Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

May 31, 2023

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE A — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1) Consolidation, Noncontrolling Interests and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and the instructions to Form 10-K. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included for the periods ended May 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income has been condensed and our disclosure in Note K, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” has correspondingly been expanded. As a result, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.

Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned subsidiaries. We account for our investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures, for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, under the equity method. Effects of transactions between related companies are eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling interests are presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements as if parent company investors (controlling interests) and other minority investors (noncontrolling interests) in partially owned subsidiaries have similar economic interests in a single entity. As a result, investments in noncontrolling interests are reported as equity in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, our Consolidated Financial Statements include 100% of a controlled subsidiary’s earnings, rather than only our share. Transactions between the parent company and noncontrolling interests are reported in equity as transactions between stockholders, provided that these transactions do not create a change in control.

Our business is dependent on external weather factors. Historically, we have experienced strong sales and net income in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters comprising the three-month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, with weaker performance in our third fiscal quarter (December through February).

2) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3) Acquisitions/Divestitures

We account for business combinations and asset acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entities are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023, we completed a total of six acquisitions across our four reportable segments. Most notably, within our Consumer reportable segment, we acquired a distributor of branded chalk paints, primarily targeting the upscale décor market in the U.K. and Ireland.

In addition, on January 20, 2023, we completed the divestiture of our Guardian business for proceeds of approximately $49.2 million, net of cash disposed. The transaction also includes a future contingent cash receipt of up to an additional $7.5 million which may be recognized upon achievement of certain financial goals. In connection with the divestiture, we recognized a gain of $24.7 million during fiscal 2023, which is included in (gain) on sales of assets and business, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Guardian, headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, was a reporting unit included in our SPG segment and is a seller of furniture protection plans and protection products for fabric, leather, and wood applications. The sale of Guardian does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results and therefore is not presented as discontinued operations.

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2022, we completed a total of eight acquisitions in three of our four reportable segments. Most notably, within our CPG reportable segment, we acquired a chemical manufacturing facility located in Corsicana, Texas. The facility is being repurposed to act as a manufacturing campus for a number of RPM's operating companies. Also within our CPG reportable segment, we acquired a provider of indoor air quality solutions headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. We also completed several other acquisitions within our CPG, SPG and PCG reportable segments. No divestitures were completed during fiscal 2022.

The purchase price for each acquisition has been allocated to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition. We have finalized the purchase price allocation for our fiscal 2022 acquisitions. For acquisitions completed during fiscal 2023, the valuations of consideration transferred, total assets acquired, and liabilities assumed are substantially complete. The primary areas that remain open relate to working capital adjustments. Acquisitions are aggregated by year of purchase in the following table:


	Fiscal 2023 Acquisitions					Fiscal 2022 Acquisitions
(In thousands)	Weighted-Average Intangible Asset Amortization Life (In Years)	Total				Weighted-Average Intangible Asset Amortization Life (In Years)	Total
Current assets		$	17,508				$	9,604
Property, plant and equipment			3,605					71,658
Goodwill	N/A		25,407			N/A		30,747
Trade names - indefinite lives	N/A		3,168			N/A		1,050
Other intangible assets	10		14,965			13		21,010
Other long-term assets			1,647					2,316
Total Assets Acquired		$	66,300				$	136,385
Liabilities assumed			(12,287	)				(7,159	)
Net Assets Acquired		$	54,013		(1)		$	129,226		(2)

(1)

Figure includes cash acquired of $6.5 million.

(2)

Figure includes cash acquired of $1.8 million.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of operations of acquired businesses as of their respective dates of acquisition. Pro-forma results of operations for the years ended May 31, 2023 and 2022 were not materially different from reported results and, consequently, are not presented.

4) Foreign Currency

The functional currency for each of our foreign subsidiaries is its principal operating currency. Accordingly, for the periods presented, assets and liabilities have been translated using exchange rates at year end, while income and expense for the periods have been translated using a weighted-average exchange rate.

The resulting translation adjustments have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity, and will be included in net earnings only upon the sale or liquidation of the underlying foreign investment, neither of which is contemplated at this time. Transaction losses increased during the current fiscal year due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, resulting in net transactional losses of approximately $8.9 million. This compared to more moderate net transactional foreign exchange losses in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 of approximately $4.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively as a result of more modest fluctuations in the strength of the U.S. dollar.

5) Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.

6) Property, Plant & Equipment


May 31,	2023		2022
(In thousands)
Land	$	92,954	$	88,137
Buildings and leasehold improvements		552,775		519,391
Machinery and equipment		1,687,187		1,525,387
Total property, plant and equipment, at cost		2,332,916		2,132,915
Less: allowance for depreciation and amortization		1,093,440		1,028,932
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,239,476	$	1,103,983

We review long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, an impairment charge is recognized when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets are less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows, internal appraisals or external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the following ranges of useful lives:


Buildings and leasehold improvements		1 to 50 years
Machinery and equipment		1 to 36 years

Total depreciation expense for each fiscal period includes the charges to income that result from the amortization of assets recorded under finance leases. For the periods ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded depreciation expense of $108.4 million, $104.3 million, and $99.4 million, respectively.

7) Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. The majority of our revenue is recognized at a point in time. However, we also record revenues generated under construction contracts, mainly in connection with the installation of specialized roofing and flooring systems and related services. For certain polymer flooring installation projects, we account for our revenue using the output method, as we consider square footage of completed flooring to be the best measure of progress toward the complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. In contrast, for certain of our roofing installation projects, we account for our revenue using the input method, as that method is the best measure of performance as it considers costs incurred in relation to total expected project costs, which essentially represents the transfer of control for roofing systems to the customer. In general, for our construction contracts, we record contract revenues and related costs as our contracts progress on an over-time model.

8) Shipping Costs

We identify shipping and handling costs as costs paid to third-party shippers for transporting products to customers, and we include these costs in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

9) Allowance for Credit Losses

Our primary allowance for credit losses is the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts reduces the trade accounts receivable balance to the estimated net realizable value equal to the amount that is expected to be collected. The allowance is established using assessments of current creditworthiness of customers, historical collection experience, the aging of receivables and other currently available evidence. Trade accounts receivable balances are written-off against the allowance if a final determination of uncollectibility is made. All provisions for allowances for doubtful collection of accounts are included in SG&A expenses. Actual collections of trade receivables could differ from our estimates due to changes in future economic or industry conditions or specific customer’s financial conditions.

For the periods ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, bad debt expense approximated $13.6 million, $4.3 million and $10.0 million, respectively.

10) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and net realizable value being determined on the basis of replacement cost. Inventory costs include raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We review the net realizable value of our inventory in detail on an on-going basis, with consideration given to various factors, which include our estimated reserves for excess, obsolete, slow-moving or distressed inventories. If actual market conditions differ from our projections, and our estimates prove to be inaccurate, write-downs of inventory values and adjustments to cost of sales may be required. Historically, our inventory reserves have approximated actual experience.

During fiscal 2023, we recorded $7.6 million of inventory charges within our SPG Segment related to product line and SKU rationalization and related obsolete inventory identification.

Inventories were composed of the following major classes:


May 31,	2023		2022
(In thousands)
Raw materials and supplies	$	451,504	$	560,886
Finished goods		683,992		651,732
Total Inventory	$	1,135,496	$	1,212,618

11) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350 and account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the entities acquired are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination as of the acquisition date. Once goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units, it no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition and becomes identified with the reporting unit in its entirety. Accordingly, the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole is available to support the recoverability of its goodwill. We evaluate our reporting units when changes in our operating structure occur, and if necessary, reassign goodwill using a relative fair value allocation approach.

We test our goodwill balances at least annually, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, at the reporting unit level. Our annual impairment assessment date has been designated as the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. Our reporting units have been identified at the component level, which is one level below our operating segments.

We follow the FASB guidance found in ASC 350 that simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.

We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill. We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative process is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. However, we have an unconditional option to bypass a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative analysis. We applied the quantitative process during our annual goodwill impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.

In applying the quantitative test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying value, then impairment of the reporting unit exists. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires our use of estimates and assumptions. We use significant judgment in determining the most appropriate method to establish the fair value of a reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit by employing various valuation techniques, depending on the availability and reliability of comparable market value indicators, and employ methods and assumptions that include the application of third-party market value indicators and the computation of discounted future cash flows determined from estimated cashflow adjustments to a reporting unit’s annual projected EBITDA, or adjusted EBITDA, which adjusts for one-off items impacting revenues and/or expenses that are not considered by management to be indicative of ongoing operations. Our fair value estimations may include a combination of value indications from both the market and income approaches, as the income approach considers the future cash flows from a reporting unit’s ongoing operations as a going concern, while the market approach considers the current financial environment in establishing fair value.

In applying the market approach, we use market multiples derived from a set of similar companies. In applying the income approach, we evaluate discounted future cash flows determined from estimated cashflow adjustments to a reporting unit’s projected EBITDA. Under this approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. In applying the discounted cash flow methodology utilized in the income approach, we rely on a number of factors, including future business plans, actual and forecasted operating results, and market data. The significant assumptions employed under this method include discount rates; revenue growth rates, including assumed terminal growth rates; and operating margins used to project future cash flows for a reporting unit. The discount rates utilized reflect market-based estimates of capital costs and discount rates adjusted for management’s assessment of a market participant’s view with respect to other risks associated with the projected cash flows of the individual reporting unit. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. We believe we incorporate ample sensitivity ranges into our analysis of goodwill impairment testing for a reporting unit, such that actual experience would need to be materially out of the range of expected assumptions in order for an impairment to remain undetected.

Conclusion on Annual Goodwill Impairment Tests

As a result of the annual impairment assessments performed for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, there were no goodwill impairments.

Impairment Charge Recorded in the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023

Although no impairment charge was recorded during these periods related to the annual impairment test, we did record a goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2023. As previously reported, we announced our MAP 2025 operational improvement initiative in August 2022. Due to the challenged macroeconomic environment we evaluated certain business restructuring actions, specifically our go to market strategy for operating in Europe. During the third quarter ended February 28, 2023, due to declining profitability and regulatory headwinds, management decided to restructure the USL reporting unit within our PCG segment, and is correspondingly exploring

strategic alternatives for our infrastructure services business within the U.K., which represents approximately 30% of annual revenues of the reporting unit.

Due to this decision, we determined that an interim goodwill impairment assessment was required, as well as an impairment assessment for our other long-lived assets. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment loss totaling $36.7 million for the impairment of goodwill in our USL reporting unit during fiscal 2023. Refer to Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on this goodwill impairment charge.

Changes in the Composition of Reporting Units in the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2023

Subsequent to our annual impairment assessment, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and in connection with our MAP 2025 initiative, the Viapol business within our CPG segment was realigned from our Sealants reporting unit to our Euclid reporting unit. We performed an interim goodwill impairment assessment for both of the impacted reporting units using a quantitative assessment. Based on this assessment, we concluded that the estimated fair values exceeded the carrying values for these reporting units, and accordingly, no goodwill impairment was identified as a result of this realignment.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Additionally, we test all indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually during our fiscal fourth quarter. We follow the guidance provided by ASC 350 that simplifies how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before applying traditional quantitative tests. We applied quantitative processes during our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.

The annual impairment assessment involves estimating the fair value of each indefinite-lived asset and comparing it with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference. Calculating the fair value of the indefinite-lived assets requires our significant use of estimates and assumptions. We estimate the fair values of our intangible assets by applying a relief-from-royalty calculation, which includes discounted future cash flows related to each of our intangible asset’s projected revenues. In applying this methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted revenues and market data.

Our required annual impairment test of our indefinite-lived intangible assets performed during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 did not result in an impairment charge.

Although no impairment losses were recorded during these periods related to the annual impairment test, we did record an intangible asset impairment charge in fiscal 2023. In connection with MAP 2025 and related to the goodwill impairment charge noted above, we determined that an interim impairment assessment for our other long-lived assets was required following management's decision to restructure the USL reporting unit within our PCG segment. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment loss totaling $2.5 million for the impairment of an indefinite-lived tradename in our USL reporting unit during fiscal 2023. We did not record any impairments for our definite-lived long-lived assets as a result of this assessment. Refer to Note C, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

In accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 360, "Property, Plant, and Equipment," we assess identifiable, amortizable intangibles assets for impairment whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate the possibility that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable over their estimated remaining useful lives. Factors considered important in our assessment, which might trigger an impairment evaluation, include the following:

•

significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;

•

significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets;

•

significant changes in the strategy for our overall business; and

•

significant negative industry or economic trends.

Measuring a potential impairment of amortizable intangibles assets requires the use of various estimates and assumptions, including the determination of which cash flows are directly related to the assets being evaluated, the respective useful lives over which those cash flows will occur and potential residual values, if any. If we determine that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above-described indicators or other factors, any impairment amounts would be measured based on the projected net cash flows expected from these assets, including any net cash flows related to eventual disposition activities. The determination of any impairment losses would be based on the best information available, including internal estimates of discounted cash flows; market participant assumptions; quoted market prices, when available; and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair values. Cash flow estimates would be based on our historical experience and our internal business plans, with appropriate discount rates applied.

We did not record any impairment charges related to our definite-lived intangible assets during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.

12) Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are charged to operations when incurred and are included in SG&A expenses. For the years ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, advertising costs were $62.0 million, $45.4 million and $61.1 million, respectively.

13) Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to operations when incurred and are included in SG&A expenses. The amounts charged to expense for the years ended May 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $86.6 million, $80.5 million and $77.6 million, respectively.

14) Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to our associates and directors, which may include restricted stock and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). We measure stock-based compensation cost at the date of grant, based on the estimated fair value of the award. We recognize the cost as expense on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the related vesting period. Refer to Note J, “Stock-Based Compensation,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

15) Investment (Income) Expense, Net

Investment (income) expense, net, consists of the following components:


Year Ended May 31,	2023			2022			2021
(In thousands)
Interest (income)	$	(9,250	)	$	(4,435	)	$	(3,555	)
Net loss (gain) on marketable securities		2,086			17,706			(38,774	)
Dividend (income)		(2,584	)		(5,676	)		(2,121	)
Investment (income) expense, net	$	(9,748	)	$	7,595		$	(44,450	)

Net Loss (Gain) on Marketable Securities


Year Ended May 31,	2023			2022			2021
(In thousands)
Unrealized losses (gains) on marketable equity securities	$	2,667		$	19,164		$	(16,133	)
Realized (gains) on marketable equity securities		(551	)		(1,488	)		(22,680	)
Realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale debt securities		(30	)		30			39
Net loss (gain) on marketable securities	$	2,086		$	17,706		$	(38,774	)

16) Other Expense (Income), Net

Other expense (income), net, consists of the following components:


Year Ended May 31,	2023			2022			2021
(In thousands)
Pension non-service costs (credits)	$	10,381		$	(10,581	)	$	14,542
Other		(604	)		(1,265	)		(903	)
Other expense (income), net	$	9,777		$	(11,846	)	$	13,639

17) Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and the amounts used for income tax purposes and for certain changes in valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce certain deferred tax assets when, in our estimation, it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

18) Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

Earnings per share (EPS) is computed using both the treasury stock and two-class method, as our unvested share-based payment awards contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities. We calculate both Basic and Diluted EPS under each method and compare the results, reporting the method that is most dilutive.

Basic EPS of common stock is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS of common stock is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock, plus the effect of dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential shares of common stock include outstanding SARS and restricted stock awards. The treasury stock method also assumes that we use the proceeds from the hypothetical exercise of the stock compensation awards to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period.

The two-class method determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends and dividend equivalents and their respective participation rights in undistributed earnings.

See Note L, “Earnings Per Share,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

19) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Pronouncements

The Company has not adopted any Accounting Standard Updates ("ASU") during fiscal 2023 that have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, there are no current ASU's issued, but not adopted, that are expected to have a material impact on the Company.

20) Subsequent Event

Effective June 1, 2023, we realigned certain international businesses and management structure, that previously operated under our CPG segment, with our PCG segment. This realignment did not change our reportable segments at May 31, 2023. Rather, our periodic filings, beginning with our first quarter ending August 31, 2023, will include historical segment results recast to reflect the impact of this realignment.