Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Zimmer Holdings and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Certain amounts in the 2013 and 2012 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates – The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation – The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates for operating results. Unrealized translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. When a transaction is denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency, we recognize a transaction gain or loss when the transaction is settled. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses included in net earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were not significant.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition – We sell product through three principal channels: 1) direct to healthcare institutions, referred to as direct channel accounts; 2) through stocking distributors and healthcare dealers; and 3) directly to dental practices and dental laboratories. The direct channel accounts represented approximately 75 percent of our net sales in 2014. Through this channel, inventory is generally consigned to sales agents or customers so that products are available when needed for surgical procedures. No revenue is recognized upon the placement of inventory into consignment as we retain title and maintain the inventory on our balance sheet. Upon implantation, we issue an invoice and revenue is recognized. Pricing for products is generally predetermined by contracts with customers, agents acting on behalf of customer groups or by government regulatory bodies, depending on the market. Price discounts under group purchasing contracts are generally linked to volume of implant purchases by customer healthcare institutions within a specified group. At negotiated thresholds within a contract buying period, price discounts may increase.

Sales to stocking distributors, healthcare dealers, dental practices and dental laboratories accounted for approximately 25 percent of our net sales in 2014. With these types of sales, revenue is recognized when title to product passes, either upon shipment of the product or in some cases upon implantation of the product. Product is generally sold at contractually fixed prices for specified periods. Payment terms vary by customer, but are typically less than 90 days.

If sales incentives are earned by a customer for purchasing a specified amount of our product, we estimate whether such incentives will be achieved and, if so, recognize these incentives as a reduction in revenue in the same period the underlying revenue transaction is recognized. Occasionally products are returned and, accordingly, we maintain an estimated sales return reserve that is recorded as a reduction in revenue. Product returns were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis and excluded from revenues.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and Handling – Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of products are reflected in net sales and are not significant. Expenses incurred related to shipping and handling of products are reflected in selling, general and administrative and were $181.9 million, $163.6 million and $139.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and Development – We expense all research and development costs as incurred. Research and development costs include salaries, prototypes, depreciation of equipment used in research and development, consultant fees and service fees paid to collaborative partners. Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under research and development arrangements, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved.

Litigation

Litigation – We record a liability for contingent losses, including future legal costs, settlements and judgments, when we consider it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

Special Items

Special Items – We recognize expenses resulting directly from our business combinations, employee termination benefits, certain R&D agreements, certain contract terminations, consulting and professional fees and asset impairment or loss on disposal charges connected with global restructuring, operational and quality excellence initiatives, and other items as “Special items” in our consolidated statement of earnings. “Special items” included (in millions):

For the Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013		2012
Impairment/loss on disposal of assets	$	32.4	$	10.9	$	14.6
Consulting and professional fees		176.7		99.1		90.1
Employee severance and retention, including share-based compensation acceleration		0.9		14.2		8.2
Dedicated project personnel		50.8		34.0		15.1
Certain R&D agreements		4.5		0.8		–
Relocated facilities		0.7		3.6		1.8
Distributor acquisitions		0.6		0.4		0.8
Certain litigation matters		70.0		26.9		13.7
Contract terminations		6.2		3.9		6.6
Contingent consideration adjustments		0.6		9.0		(2.8	)
Accelerated software amortization		6.0		6.0		4.5
Other		7.1		7.9		2.8
Special items	$	356.5	$	216.7	$	155.4

Impairment/loss on disposal of assets relates to impairment of intangible assets that were acquired in business combinations or impairment of or a loss on the disposal of other assets. This caption also includes the effect of reducing the estimated useful life of certain intangible assets to zero, which resulted in the remaining net book values of those assets being amortized immediately.

Consulting and professional fees relate to third-party consulting, professional fees and contract labor related to our quality and operational excellence initiatives, third-party consulting fees related to certain information system implementations, third-party integration consulting performed in a variety of areas such as tax, compliance, logistics and human resources for our business combinations and pending merger with Biomet, third-party fees related to severance and termination benefits matters and legal fees related to certain litigation matters. Our quality and operational excellence initiatives are company-wide and include improvements in quality, distribution, sourcing, manufacturing and information technology, among other areas.

In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we eliminated positions as we reduced management layers, restructured certain areas, announced closures of certain facilities, and commenced initiatives to focus on business opportunities that best support our strategic priorities. As a result of these changes in our work force and headcount reductions in connection with acquisitions, we incurred expenses related to severance benefits, redundant salaries as we worked through transition periods, share-based compensation acceleration and other employee termination-related costs. The majority of these termination benefits were provided in accordance with our existing or local government policies and are considered ongoing benefits. These costs were accrued when they became probable and estimable and were recorded as part of other current liabilities. The majority of these costs were paid during the year they were incurred.

Dedicated project personnel expenses include the salary, benefits, travel expenses and other costs directly associated with employees who are 100 percent dedicated to our operational and quality excellence initiatives or integration of acquired businesses.

Certain R&D agreements relate to agreements with upfront payments to obtain intellectual property to be used in R&D projects that have no alternative future use in other projects.

Relocated facilities expenses are the moving costs and the lease expenses incurred during the relocation period in connection with relocating certain facilities.

Over the past few years we have acquired a number of U.S. and foreign-based distributors. We have incurred various costs related to the consummation and integration of those businesses.

Certain litigation matters relate to net expenses recognized during the year for the estimated or actual settlement of certain pending litigation and similar claims, including matters where we recognized income from a settlement on more favorable terms than our previous estimate, or we reduced our estimate of a previously recorded contingent liability. These litigation matters have included royalty disputes, patent litigation matters, commercial litigation matters and matters arising from our acquisitions of certain competitive distributorships in prior years.

Contract termination costs relate to terminated agreements in connection with the integration of acquired companies and changes to our distribution model as part of business restructuring and operational excellence initiatives. The terminated contracts primarily relate to sales agents and distribution agreements.

Contingent consideration adjustments represent the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations to be paid to the prior owners of acquired businesses.

Accelerated software amortization is the incremental amortization resulting from a reduction in the estimated life of certain software. Due to an approved plan to replace certain software, the estimated economic useful life of the existing software was decreased to represent the period of time expected to implement replacement software. As a result, the amortization from the shortened life of this software is substantially higher than the previous amortization being recognized.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents – We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost, which approximates their fair value.

Investments

Investments – We invest our excess cash and cash equivalents in debt securities. Our investments include corporate debt securities, U.S. government and agency debt securities, foreign government debt securities, commercial paper and certificates of deposit, and are classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale debt securities are recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet. Investments with a contractual maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term investments on our consolidated balance sheet, or in other non-current assets if the contractual maturity is greater than one year. Changes in fair value for available-for-sale securities are recorded, net of taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on our consolidated balance sheet. We review our investments for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting period. If an unrealized loss for any investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the loss will be recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings in the period the determination is made. See Note 7 for more information regarding our investments.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable – Accounts receivable consists of trade and other miscellaneous receivables. We grant credit to customers in the normal course of business and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential credit losses. We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts by geographic market and take into consideration historical credit experience, creditworthiness of the customer and other pertinent information. We make concerted efforts to collect all accounts receivable, but sometimes we have to write-off the account against the allowance when we determine the account is uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $22.3 million and $22.7 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in first-out basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and three to eight years for machinery and equipment. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We review property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset are less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its fair value.

Software Costs

Software Costs – We capitalize certain computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Capitalized software costs generally include external direct costs of materials and services utilized in developing or obtaining computer software and compensation and related benefits for employees who are directly associated with the software project. Capitalized software costs are included in property, plant and equipment on our balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line or weighted average estimated user basis when the software is ready for its intended use over the estimated useful lives of the software, which approximate three to fifteen years.

Instruments

Instruments – Instruments are hand-held devices used by surgeons during total joint replacement and other surgical procedures. Instruments are recognized as long-lived assets and are included in property, plant and equipment. Undeployed instruments are carried at cost or realizable value. Instruments in the field are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on average estimated useful lives, determined principally in reference to associated product life cycles, primarily five years. We review instruments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an instrument may not be recoverable. Depreciation of instruments is recognized as selling, general and administrative expense.

Goodwill

Goodwill – Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units. We perform annual impairment tests by either comparing a reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying amount or doing a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit’s fair value from the last quantitative assessment to determine if there is potential impairment. We may do a qualitative assessment when the results of the previous quantitative test indicated the reporting unit’s estimated fair value was significantly in excess of the carrying value of its net assets and we do not believe there have been significant changes in the reporting unit’s operations that would significantly decrease its estimated fair value or significantly increase its net assets. If a quantitative assessment is performed, the fair value of the reporting unit and the implied fair value of goodwill are determined based upon a discounted cash flow analysis and/or use of a market approach by looking at market values of comparable companies. Significant assumptions are incorporated into our discounted cash flow analyses such as estimated growth rates and risk-adjusted discount rates. We perform this test in the fourth quarter of the year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the reporting unit’s assets may not be recoverable. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit goodwill. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $96.0 million related to our U.S. Spine reporting unit. We did not record a goodwill impairment charge during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. See Notes 8 and 9 for more information regarding goodwill and goodwill impairment.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are initially measured at their fair value. We have determined the fair value of our intangible assets either by the fair value of the consideration exchanged for the intangible asset or the estimated after-tax discounted cash flows expected to be generated from the intangible asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite life, including certain trademarks and trade names, are not amortized. Indefinite life intangible assets are assessed annually to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite life. Intangible assets with a finite life, including core and developed technology, certain trademarks and trade names, customer-related intangibles, intellectual property rights and patents and licenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, ranging from less than one year to 40 years. Intangible assets with a finite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with an indefinite life are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded would be determined based upon the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. The fair values of indefinite lived intangible assets are determined based upon a discounted cash flow analysis using the relief from royalty method or a qualitative assessment may be performed for any changes to the asset’s fair value from the last quantitative assessment. The relief from royalty method estimates the cost savings associated with owning, rather than licensing, assets. Significant assumptions are incorporated into these discounted cash flow analyses such as estimated growth rates, royalty rates and risk-adjusted discount rates. We may do a qualitative assessment when the results of the previous quantitative test indicated that the asset’s fair value was significantly in excess of its carrying value.

In determining the useful lives of intangible assets, we consider the expected use of the assets and the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, anticipated technological advances, changes in surgical techniques, market influences and other economic factors. For technology-based intangible assets, we consider the expected life cycles of products, absent unforeseen technological advances, which incorporate the corresponding technology. Trademarks and trade names that do not have a wasting characteristic (i.e., there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors which limit the useful life) are assigned an indefinite life. Trademarks and trade names that are related to products expected to be phased out are assigned lives consistent with the period in which the products bearing each brand are expected to be sold. For customer relationship intangible assets, we assign useful lives based upon historical levels of customer attrition. Intellectual property rights are assigned useful lives that approximate the contractual life of any related patent or the period for which we maintain exclusivity over the intellectual property.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We reduce our deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that we will not realize some portion or all of the deferred tax assets. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes. Federal income taxes are provided on the portion of the income of foreign subsidiaries that is expected to be remitted to the U.S.

We operate on a global basis and are subject to numerous and complex tax laws and regulations. Our income tax filings are regularly under audit in multiple federal, state and foreign jurisdictions. Income tax audits may require an extended period of time to reach resolution and may result in significant income tax adjustments when interpretation of tax laws or allocation of company profits is disputed. Because income tax adjustments in certain jurisdictions can be significant, we record accruals representing management’s best estimate of the probable resolution of these matters. To the extent additional information becomes available, such accruals are adjusted to reflect the revised estimated probable outcome.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments – We measure all derivative instruments at fair value and report them on our consolidated balance sheet as assets or liabilities. We maintain written policies and procedures that permit, under appropriate circumstances and subject to proper authorization, the use of derivative financial instruments solely for hedging purposes. The use of derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes is prohibited by our policy. See Note 13 for more information regarding our derivative and hedging activities.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income – Other comprehensive income (OCI) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income but are excluded from net earnings as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our OCI is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized gains and losses in actuarial assumptions.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock – We account for repurchases of common stock under the cost method and present treasury stock as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. We reissue common stock held in treasury only for limited purposes.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest – In 2011, we made an investment in a company in which we acquired a controlling financial interest, but not 100 percent of the equity. In 2013, we purchased additional shares of the company from the minority shareholders. Further information related to the noncontrolling interests of that investment has not been provided as it is not significant to our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The ASU provides a five-step model for revenue recognition that all industries will apply to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of a good or service. The ASU will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. We are in the initial phases of our adoption plans and, accordingly, we are unable to estimate any effect this may have on our revenue recognition practices.

There are no other recently issued accounting pronouncements that we have not yet adopted that are expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.