Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

v3.21.1
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization

On April 30, 2010, a group of investors led by entities affiliated with CHS Capital LLC ("CHS") and two other private equity firms acquired a controlling interest in Thermon Holding Corp. and its subsidiaries from Thermon Holdings, LLC ("Predecessor") for approximately $321,500 in a transaction that was financed by approximately $129,252 of equity investments by CHS, two other private equity firms and certain members of our former management team (collectively, the "management investors") and $210,000 of debt raised in an exempt Rule 144A senior secured note offering to qualified institutional investors (collectively, the "CHS Transactions"). The proceeds from the equity investments and debt financing were used both to finance the acquisition and pay related transaction costs. As a result of the CHS Transactions, Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. became the ultimate parent of Thermon Holding Corp. Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are referred to collectively as "we," "our," or the "Company" herein.

Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy

On April 11, 2020, the Canadian government officially enacted the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “CEWS”) for the purposes of assisting employers in financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and of reducing potential lay-offs of employees. The CEWS, which was made retroactive to March 15, 2020, generally provides “eligible entities” with a wage subsidy of up to 75% of “eligible remuneration” paid to an eligible employee per week, limited to a certain weekly maximum. On September 23, 2020, the Canadian government announced that the CEWS program would be extended through the summer of 2021 and announced certain modifications to the subsidy calculation. Our Canadian operations have benefited from such wage subsidies and have received distributions from the Canadian government. During fiscal 2021, we recorded subsidies in the amount of $6,842, as an offset to the related underlying expenses and assets, accordingly.

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. The ownership of non-controlling investors is recorded as non-controlling interests. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Consolidated subsidiaries domiciled in foreign countries comprised approximately 65%, 59% and 63%, of the Company's consolidated sales for fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively, and 65% and 61%, of the Company's consolidated total assets at March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Segment Reporting

We maintain four reportable segments based on the four geographic countries or regions in which we operate: (i) United States and Latin America ("US-LAM"), (ii) Canada, (iii) Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") and (iv) Asia-Pacific ("APAC"). Profitability within our segments is measured by operating income. See Note 19, "Segment Information" for financial data relating to our four reportable geographic segments.

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.

Restricted Cash

    The Company maintains restricted cash related to certain letter of credit guarantees and performance bonds securing performance obligations. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and restricted cash included in other long-term assets reported within the statement of financial position that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows.
March 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
March 31,
2019
Cash and cash equivalents $ 40,124  $ 43,237  $ 31,402 
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,962  2,421  1,624 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 364  348  815 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 42,450  $ 46,006  $ 33,841 

    Amounts shown in restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets represent those required to be set aside by a contractual agreement, which contain cash deposits pledged as collateral on performance bonds and letters of credit. Amounts shown in restricted cash in other long-term assets represent such agreements that require a commitment term longer than one year.

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 its 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 chemical and petrochemical, oil and gas, power generation, rail and transit, and other industries; we are diversifying our customer base through numerous other end markets. 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 segment 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 $2,074 and $834 as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, 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, 2018 $ 1,231 
Additions to reserve 354 
Write-off of uncollectible accounts (598)
Balance at March 31, 2019 987 
Additions to reserve 674 
Write-off of uncollectible accounts (827)
Balance at March 31, 2020 834 
Additions to reserve 1,466 
Write-off of uncollectible accounts (226)
Balance at March 31, 2021 $ 2,074 
Inventories

Inventories, principally raw materials and finished goods, are valued at the lower of cost (weighted average cost) or net realizable value. 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, as well as various types of immersion, circulation and space heaters for THS. 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.

Revenue Recognition
Effective April 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606") using the modified retrospective method and applying ASC 606 to all revenue contracts with customers which were not completed as of the date of adoption. In accordance with the modified retrospective approach, prior period amounts were not adjusted. We expect the impact of the adoption of the new standard to continue to be immaterial to revenues and net income on an ongoing basis. Please refer to Note 4 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" for additional information.
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 charged 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 conduct a required annual review of goodwill for potential impairment in the fourth quarter, or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value. Our reporting units are our operating segments: US-LAM, Canada, EMEA, and APAC. We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to satisfy the annual test requirement if we believe that it is more likely than not that we do not have an impairment in any one of our reporting units. If the carrying value of a reporting unit that includes goodwill exceeds its fair value, which is determined using both the income approach and market approach, goodwill is considered impaired. The income approach determines fair value based on discounted cash flow model derived from a reporting unit’s long-term forecasted cash flows. The market approach determines fair value based on the application of earnings multiples of comparable companies to projected earnings of the reporting unit. The amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of a reporting unit but is limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. In performing the fair value analysis,
management makes various judgments, estimates and assumptions, the most significant of which is the assumption related to revenue growth rates.

The factors we considered in developing our estimates and projections for cash flows include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) macroeconomic conditions; (ii) industry and market considerations; (iii) costs, such as increases in raw materials, labor, or other costs; (iv) our overall financial performance; and, (v) other relevant entity-specific events that impact our reporting units. The determination of whether goodwill is impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the estimated fair values of our reporting units. We believe that the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment assessment are reasonable; however, these assumptions are judgmental and variations in any assumptions could result in materially different calculations of fair value. We will continue to evaluate goodwill on an annual basis in our fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as significant adverse changes in operating results, market conditions, or changes in management’s business strategy indicate that there may be a probable indicator of impairment. It is possible that the assumptions used by management related to the evaluation may change or that actual results may vary significantly from management’s estimates. In fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company determined that no impairment of goodwill existed.

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 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Debt Issuance Costs

The Company capitalizes and defers the costs associated with establishing our debt and financing arrangements. These costs are amortized as interest expense over the life of the loan or related financing. Additionally, for any unscheduled principal payments the Company will record incremental deferred debt charges on a pro rata basis of the unamortized deferred debt balance at the time of the repayment. 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 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $1,525, $1,885 and $1,756, respectively.
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. In fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company determined that no impairment of long-lived assets existed.

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/(loss) 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 account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures.

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 revenue and expense 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 2018, we revised our permanent reinvestment position whereby we expect to repatriate future earnings. Given the significant changes and potential opportunities to repatriate cash tax free due to H.R.1, “An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for fiscal Year 2018” (the “Tax Act”), we have reevaluated our current permanent reinvestment position. Accordingly, we will no longer assert a permanent reinvestment position in most of our foreign subsidiaries. We expect to repatriate certain earnings which will be subject to withholding taxes.  These additional withholding taxes are being recorded as an additional deferred tax liability associated with the basis difference in such jurisdictions. Please see Note 18, "Income Taxes" for more information on the impacts of the Tax Act.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

Exchange rate gains and losses that result from foreign currency transactions are recognized in income as they are 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 weighted average
exchange rates 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. Specifically, we will replace any defective product within one year from the date of purchase. 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, administrative, and engineering expenses. Research and development expenses include salaries, direct material costs incurred, plus building and other overhead expenses. The amounts expensed for fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 were $7,466, $8,378 and $6,289, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Cost

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

Economic Dependence

As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, no one customer represented more than 10% of the Company's accounts receivable balance. In fiscal 2021 and 2020, no one customer represented more than 10% of sales.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
    
    Leases- In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2016-02 Leases (“ASC 842”), which provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure on leases. Under the standard, substantially all leases will be reported on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted the amended guidance using the modified retrospective method as of April 1, 2019. Please refer to Note 3 "Leases" for further discussion, including the impact the adoption had on our consolidated financial statements.

    Financial Instruments- In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), which amends the guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The standard adds an impairment model, referred to as current expected credit loss, which is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The standard applies to most debt instruments, trade receivables, lease receivables, reinsurance receivables, financial guarantees and loan commitments. Under the guidance, companies are required to disclose credit quality indicators disaggregated by year of origination for a five-year period. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We adopted this standard effective April 1, 2020, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

    Intangibles- In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-04 Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which amends and simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under the amended guidance, goodwill impairment will be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill for that reporting unit. The changes are
effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and amendments should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We adopted this standard effective April 1, 2020, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Reference Rate Reform- In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-04- Reference Rate Reform ("ASC 848"). The update is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. As of March 31, 2021, we have not yet elected any optional expedients provided in the standard. We will apply the accounting relief, if necessary, as relevant contract and hedge accounting relationship modifications are made during the reference rate reform transition period. We have adopted this standard effective April 1, 2020, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes- In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-12- Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). This ASU amends ASC 740 to add, remove, and clarify disclosure requirements related to income taxes. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. We are still evaluating the impact of this new standard.