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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical experience, the current economic environment, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, uncertainties associated with these estimates exist and actual results may differ from these estimates.
Cash and Equivalents—We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Doubtful Accounts—We measure our allowance to reflect expected credit losses over the remaining contractual life of the asset. Expected credit losses for the pooled assets are estimated based on historical loss experience, credit quality, the durations of outstanding account receivables, and expectations of the future economic environment. Expected credit losses of the assets originating during the year and changes to expected losses in the same period are recognized in earnings.
All trade accounts and unbilled receivables are recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheet, adjusted for any write-offs, and net of allowances for credit losses. We regularly perform detailed reviews of our portfolios to evaluate the collectability of receivables based on a combination of past, current, and future financial and qualitative factors that may affect customers’ ability to pay. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific reserve is recorded against amounts due to reduce the recognized receivable to the amount reasonably expected to be collected. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are charged directly against the allowances, while amounts recovered on previously written-off accounts increase the allowances.
The allowance for doubtful accounts as well as the provision for credit losses, write-off activity and recoveries for the periods presented were immaterial. We do not believe that accounts receivable represent significant concentrations of credit risk because of the diversified portfolio of individual customers and geographical areas.
The allowance for unbilled receivables was immaterial for all periods.
Inventory Valuation—Inventories include the costs of material, labor, and overhead. Substantially all inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.
Property, Plant, and Equipment—Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost. The provision for depreciation has been computed principally by the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets as follows:
Category  Useful Life
Buildings  30 years
Leased assets and leasehold improvements  Amortized over the lesser of the economic life of the asset or the term of the lease
Machinery, equipment and other  
3 – 10 years
Estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed and, when appropriate, changes to estimates are made prospectively.
Investments—We account for our equity investments using either the measurement alternative approach when the fair value of the investment is not readily determinable and we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, or the equity method of accounting when it is determined that we have significant influence over but do not have a controlling financial interest. Investments accounted for using the measurement alternative approach are initially recorded at cost and adjusted for changes in the fair value from observable transactions. For investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting, we record the investments at cost and subsequently adjust the investment balance each period for our share of the investee’s income or loss and dividends received from the investee. These investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. There were no changes in fair value or impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2021.
We evaluated events and circumstances that, as of September 30, 2022, indicated the carrying value of an equity investment in a third-party entity held by our Intelligent Operating Solutions segment was no longer recoverable. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $8.1 million to write down the investment to fair value. The loss was recorded within “Other non-operating expense, net” in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
Other Assets—Other assets principally include operating lease right-of-use assets, contract assets, deferred tax assets, and other investments.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments—Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, obligations under trade accounts payable, and short and long-term debt. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying values for accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and short-term debt approximate fair value. While outstanding in 2021, we remeasured our investment in Vontier common stock at fair value based on Vontier's closing stock price on the measurement date, with unrealized gains recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings during the year ended December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 7 for the fair values of our other obligations.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill and other intangible assets result from our business acquisitions. In accordance with accounting standards related to business combinations, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized; however, certain finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, primarily customer relationships and acquired technology, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. In-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is initially capitalized at fair value and when the IPR&D project is complete, the asset is considered a finite-lived intangible asset and amortized over its estimated useful life. If an IPR&D project is abandoned, an impairment loss equal to the value of the intangible asset is recorded in the period of abandonment. We review identified intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We also test intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill at least annually for impairment. Refer to Note 3 and Note 6 for additional information about our goodwill and other intangible assets.
Revenue Recognition—We derive revenue from the sale of products and services. Revenue is recognized when control of promised products or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those products or services.
Product sales include revenue from the sale of products and equipment, which includes our software and software as a service (“SaaS”) product offerings and equipment rentals.
Service sales include revenues from extended warranties, post-contract customer support (“PCS”), maintenance contracts or services, contract labor to perform ongoing service at a customer location, services related to previously sold products, and software implementation services.
For revenue related to a product or service to qualify for recognition, we must have an enforceable contract with a customer that defines the goods or services to be transferred and the payment terms related to those goods or services. Further, collection of substantially all consideration for the goods or services transferred must be probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration. We apply judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a combination of financial and qualitative factors, including the customer’s financial condition, collateral, debt-servicing ability, past payment experience, and credit bureau information.
Customer allowances and rebates, consisting primarily of volume discounts and other short-term incentive programs, are considered in determining the transaction price for the contract. These allowances and rebates are reflected as a reduction in the contract transaction price. Significant judgment is exercised in determining product returns, customer allowances, and rebates, and are estimated based on historical experience and known trends.
Most of our sales contracts contain standard terms and conditions. We evaluate contracts to identify distinct goods and services promised in the contract (performance obligations). Sometimes this evaluation involves judgment to determine whether the goods or services are highly dependent on or highly interrelated with one another, or whether such goods or services significantly modify or customize one another. Certain customer arrangements include multiple performance obligations, typically hardware, software, SaaS, implementation/installation, training, consulting, other services, and/or PCS. Generally, these elements are delivered within the same reporting period, except SaaS, PCS, and other services. We allocate the contract transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. We estimate standalone selling price using the observable price that the good or service sells for separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers or, if observable price is not available, other methods. Allocating the transaction price to each performance obligation sometimes requires significant judgment.
Revenue from sales of hardware is recognized when control transfers to the customer, which is generally when the product is shipped. If any significant obligation to the customer with respect to a sales transaction remains to be fulfilled following shipment (typically installation, other services noted above, or acceptance by the customer), revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations have been fulfilled. Further, revenue related to separately priced extended warranty and product maintenance agreements is deferred when appropriate and recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement.
Shipping and Handling—Shipping and handling costs are included as a component of Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Revenue derived from shipping and handling costs billed to customers is included in Sales of products in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Advertising—Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Research and Development—We conduct research and development activities for the purpose of developing new products, enhancing the functionality, effectiveness, ease of use, and reliability of our existing products, and expanding the applications for which uses of our products are appropriate. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Restructuring—We periodically initiate restructuring activities to appropriately position our cost base relative to prevailing economic conditions and associated customer demand, as well as in connection with certain acquisitions. Costs associated with restructuring actions can include one-time termination benefits and related charges, in addition to facility closure, contract termination, and other related activities. We record the cost of the restructuring activities when the associated liability is incurred.
We initiated a discrete plan in the first quarter of 2023 that was completed during the fourth quarter of 2023. The nature of these activities were broadly consistent throughout our segments and consist primarily of targeted workforce reductions in response to overall macroeconomic and other external conditions. We incurred these costs to position ourselves to provide superior products and services to customers in a cost-efficient manner, while taking into consideration the impact of broad economic uncertainties. We incurred charges of $58.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. These charges are recorded within Cost of sales and Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Accrued restructuring costs were $26 million as of December 31, 2023 and are recorded within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation—Exchange rate adjustments resulting from foreign currency transactions are recognized in Net earnings. Net foreign currency transaction losses were $5.5 million and $18.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net foreign currency transaction losses were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2021. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries operating outside the United States with a functional currency other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates and income statement accounts are translated at weighted average exchange rates. These foreign currency translation impacts are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) within Stockholders’ equity. As discussed below, the Company uses its foreign currency-denominated debt to partially hedge its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—We account for stock-based compensation by measuring the cost of employee services received in exchange for all equity awards granted, including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance stock units (“PSUs”), based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. Equity-based compensation expense is recognized net of an estimated forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. For awards subject to graded vesting, compensation expense is recognized separately over each vesting tranche of the award, resulting in an accelerated expense recognition pattern. Refer to Note 15 for additional information.
Income Taxes—In accordance with GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted rates expected to be in effect during the year in which the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax return in future years for which the tax benefit has already been reflected on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent items that have already been taken as a deduction on our tax return but have not yet been recognized as an expense in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities due to a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
Our deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We evaluate the realizability of deferred income tax assets for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. If we experience cumulative pretax income in a particular jurisdiction in the three-year period including the current and prior two years, we normally conclude that the deferred income tax assets will more likely than not be realizable and no valuation allowance is recognized, unless known or planned operating developments would lead management to conclude otherwise. However, if we experience cumulative pretax losses in a particular jurisdiction in the three-year period including the current and prior two years, we then consider a series of factors in the determination of whether the deferred income tax assets can be realized. These factors include historical operating results, known or planned operating developments, the period of time over which certain temporary differences will reverse, consideration of the utilization of certain deferred income tax liabilities, tax law carryback capability in the particular country, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. After evaluation of these factors, if the deferred income
tax assets are expected to be realized within the tax carryforward period allowed for that specific country, we would conclude that no valuation allowance would be required. To the extent that the deferred income tax assets exceed the amount that is expected to be realized within the tax carryforward period for a particular jurisdiction, we establish a valuation allowance.
We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Judgment is required in evaluating tax positions and determining income tax provisions. We reevaluate the technical merits of our tax positions and may recognize an uncertain tax benefit in certain circumstances, including when: (1) a tax audit is completed; (2) applicable tax laws change, including a tax case ruling or legislative guidance; or (3) the applicable statute of limitations expires. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax positions in income tax expense. Refer to Note 13 for additional information.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—AOCI refers to certain gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net earnings as these amounts are initially recorded as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency translation adjustments are generally not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. During the second quarter of 2022, we designated our ¥14.4 billion Yen-denominated variable interest rate term loan and our €275 million Euro-denominated variable interest rate term loan outstanding as net investment hedges of our investment in certain foreign operations. Accordingly, foreign currency transaction gains or losses on the debt were deferred in the foreign currency translation component of AOCI as an offset to the foreign currency translation adjustments on our investments in foreign subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized after-tax losses of $1.2 million and $5.1 million within Other comprehensive income (loss) related to the net investment hedges, respectively.
We recorded no ineffectiveness from our net investment hedges during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. We did not designate any net investment hedges during the year ended December 31, 2021. Any amounts deferred in AOCI will remain until the hedged investment is sold or substantially liquidated.
The changes in AOCI by component are summarized below ($ in millions):
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
Pension & post-
retirement
plan benefit
adjustments (b)
Total
Balance, December 31, 2020$(54.0)$(87.1)$(141.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Increase (decrease)(68.7)27.7 (41.0)
Income tax impact— (6.2)(6.2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income taxes(68.7)21.5 (47.2)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into income:
Increase (decrease)
— 4.3 
(a)
4.3 
Income tax impact— (1.0)(1.0)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into income, net of income taxes:
— 3.3 3.3 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss):(68.7)24.8 (43.9)
Balance, December 31, 2021$(122.7)$(62.3)$(185.0)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Increase (decrease)(181.4)47.6 (133.8)
Income tax impact— (10.3)(10.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income taxes(181.4)37.3 (144.1)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into income:
Increase (decrease)
2.7 0.9 
(a)
3.6 
Income tax impact— (0.2)(0.2)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into income, net of income taxes
2.7 0.7 3.4 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)(178.7)38.0 (140.7)
Balance, December 31, 2022$(301.4)$(24.3)$(325.7)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Increase (decrease)9.7 (13.9)(4.2)
Income tax impact— 3.8 3.8 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of income taxes9.7 (10.1)(0.4)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into income:
Increase (decrease)
— 0.1 
(a)
0.1 
Income tax impact— (0.1)(0.1)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into income, net of income taxes
— — — 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)9.7 (10.1)(0.4)
Balance, December 31, 2023$(291.7)$(34.4)$(326.1)
(a) This component of AOCI is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (refer to Note 11).
(b) Includes balances relating to defined benefit plans, supplemental executive retirement plans, and other postretirement employee benefit plans.
Pension—We measure our pension assets and obligations to determine the funded status as of December 31st each year, and recognize an asset for an overfunded status or a liability for an underfunded status in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the funded status of the pension plans are recognized in the year in which the changes occur and are recorded within Other comprehensive income (loss). We record all components of net periodic pension costs, with the exception of service costs, in other non-operating expenses as a component of non-operating income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Service costs are recorded within Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings according to the classification of the participant’s compensation. Refer to Note 11 for additional information on our pension plans including a discussion of actuarial assumptions.
Recently Issued Accounting Standard
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280)—Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which amends the disclosure requirements for reportable segments on the interim and annual basis. This standard is effective for fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 and interim periods within fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the standard will not impact our consolidated financial statements. Upon adoption, we will update the applicable interim and annual disclosures to align with the new standard.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which amends certain disclosure requirements related to income taxes on an annual basis. This standard is effective for fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the standard will not impact our consolidated financial statements. Upon adoption, we will update the applicable annual disclosures to align with the new standard.