments or use of trade letters of credit to mitigate our credit risk. Allowance for doubtful account balances were $751 and $1,141 as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Although we have fully provided for these balances, we continue to pursue collection of these receivables.

The following table summarizes the annual changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts:



Balance at March 31, 2011		$	1,487
	Additions charged to expense	307
	Write-off of uncollectible accounts	(360		)
Balance at March 31, 2012		1,434
	Reductions charged to expense	(21		)
	Write-off of uncollectible accounts	(272		)
Balance at March 31, 2013		1,141
	Reductions to expense	(175		)
	Write-off of uncollectible accounts	(215		)
Balance at March 31, 2014		$	751

Inventories

Inventories, principally raw materials and finished goods, are valued at the lower of cost (weighted average cost) or market. We write down our inventory for estimated excess or obsolete inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and estimated fair market value based on assumptions of future demand and market conditions. Fair market value is determined quarterly by comparing inventory levels of individual products and components to historical usage rates, current backlog and estimated future sales and by analyzing the age and potential applications of inventory, in order to identify specific products and components of inventory that are judged unlikely to be sold. Our finished goods inventory consists primarily of completed electrical cable that has been manufactured for various heat tracing solutions. Most of our manufactured product offerings are built to industry standard specifications that have general purpose applications and therefore are sold to a variety of customers in various industries. Some of our products, such as custom orders and ancillary components outsourced from third-party manufacturers, have more specific applications and therefore may be at a higher risk of inventory obsolescence. Inventory is written-off in the period in which the disposal occurs. Actual future write-offs of inventory may differ from estimates and calculations used to determine valuation allowances due to changes in customer demand, customer negotiations, product application, technology shifts and other factors. Historically, inventory obsolescence and potential excess cost adjustments have been within our expectations, and management does not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in future estimates or assumptions used to calculate the inventory valuation reserves.

Significant judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing these allowances. If our assumptions used to calculate these allowances do not agree with our future ability to collect outstanding receivables, actual demand for our inventory, or the number of products and installations returned under warranty, additional provisions may be needed and our future results of operations could be adversely affected.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from sales of products are recognized when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable.

On average, less than 20% of our annual revenues are derived from the installation of heat tracing solutions for which we apply construction-type accounting. These construction-related contracts are awarded on a competitive bid and negotiated basis. We offer our customers a range of contracting options, including cost-reimbursable, fixed-price and hybrid, which has both cost-reimbursable and fixed-price characteristics. Most of our construction contract revenue is recognized using either the percentage-of-completion method, based on the percentage that actual costs-to-date bear to total estimated costs to complete each contract or as it relates to cost-reimbursable projects, revenue is recognized as work is performed. We follow the guidance of FASB ASC Revenue Recognition Topic 605-35 for accounting policies relating to our use of the percentage-of-completion method, estimating costs and revenue recognition, including the recognition of profit incentives, unapproved change orders and claims and combining and segmenting contracts. We utilize the cost-to-cost approach to measure the extent of progress toward completion, as we believe this method is less subjective than relying on assessments of physical progress. Under the cost-to-cost approach, the use of total estimated cost to complete each contract is a significant variable in the process of determining recognized revenue and is a significant factor in the accounting for contracts. Significant estimates that impact the cost to complete each contract are costs of engineering, materials, components, equipment, labor and subcontracts; labor productivity; schedule durations, including subcontract and supplier progress; liquidated damages; contract disputes, including claims; achievement of contractual performance requirements; and contingency, among others. The cumulative impact of revisions in total cost estimates as contracts progress is reflected in the period in which these changes become known, including the recognition of any losses expected to be incurred on contracts in progress. Due to the various estimates inherent in our construction contract accounting, actual results could differ from those estimates. Our historical construction contract cost estimates have generally been accurate, and management does not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in future estimates or the methodology used to calculate these estimates.

Sales which are not accounted for under ASC 605-35 may have multiple elements, including heat tracing product, engineering and “field” services such as inspection, repair and/or training. We assess such revenue arrangements to determine the appropriate units of accounting. Each deliverable provided under multiple-element arrangements is considered a separate unit of accounting. Revenues associated with the sale of a product are recognized upon delivery, while the revenue for engineering and field services are recognized as services are rendered, limited to the amount of consideration which is not contingent upon the successful provision of future products or services under the arrangement. Amounts assigned to each unit of accounting are based on an allocation of total arrangement consideration using a hierarchy of estimated selling price for the deliverables. The selling price used for each deliverable will be based on Vendor Specific Objective Evidence (“VSOE”), if available, Third Party Evidence (“TPE”), if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price, if neither VSOE nor TPE is available.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for renewals and improvements that significantly extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs of assets are charged to operations as incurred when assets are sold or retired, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is credited or changed to operations.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following lives:



	Useful Lives in Years
Land improvements	15	-	20
Buildings and improvements	10	-	40
Machinery and equipment	3	-	25
Office furniture and equipment	3	-	10
Internally developed software	5	-	7

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently when indicators of impairment are present. We operate as a single reportable segment with four geographic reporting units, each of which are assessed. We perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying amount. Some of the impairment indicators we consider include significant differences between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of our assets and liabilities; macroeconomic conditions such as a deterioration in general economic condition or limitations on accessing capital; industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which we operate and an increased competitive environment; cost factors such as increases in raw materials, labor, or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows; overall financial performance such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods; other relevant events such as litigation, changes in management, key personnel, strategy or customers; the testing for recoverability of our long-lived assets and a potential decrease in share price. We evaluate the significance of identified events and circumstances on the basis of the weight of evidence along with how they could affect the relationship between the reporting unit's fair value and carrying amount, including positive mitigating events and circumstances. If we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying amount, then we perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. In the first step of the goodwill impairment test, the reporting unit's carrying amount (including goodwill) and its fair value are compared. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment by determining an "implied fair value" of goodwill. The determination of the "implied fair value" requires us to allocate the estimated value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. Any unallocated fair value represents the "implied fair value" of goodwill, which is compared to the corresponding carrying value. If the "implied fair value" is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge will be recorded. The Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.

Other intangible assets include indefinite lived intangible assets for which we must also perform an annual test of impairment. The Company's indefinite lived intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks. The fair value of the Company's trademarks is calculated using a “relief from royalty payments” methodology. This approach involves first estimating reasonable royalty rates for each trademark then applying these royalty rates to a net sales stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine the fair value. The royalty rate is estimated using both a market and income approach. The market approach relies on the existence of identifiable transactions in the marketplace involving the licensing of trademarks similar to those owned by the Company. The income approach uses a projected pretax profitability rate relevant to the licensed income stream. We believe the use of multiple valuation techniques results in a more accurate indicator of the fair value of each trademark. This fair value is then compared with the carrying value of each trademark. The results of this test during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year indicated that there was no impairment of our indefinite life intangible assets during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013

Debt Issuance Costs

The Company defers the costs associated with debt and financing arrangements. These costs are amortized over the life of the loan or financing as interest expense using the effective interest method. When debt or the contract is retired prematurely, the proportionate unamortized deferred issuance costs are expensed as loss on retirement. Deferred debt issuance costs expensed as part of interest expense for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were $4,572, $3,321 and $4,127, respectively. Included in these amounts are the acceleration of amortization associated with redemptions of our senior secured notes and our prior revolving credit facility.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows that the assets are expected to generate. If the long-lived assets are considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value and is recorded in the period the determination was made.

Stock-based Compensation

We account for share-based payments to employees in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires that share-based payments (to the extent they are compensatory) be recognized in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income based on their fair values.

As required by ASC 718, we recognize stock-based compensation expense for share-based payments that are expected to vest. In determining whether an award is expected to vest, we use an estimated, forward-looking forfeiture rate based upon our historical forfeiture rates. Stock-based compensation expense recorded using an estimated forfeiture rate is updated for actual forfeitures quarterly. To the extent our actual forfeitures are different than our estimates, we record a true-up for the differences in the period that the awards vest, and such true-ups could materially affect our operating results. We also consider on a quarterly basis whether there have been any significant changes in facts and circumstances that would affect our expected forfeiture rate.

We are also required to determine the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date. For option awards that are subject to service conditions and/or performance conditions, we estimate the fair values of employee stock options using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. Some of our option grants and awards included a market condition for which we used a Monte Carlo pricing model to establish grant date fair value. These determinations require judgment, including estimating expected volatility. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock- based compensation expense and our results of operations could be impacted.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or effective tax rate.

Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of revenue sharing and cost reimbursement arrangements among related entities, the process of identifying items of revenues and expenses that qualify for preferential tax treatment, and segregation of foreign and domestic earnings and expenses to avoid double taxation. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, the final tax outcome of these matters could be different from that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material effect on our income tax provision and net income in the period in which such determination is made.

In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events are considered other than enactments of changes in tax laws or rates. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized. We consider future growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, historical earnings, taxable income in prior years, if carryback is permitted under the law, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in determining the need for a valuation allowance. In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period in which we make such a determination, or goodwill would be adjusted at our final determination of the valuation allowance related to an acquisition within the measurement period. If we later determine that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets would be realized, we would reverse the applicable portion of the previously provided valuation allowance as an adjustment to earnings at such time. The amount of income tax we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which often result in proposed assessments. Our estimate of the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. We account for these uncertain tax issues pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes, which contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although we believe we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, no assurance can be given with respect to the final outcome of these matters. We adjust reserves for our uncertain tax positions due to changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit, judicial rulings, refinement of estimates or realization of earnings or deductions that differ from our estimates. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences generally will impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which such a determination is made. Our provisions for income taxes include the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate and also include the related interest and penalties.

During fiscal 2014, we adopted a permanent reinvestment position whereby we expect to reinvest our foreign earnings for most of our foreign subsidiaries and do not expect to repatriate future earnings. As a result of this policy change, we will no longer accrue a tax liability in anticipation of future dividends from our foreign subsidiaries.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

Exchange adjustments resulting from foreign currency transactions are recognized in income as realized. For the Company's non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries, assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at a weighted average exchange rate prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a separate component of shareholders' equity.

Loss Contingencies

We accrue for probable losses from contingencies on an undiscounted basis, when such costs are considered probable of being incurred and are reasonably estimable. Legal expense related to such matters are expensed as incurred. We periodically evaluate available information, both internal and external, relative to such contingencies and adjust this accrual as necessary. Disclosure of a contingency is required if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a material loss has been incurred. In determining whether a loss should be accrued we evaluate, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.

Warranties

The Company offers a standard warranty on product sales in which we will replace a defective product for a period of one year. Warranties on construction projects are negotiated individually, are typically one year in duration, and may include the cost of labor to replace products. Factors that affect the Company's warranty liability include the amount of sales, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

Research and Development

Research and development expenditures are expensed when incurred and are included in marketing, general and administrative and engineering expenses. Research and development expenses include salaries, direct costs incurred, and building and overhead expenses. The amounts expensed for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were $3,008, $2,832 and $881, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Cost

The Company includes shipping and handling as part of cost of goods sold and freight collections from customers is included as part of sales.

Economic Dependence

No customer represented more than 10% of the Company's accounts receivable at March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, or sales for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made within these consolidated financial statements to conform prior periods to current year presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements