3. Significant Accounting Policies
We applied the following significant accounting policies in preparing the Combined Financial Statements:
Accounts receivable. Accounts receivable are recorded net of an allowance for expected credit losses (allowance for doubtful accounts). We determine the allowance using information such as customer credit history and financial condition, historical loss experience, and macroeconomic factors. We write off account balances against the allowance when we have exhausted our collection efforts. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $71 at April 30, 2023.
As of April 30, 2023, our two largest customers accounted for 37% and 21% of total accounts receivable. We have not experienced credit issues with these customers.
Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Inventory costs include costs incurred in the production of wine, including vineyard and related farming costs. Inventory costs also include warehousing, insurance, and ad valorem taxes applicable to inventories. We classify bulk wine as work in process.
Because we age most of our wines in barrels for periods in excess of one year, we bottle and sell only a portion of our inventory each year. However, consistent with industry practice, we classify all inventory as a current asset.
Property, plant, and equipment. We state property, plant, and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis using our estimates of useful life, which are: 7–20 years for land improvements; 10–40 years for buildings and improvements; 3–7 years for barrels; 10–30 years for vines; and 3–20 years for machinery and equipment.
The Company’s classification of barrels as a component of property, plant, and equipment differs from the Parent’s classification of barrels as a component of inventory. We believe this classification by the Company is preferable, as we believe it is the prevalent practice in the wine industry within which the Company’s entire business operates. This change in classification had no material effect on the Company’s reported results of operations or cash flows.
We assess our property, plant, and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. When we do not expect to recover the carrying value of an asset (or asset group) through undiscounted future cash flows, we write it down to its estimated fair value. We determine fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows, considering market values for similar assets when available.
When we retire or dispose of property, plant, and equipment, we remove its cost and accumulated depreciation from our balance sheet and reflect any gain or loss in operating income. We expense the costs of repairing and maintaining our property, plant, and equipment as we incur them.
Goodwill. When we acquire a business, we first allocate the purchase price to identifiable assets and liabilities, based on estimated fair value. We then record any remaining purchase price as goodwill. We do not amortize goodwill.
We assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Goodwill is impaired when its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value using discounted estimated future cash flows or market information. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value, including the selection of assumptions about future cash flows and discount rates. The Company’s goodwill reflects the historical acquisition-specific goodwill related to Brown-Forman’s acquisition of a majority interest in Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Inc., in 1999 and remaining interests in 2000 and 2001. None of our goodwill has been previously impaired or determined to be impaired as of April 30, 2023.
Net Parent Investment. Net Parent Investment represents Brown-Forman’s historical investment in the Company, the Company’s accumulated net income, and the net effect of transactions with and allocations from Brown-Forman.
Revenue recognition. Our net sales predominantly reflect sales of bottled wine products. We sell these products under contracts with different types of customers, depending on the market. The customer is most often a distributor, wholesaler, or retailer.
Each contract typically includes a single performance obligation to transfer control of the products to the customer. Depending on the contract, control is transferred when the products are either shipped or delivered to the customer, at which point we recognize the transaction price for those products as net sales. The transaction price recognized at that point reflects our estimate of the consideration to be received in exchange for the products. The actual amount may ultimately differ due to the effect of various customer incentives and trade promotion activities. In making our estimates, we consider our historical experience and current expectations, as applicable. Subsequent adjustments recognized for changes in estimated transaction prices are typically not material.
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