Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of LKQ Corporation and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results and outcomes could differ from those estimates. Foreign Currency Translation Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. For most of our international operations, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the period-ending exchange rate. Statements of Income amounts are translated to U.S. dollars using monthly average exchange rates during the period. Translation gains and losses are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when a sales arrangement with a customer exists (e.g., contract, purchase orders, others), the transaction price is fixed or determinable and we have satisfied its performance obligations per the sales arrangement. The majority of our revenue originates from contracts with a single performance obligation to deliver parts, whereby the performance obligation is satisfied when control of the parts is transferred to the customer per the arranged shipping terms. Some of our contracts contain a combination of delivering parts and performing services, which are distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue for the service component is recognized as the services are rendered. Our revenue is measured at the determinable transaction price, net of any variable considerations granted to customers. Variable considerations include the right to return parts, discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, price concessions, incentives, performance bonuses, or other similar items. These variable considerations are estimated throughout the year based on various factors, including contract terms, historical experience and performance levels. Sales tax and other tax amounts collected from customers for remittance to governmental authorities are excluded from revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are shown as a current liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until remitted. Any incremental costs to obtain a contract (commissions earned by our sales representatives on product sales) are expensed when incurred, as the amortization period of the asset would be one year or less due to the short-term nature of our contracts. Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes: the price we pay for inventory, net of vendor discounts, rebates or other incentives; inbound freight and other transportation costs to bring inventory into our facilities; and overhead costs related to purchasing, warehousing and transporting our products from our distribution warehouses to our selling locations. For our salvage, remanufactured, refurbished and manufactured products, cost of goods sold also includes direct and indirect labor, equipment costs, depreciation, and other overhead to transform inventory into finished products suitable for sale. Cost of goods sold also includes expenses for service-type warranties and for assurance-type warranty programs. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses include: personnel costs for employees in SG&A functions; costs to operate branch locations, corporate offices and back office support centers; costs to transport products from facilities to our customers; and other expenses, such as professional fees, supplies, and advertising expenses. The costs included in SG&A expenses do not relate to inventory processing or conversion activities, and, as such, are classified below Gross margin in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Stock-Based Compensation For the restricted stock units ("RSUs") that contain both a performance-based vesting condition and a time-based vesting condition, we recognize compensation expense using the accelerated attribution method, pursuant to which expense is recognized straight-line over the requisite service period for each separate vesting tranche of the award. For all other awards, which are subject to only a time-based vesting condition, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. For performance-based RSUs ("PSUs"), the expense is calculated using the projected award value, which is based on an estimate of the achievement of the performance objectives, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance period. The impacts of forfeitures on RSUs and PSUs expense are recorded as they occur. Income Taxes Current income taxes are provided on income reported for financial reporting purposes, adjusted for transactions that do not enter into the computation of income taxes payable in the same year. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before we are able to realize their benefit or that future deductibility is uncertain. Provision is made for taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and related companies to the extent that such earnings are not deemed to be permanently invested. We recognize the benefits of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns in the provision for income taxes only for those positions that are more likely than not to be realized. We follow a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately forecast actual outcomes. Our policy is to include any interest and penalties associated with income tax obligations in income tax expense. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, operating accounts, and deposits readily convertible to known amounts of cash. Allowance for Credit Losses Receivables are reported net of an allowance for credit losses. The allowance is measured on a pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist, and a loss-rate for each pool is determined using historical credit loss experience as the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current conditions (e.g., management's evaluation of the aging of customer receivable balances and the financial condition of our customers) as well as changes in forecasted macroeconomic conditions, such as changes in the unemployment rate, gross domestic product growth rate or credit default rates. Concentrations of Credit Risks Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and receivables. We control our exposure to credit risk associated with these instruments by (i) placing cash and cash equivalents with several major financial institutions; (ii) holding high-quality financial instruments; and (iii) maintaining strict policies over credit extension that include credit evaluations, credit limits and monitoring procedures. In addition, our overall credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited to some extent because our customer base is composed of a large number of geographically diverse customers. Inventories Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value can be influenced by current anticipated demand. If actual demand is lower than our estimates, additional reductions to inventory carrying value would be necessary in the period such determination is made. The cost of our inventory is determined differently based on the category of inventory; (i) aftermarket and refurbished products, (ii) salvage and remanufactured products, and (iii) manufactured products. An aftermarket product is a new vehicle product manufactured by a company other than the original equipment manufacturer. For aftermarket products, cost is established based on the average price paid for parts. Inventory cost for aftermarket products includes expenses incurred for freight in and overhead costs; for items purchased from foreign companies, import fees and duties and transportation insurance are also included. Refurbished products are parts that require cosmetic repairs, such as wheels, bumper covers and lights; we will apply new parts, products or materials to these parts to produce the finished product. Refurbished inventory cost is based upon the average price we pay for cores, which are recycled automotive parts that are not suitable for sale as a replacement part without further processing. The cost of refurbished inventory also includes expenses incurred for freight in, labor and other overhead costs. A salvage product is a recycled vehicle part suitable for sale as a replacement part. Salvage product cost is established based upon the price we pay for a vehicle, including auction, storage and towing fees, as well as expenditures for buying and dismantling the vehicle. Inventory carrying value is determined using the average cost to sales percentage at each of our facilities and applying that percentage to the facility's inventory at expected selling prices, the assessment of which incorporates the sales probability based on a part's number of days in stock and historical demand. The average cost to sales percentage is derived from each facility's historical profitability for salvage vehicles. Remanufactured products are used parts that have been inspected, rebuilt, or reconditioned to restore functionality and performance, such as remanufactured engines and transmissions. Remanufactured inventory cost is based upon the price paid for cores and expenses incurred for freight in, direct manufacturing costs and other overhead costs. A manufactured product is a new vehicle product. Manufactured product inventory can be a raw material, work-in-process or finished good. Manufactured product cost is established using the first-in first-out method. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or, in the case of leasehold improvements, the term of the related lease and reasonably assured renewal periods, if shorter. Depreciation expense associated with refurbishing, remanufacturing, manufacturing and furnace operations as well as distribution centers are recorded in Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Depreciation expense resulting from restructuring programs is recorded in Restructuring and transaction related expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. All other depreciation expense is reported in Depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Expenditures for major additions and improvements that extend the useful life of the related asset are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are recorded as incurred to SG&A expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As property, plant and equipment are sold or retired, the applicable cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss thereon is recognized. Construction in progress consists primarily of building and land improvements at our existing facilities. Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill (the cost of purchased businesses in excess of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired) and other specifically identifiable intangible assets, such as trade names, trademarks, customer and supplier relationships, software and other technology related assets, and covenants not to compete. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually. We performed annual impairment tests during the fourth quarters of 2023, 2022 and 2021. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing may also be performed on an interim basis when events or circumstances arise that may lead to impairment. The fair value estimates of our goodwill reporting units were established using weightings of the results of a discounted cash flow methodology and a comparative market multiples approach. Based on the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test performed in the fourth quarter of 2023, we determined no impairment existed. The goodwill reporting units had a fair value estimate which exceeded the carrying value by at least 20%. Leases We determine if an arrangement is a lease at contract inception with lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities being recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. In determining the present value of future lease payments, we use the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date when the implicit rate is not readily determinable. We determine the incremental borrowing rate by analyzing yield curves with consideration of lease term, country and Company specific factors. In assessing the ROU asset, we include any lease prepayments and exclude lease incentives. We account for the lease and non-lease components of a contract as a single lease component and for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, we have elected to not record an ROU asset and lease liability. In assessing the lease term, we include options to renew only when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. For certain lease agreements, rental payments are adjusted periodically for inflation. Typically, these adjustments are considered variable lease costs. Other variable lease costs consist of certain non-lease components that are disclosed as lease costs due to our election of the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components and include items such as variable payments for utilities, property taxes, common area maintenance, sales taxes, and insurance. Net Assets Held for Sale We record the net assets of held for sale businesses at the lower of fair value less cost to sell or carrying value. Fair values are based on projected discounted cash flows and/or estimated selling prices. Management's assumptions for the discounted cash flow analyses of the businesses are based on projected revenues and profits, tax rates, capital expenditures, working capital requirements and discount rates. For businesses for which we utilized estimated selling prices to calculate the fair value, the inputs to the estimates included projected market multiples and any reasonable offers. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, it is possible that actual results could differ from the estimates used in management's analysis. The inputs utilized in the fair value estimates are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the net assets were measured on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, assets and liabilities held for sale were insignificant. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an insignificant amount of impairment on our net assets held for sale. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If such review indicates that the carrying amount of long-lived assets is not recoverable, the carrying amount of such assets is reduced to fair value. There were no material impairments to the carrying value of long-lived assets during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021. Equity Method Investments We account for our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting, as our investments give us the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Under the equity method of accounting, the initial investment is recorded at cost and the investment is subsequently adjusted for its proportionate share of earnings or losses and dividends, including consideration of basis differences resulting from the difference between the initial carrying amount of the investment and the underlying equity in net assets, as applicable. Warranty Reserve Assurance-type warranties are not considered a separate performance obligation, and thus no transaction price is allocated to them. Our warranty reserve is calculated using historical claim information to project future warranty claims activity and is recorded within Other accrued expenses and Other noncurrent liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the expected timing of the related payments. We record warranty costs in Cost of goods sold in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Self-Insurance Reserves We self-insure a portion of our employee medical benefits under the terms of our employee health insurance program. We purchase certain stop-loss insurance to limit our liability exposure. We also self-insure a portion of our property and casualty risk, which includes automobile liability, general liability, directors and officers liability, workers' compensation, and property coverage, under deductible insurance programs. The insurance premium costs are expensed over the contract periods. A reserve for liabilities associated with these losses is established for claims filed and claims incurred but not yet reported based upon our estimate of the ultimate cost, which is calculated using an analysis of historical data. We monitor new claim and claim developments as well as trends related to the claims incurred but not reported in order to assess the adequacy of our insurance reserves. The current portion of total self-insurance reserves is recorded in Other accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with the noncurrent portion is recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, which reflects management's estimates of when claims will be paid. Litigation and Related Contingencies We have certain contingencies resulting from litigation, claims and other commitments and are subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations incident to the ordinary course of business. We currently expect that the resolution of such contingencies will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Treasury Stock We record common stock purchased for treasury stock at cost. The excise tax on share repurchases initiated on and after January 1, 2023 is included in the cost basis of treasury stock. See Note 24, "Income Taxes" for additional information related to the excise tax. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements During the first quarter of 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-04, "Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations" ("ASU 2022-04"), which requires the buyer in a supplier finance program to disclose certain information about its program, including key terms, balance sheet presentation of amounts, outstanding amounts at the end of each period, and rollforwards of balances. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2022-04 on a retrospective basis (see Note 18, "Supply Chain Financing"), except for the disclosure of rollforward information, which will be adopted prospectively in 2024 as required. The adoption of ASU 2022-04 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-07"). The ASU expands public entities' segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. The ASU is effective on a retrospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09"). The ASU requires disclosure of disaggregated income taxes paid, prescribes standard categories for the components of the effective tax rate reconciliation, and modifies other income tax-related disclosures. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and requires prospective application with the option to apply it retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our Consolidated Financial Statements. |