| Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation | Nature of Operations Quanex Building Products Corporation is a component supplier to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the building products industry. These components can be categorized as window and door (fenestration) components and kitchen and bath cabinet components. Examples of fenestration components include: (1) energy-efficient flexible insulating glass spacers, (2) extruded vinyl profiles, (3) window and door screens, and (4) precision-formed metal and wood products. We also manufacture cabinet doors and other components for OEMs in the kitchen and bathroom cabinet industry. In addition, we provide certain other non-fenestration components and products, which include solar panel sealants, trim moldings, vinyl decking, fencing, water retention barriers, and conservatory roof components. We have organized our business into three reportable business segments: (1) North American Fenestration (NA Fenestration), (2) European Fenestration (EU Fenestration) and (3) North American Cabinet Components (NA Cabinet Components). For additional discussion of our reportable business segments, see Note 17 , " Segment Information ." We use low-cost production processes and engineering expertise to provide our customers with specialized products for their specific window, door, and cabinet applications. We believe these capabilities provide us with unique competitive advantages. We serve a primary customer base in North America and the United Kingdom (U.K.), and also serve customers in international markets through our operating plants in the U.K. and Germany, as well as through sales and marketing efforts in other countries. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to "Quanex", the "Company", "we", "us" and "our" refer to the consolidated business operations of Quanex Building Products Corporation and its subsidiaries. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). We consolidate our wholly-owned subsidiaries and eliminate intercompany sales and transactions. We have no cost or equity investments in companies that are not wholly-owned. In our opinion, these audited financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements, we make informed judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We review our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to impairment of long lived assets and goodwill, pension and retirement liabilities, contingencies and income taxes. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and actual results may differ from these estimates. During the year ended October 31, 2017 , we recorded a change in estimate related to certain assets involved in restructuring activities, as more fully described under the caption "Restructuring." A summary of our significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows: Revenue from Contracts with Customers On November 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606) using the modified retrospective method and applying ASC Topic 606 to all revenue contracts with customers. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after November 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606. In accordance with the modified retrospective approach, prior period amounts were not adjusted and are reported under ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” As a result of adoption, there was not a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We expect the impact of the adoption of ASC Topic 606 to continue to be immaterial to our net income on an ongoing basis. Revenue recognition The core principle of ASC Topic 606 is to recognize revenue that reflects the consideration we expect to receive for product sales when the promised items are transferred to customers. Revenue for product sales is recognized when control of the promised products is transferred to our customers, and we expect to be entitled to consideration in exchange for transferring those products. We account for a contract when a customer provides us with a firm purchase order that identifies the products to be provided, the payment terms for those services, and when collectability of the consideration due is probable. Performance obligations A performance obligation is a promise to provide the customer with a good or service. Our performance obligations include product sales, with each product included in a customer contract being recognized as a separate performance obligation. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the standalone selling price of each product is generally readily observable. Revenue from product sales is recognized at a point in time when the product is transferred to the customer, in accordance with the shipping terms, which is generally upon shipment. We estimate a provision for sales returns and warranty allowances to account for product returns related to general returns and product nonconformance. Pricing and sales incentives Pricing is established at or prior to the time of sale with our customers and we record sales at the agreed-upon net selling price, reflective of current and prospective discounts. Practical expedients and exemptions We generally expense incremental costs of obtaining a contract when incurred because the amortization period would be less than one year. Additionally, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less. Shipping and handling costs We have elected to account for shipping and handling services as fulfillment services in accordance ASC Topic 606 guidance; accordingly, freight revenue will be combined with the product deliverable rather than being accounted for as a distinct performance obligation within the terms of the agreement. Shipping and handling costs incurred by us for the delivery of goods to customers are considered a cost to fulfill the contract and are included in Cost of sales in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Contract assets and liabilities Deferred revenue, which is not significant, is recorded when we have remaining unsatisfied performance obligations for which we have received consideration. Disaggregation of revenue We produce a wide variety of products that are used in the fenestration industry, including insulating glass spacer systems; extruded vinyl products; metal fabricated products; and astragals, thresholds and screens. In addition, we produce certain non-fenestration products, including kitchen and bath cabinet doors and components, flooring and trim moldings, solar edge tape, plastic decking, fencing, water retention barriers, conservatory roof components, and other products. The following table summarizes our product sales for the three years ended October 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 into groupings by segment which we believe depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenues and cash flows are affected by economic factors. For further details regarding our results by segment, refer to Note 17 , “ Segment Information ”. Year Ended October 31, 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) NA Fenestration: United States - fenestration $ 439,536 $ 412,000 $ 399,694 International - fenestration 31,106 39,309 34,279 United States - non-fenestration 17,061 18,211 25,263 International - non-fenestration 16,134 15,846 15,642 $ 503,837 $ 485,366 $ 474,878 EU Fenestration: United States - fenestration $ — $ — $ 303 International - fenestration 139,638 135,415 129,140 International - non-fenestration 25,359 24,558 18,520 $ 164,997 $ 159,973 $ 147,963 NA Cabinet Components: United States - fenestration $ 13,144 $ 14,596 $ 17,083 United States - non-fenestration 214,211 232,990 229,550 International - non-fenestration 2,289 2,227 2,175 $ 229,644 $ 249,813 $ 248,808 Unallocated Corporate & Other: Eliminations $ (4,637 ) $ (5,367 ) $ (5,094 ) $ (4,637 ) $ (5,367 ) $ (5,094 ) Net sales $ 893,841 $ 889,785 $ 866,555 Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Such securities with an original maturity which exceeds three months are deemed to be short-term investments. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at several financial institutions, which at times may not be federally insured or may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on such accounts. Concentration of Credit Risk and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Certain of our businesses or product lines are largely dependent on a relatively few large customers. Although we believe we have an extensive customer base, the loss of one of these large customers or if such customers were to incur a prolonged period of decline in business, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. For the years ended October 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , no customers provided more than 10% of our consolidated net sales. We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts to estimate the risk of loss associated with our accounts receivable balances. Our policy for determining the allowance is based on factors that affect collectability, including: (a) historical trends of write-offs, recoveries and credit losses; (b) the credit quality of our customers; and (c) projected economic and market conditions. We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb any known or probable losses as of October 31, 2019 . Business Combinations We apply the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make use of estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price paid for acquisitions to the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. We account for contingent assets and liabilities at fair value on the acquisition date, and record changes to fair value associated with these assets and liabilities as a period cost as incurred. We use established valuation techniques and engage reputable valuation specialists to assist us with these valuations. Inventory We record inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories are valued using the first-in first-out (FIFO) method. Fixed costs related to excess manufacturing capacity are evaluated and expensed in the period, to insure that inventory is properly capitalized. Inventory quantities are regularly reviewed and provisions for excess or obsolete inventory are recorded primarily based on our forecast of future demand and our estimates regarding current and future market conditions. Significant unanticipated variances to our forecasts could require a change in the provision for excess or obsolete inventory, resulting in a charge to net income during the period of the change. During the year ended October 31, 2019, we changed the method of inventory costing for certain inventory in two plants located in our NA Fenestration reportable business segment to the first-in first-out (FIFO) method from the last-in first-out method. We utilize the FIFO method to determine costs at all of our other operating locations. We believe that the FIFO method is preferable as it provides uniformity of inventory valuation across our global operations, aligns with how we internally manage inventory, and provides better matching of revenues and expenses. The impact of this change in accounting principle on the financial statements for each period presented is further explained in Note 3 , “ Inventories .” Long-Lived Assets Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets with Defined Lives We make judgments and estimates related to the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets with defined lives, and long-lived assets, which include determining when to capitalize costs, the depreciation and amortization methods to use and the useful lives of these assets. We evaluate these assets for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying values of these assets might not be recoverable. Such indicators of impairment may include changes in technology, significant market fluctuations, historical losses or loss of a significant customer, or other changes in circumstance that could affect the assets’ ability to generate future cash flows. When we evaluate these assets for impairment, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, and there is no alternative use for the asset, we determine that the asset is impaired. To measure the impairment charge, we compare the carrying amount of the long-lived asset to its fair value, as determined by quoted market prices in active markets, if available, or by discounting the projected future cash flows using our incremental borrowing rate. This calculation of fair value requires us to develop and employ long-term forecasts of future operating results related to these assets. These forecasts are based on assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Future events and unanticipated changes to these assumptions could require a provision for impairment, resulting in a charge to net income during the period of the change. We monitor relevant circumstances, including industry trends, general economic conditions, and the potential impact that such circumstances might have on the valuation of our identifiable intangible assets with finite lives. Events and changes in circumstance that may cause a triggering event and necessitate such a review include, but are not limited to: a decrease in sales for certain customers, improvements or changes in technology, and/or a decision to discontinue the use of a trademark or trade name, or allow a patent to lapse. Such events could negatively impact the fair value of our identifiable intangible assets. In such circumstances, we may evaluate the underlying assumptions and estimates made by us in order to assess the appropriate valuation of these identifiable intangible assets and compare to the carrying value of the assets. We may be required to write down these identifiable intangible assets and record a non-cash impairment charge. When we originally value our intangible assets, we use a variety of techniques to establish the carrying value of the assets, including the relief from royalty method, excess current year earnings method and income method. Changes in market conditions throughout 2019 and 2017 impacted our long-term forecasts of future operating results with regard to the reduction of significant sales volume to a large customer of our United States (U.S.) vinyl operations, and lower-than-expected operating performance of our North American Cabinet Components business. We determined that these conditions were indicators of triggering events which necessitated an evaluation of certain long-term assets utilized in these businesses for potential impairment. We compared the projected undiscounted cash flows we expected to realize associated with these assets over the remaining useful lives of the primary operating assets to the net book value of the long-term assets, including goodwill, and determined that these assets were not impaired. Therefore, we did not record an impairment charge related to property, plant and equipment or intangible assets with defined lives during the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2017. There were no indicators of triggering events noted for the year ended October 31, 2018. Software development costs, including costs incurred to purchase third-party software, are capitalized when we have determined that the technology is capable of meeting our performance requirements, and we have authorized funding for the project. We cease capitalization of software costs when the software is substantially complete and is ready for its intended use. The software is then amortized over its estimated useful life. When events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of internal use software might not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the asset’s use, consistent with the methodology to test other property, plant and equipment for impairment. Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We capitalize betterments which extend the useful lives or significantly improve the operational efficiency of assets. We expense repair and maintenance costs as incurred. The estimated useful lives of our primary asset categories at October 31, 2019 were as follows: Useful Life (in Years) Land improvements 7 to 25 Buildings 25 to 40 Building improvements 5 to 20 Machinery and equipment 2 to 15 Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease. Goodwill We use the acquisition method to account for business combinations and, to the extent that the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, we record goodwill. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we are required to evaluate our goodwill at least annually. We perform our annual goodwill assessment as of August 31, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The first step in our annual goodwill assessment is to perform the optional qualitative assessment allowed by ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (ASC 350). In our qualitative assessment, we evaluate relevant events or circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, ASC 350 requires us to compare the fair value of such reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we use multiple valuation techniques including a discounted cash flow analysis, using the applicable weighted average cost of capital, in combination with a market approach that utilizes market multiples and a selection of guideline public companies. This test requires us to make assumptions about the future growth of our business and the market in general, as well as other variables such as the level of investment in capital expenditure, growth in working capital requirements and the terminal or residual value of our reporting units beyond the periods of estimated annual cash flows. We use a third-party valuation firm to assist us with this analysis. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no action is required. Otherwise, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of the reporting unit including goodwill exceeds the fair value of that reporting unit. We believe the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment assessment are reasonable based on available market information, but variations in any of the assumptions could result in materially different calculations of fair value and determinations of whether or not an impairment is indicated during current or future periods. During the second quarter of 2019, our reporting unit included in our NA Cabinet Components segment experienced financial performance for the year to date period ended March 31, 2019 that was below our budget. As a result, we developed a new long-range forecast for this reporting unit that was below its previous long-range forecast as a result of an industry-wide shift from semi-custom cabinets to stock cabinets. We determined that the combination of i) actual financial results below planned performance, ii) a downward revision of the long-range forecast, and iii) the historical narrow margin of fair value over carrying value in previous annual and interim goodwill assessments represented a triggering event that would more likely than not indicate that the carrying value of this reporting unit was greater than its fair value. Therefore, we performed a quantitative impairment test of the goodwill balance at March 31, 2019. The quantitative impairment test was conducted using multiple valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow analysis, which utilizes Level 3 fair value inputs, and resulted in an asset impairment charge of $30.0 million during the second quarter of 2019. At our annual testing date, August 31, 2019 , we had five reporting units with goodwill balances: two reporting units included in our NA Fenestration operating segment, two reporting units included in our EU Fenestration operating segment, and one reporting unit included in our NA Cabinet Components operating segment. We performed a qualitative assessment of the two reporting units in the NA Fenestration segment and the two reporting units in the EU Fenestration segment. This review included an analysis of historical goodwill test results, operating results relative to forecast, projected results over the next five years, and other measures and concluded that there were no indicators of potential impairment associated with these reporting units. Therefore, no additional testing was deemed necessary for the reporting units in the NA Fenestration segment and the EU Fenestration segment. Also, at our annual testing date, we performed a quantitative assessment of the reporting unit in our NA Cabinet Components segment primarily due to the recent impairment of goodwill during the second quarter of 2019 and the history of a narrow margin of fair value above carrying value in quantitative assessments performed in prior years. We determined that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5%. At that date, we concluded that no impairment was necessary. After the annual assessment date and prior to our fiscal year end of October 31, 2019, the reporting unit in our NA Cabinet Components segment was notified about a change in strategy at one of our large customers that may result in lower sales volumes in the future. In addition, we continued to experience lower-than-expected volumes as a result of the ongoing shift in demand from semi-custom cabinets to stock cabinets. Based on this information, we updated our long-range forecast for this reporting unit to reflect the expected volume declines. This revised long-range forecast was utilized to perform another quantitative impairment test of this reporting unit as of October 31, 2019, which resulted in an asset impairment charge of $44.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result of the quantitative assessments performed in the second and fourth quarters of 2019, we recorded impairment charges totaling $74.6 million during the year ended October 31, 2019, reducing the goodwill balance applicable to the reporting unit included in our NA Cabinet Components operating segment from $113.7 million to $39.1 million . Restructuring We accrue one-time severance costs pursuant to an approved plan of restructuring at the communication date, when affected employees have been notified of the potential severance and sufficient information has been provided for the employee to calculate severance benefits, in the event the employee is involuntarily terminated. In addition, we accrue costs associated with the termination of contractual commitments including operating leases at the time the lease is terminated pursuant to the lease provisions or in accordance with another agreement with the landlord. Otherwise, we continue to recognize operating lease expense through the cease-use date. After the cease-use date, we determine if our operating lease payments are at market. We assume sublet of the facility at the market rate. To the extent our lease obligations exceed the fair value rentals, we discount to arrive at the present value and record a liability. If the facility is not sublet, we expense the amount of the assumed sublet in the current period. For other costs directly related to the restructuring effort, such as equipment moving costs, we expense in the period incurred. In September 2017, we closed a kitchen and bathroom cabinet door plant in Lansing, Kansas. We expensed $4.6 million associated with our restructuring efforts for the year ended October 31, 2017, including cost of equipment moves, employee termination costs and severance, professional fees and operating lease costs. Our facility lease obligations were deemed to be at fair market value. We negotiated the exit of one of the vinyl facilities during September 2018, and the lease of the cabinet door plant expired during fiscal 2018. We incurred $0.4 million and $1.5 million of expenses related to operating leases costs during the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and we expect to incur costs related to the operating leases for the remaining vinyl facility during fiscal 2020 until we are able to sublet or otherwise exit the lease. In addition, we evaluated the remaining depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment that has been abandoned, displaced or otherwise disposed as a result of the plant closures. We recorded a change in estimate associated with the remaining useful lives of these assets which resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $4.3 million for the year ended October 31, 2017. Furthermore, we evaluated the remaining service lives of intangible assets with defined lives associated with our U.S. vinyl extrusion business and recorded a change in estimate associated with the remaining useful lives of a customer relationship intangible and a utility process intangible asset resulting in an increase in amortization expense of $1.9 million for the year ended October 31, 2017. We did not incur similar increases in depreciation or amortization expenses related to restructuring activities during the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018. Insurance We manage our exposure to losses for workers’ compensation, group medical, property, casualty and other insurance claims through a combination of self-insurance retentions and insurance coverage with third-party carriers. We record undiscounted liabilities associated with our portion of these exposures, which we estimate by considering various factors such as our historical claims experience, severity factors and estimated claims incurred but not reported, for which we have developed loss development factors, which are estimates as to how claims will develop over time until closed. While we consider a number of factors in preparing the estimates, sensitive assumptions using significant judgment are made in determining the amounts that are accrued in the financial statements. Actual claims could differ significantly from these estimated liabilities, depending on future claims experience. We do not record insurance recoveries until any contingencies relating to the claim have been resolved. Retirement Plans We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan and an unfunded postretirement plan that provides health care and life insurance benefits for a limited pool of eligible retirees and dependents. To measure our liabilities associated with these plans, we make assumptions related to future events, including expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, and healthcare cost trend rates. The discount rate reflects the rate at which benefits could be effectively settled on the measurement date. We determine our discount rate using a RATE: Link Model whereby target yields are developed from bonds across a range of maturity points, and a curve is fitted to those targets. Spot rates (zero coupon bond yields) are developed from the curve and used to discount benefit payments associated with each future year. Actual pension plan asset investment performance, as well as other economic experience such as discount rate and demographic experience, will either reduce or increase unamortized pension losses at the end of any fiscal year, which ultimately affects future pension costs. Warranty Obligations We accrue warranty obligations when we recognize revenue for certain products. Our provision for warranty obligations is based on historical costs incurred for such obligations and is adjusted, where appropriate, based on current conditions and factors. Our ability to estimate our warranty obligations is subject to significant uncertainties, including changes in product design and our overall product sales mix. Income Taxes We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. We evaluate the carrying value of the net deferred tax assets and determine whether we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets. We perform this review for recoverability on a jurisdictional basis, whereby we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence can be objectively verified. Cumulative losses in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against deferred tax assets. Thus, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. We recorded a net loss for the year ended October 31, 2019 and net income for the years ended October 31, 2018 and 2017. We have recorded pre-tax cumulative income from operations of $43.2 million for the three-year period ended October 31, 2019 . We believe we will fully realize our deferred tax assets, net of a recorded valuation allowance. We project future taxable income using the same forecasts used to test long-lived assets and intangibles for impairment, scheduling out the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and reviewing our most recent financial operations. In the event the estimates and assumptions indicate we will not generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, we record a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax assets. We evaluate our on-going tax positions to determine if it is more-likely-than-not we will be successful in defending such positions if challenged by taxing authorities. To the extent that our tax positions do not meet the more-likely-than-not criteria, we record a liability for uncertain tax positions. We have recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions which stem from certain state tax items related to the interpretation of tax laws and regulations. We continue to evaluate our positions regarding various state tax interpretations at each reporting date, until the applicable statute of limitations lapse. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law. The Act reduced our federal income tax statutory rate from 35.0% to 21.0% and 23.3% for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We have re-measured our deferred income tax assets and liabilities and have recorded tax expense for the one-time mandatory transition tax on deemed repatriation of previously tax-deferred and unremitted foreign earnings. For further details of the impact of the Act, see Note 10 , " Income Taxes ." Derivative Instruments We have historically used financial and commodity-based derivative contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and aluminum prices. All derivatives are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the methodology and classifications are discussed further in Note 13, "Derivative Ins |
