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Description of Business, The Separation, Agreements with the Former Parent and Separation Costs, and Basis of Presentation (Policies)
12 Months Ended
May 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates: The preparation of consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated and combined financial statements and accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated and combined financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At May 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents included cash held in banks, and short-term, highly liquid investments. Short-term investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient, and therefore, are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Cash held in banks is measured in the fair value hierarchy using Level 1 inputs.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method for all inventories. The assessment of net realizable value requires the use of estimates to determine cost to complete, normal profit margin and the ultimate selling price of inventory. The Company believes its inventories were valued appropriately as of May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to certain risks related to our ongoing operations. The primary risks managed through the use of derivative financial instruments includes commodity price risk. All derivative financial instruments are accounted for using mark-to-market accounting. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, the reason for holding it. Gains and losses on fair value hedges are recognized in current period earnings within the same line as the underlying hedged item. Gains and losses on cash flow hedges are deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (“AOCI”) and recognized in earnings at the time the hedged item affects earnings, within the same financial statement caption as the underlying hedged item. Classification in our consolidated and combined statements of earnings of gains and losses related to derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting is determined based on the underlying intent of the instruments. Cash flows

related to derivative financial instruments are generally classified as operating activities in the consolidated and combined statements of cash flows.

In order for hedging relationships to qualify for hedge accounting under current accounting guidance, the Company formally documents each hedging relationship and its risk management objective. Derivative financial instruments are executed only with highly-rated counterparties. No credit loss is anticipated on existing instruments, and no material credit losses have been experienced to date. The Company monitors its positions, as well as the credit ratings of counterparties to those positions.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that a derivative financial instrument is no longer highly effective in offsetting the hedged risk, expires or is sold, is terminated or is no longer designated as a hedging instrument because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur or the Company determines that designation as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative financial instrument is retained, the Company continues to carry the derivative financial instrument at its fair value on the consolidated and combined balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in net earnings immediately. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and immediately recognizes the gains and losses that were accumulated in AOCI.

Refer to “Note P – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” for additional information regarding our consolidated and combined balance sheet location and the risk classification of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.

Risks and Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties: As of May 31, 2024, excluding our joint ventures, we operated 15 manufacturing facilities worldwide. We also held equity positions in four operating joint ventures, which operated 17 manufacturing facilities worldwide as of May 31, 2024. See “Concentration of Net Sales” section above for more information on the risk related to concentration of the markets in which the Company operates. A significant loss of, or decrease in, business from any of these customers could have an adverse effect on our consolidated net sales and financial results if we were not able to obtain replacement business. Also, the Company’s sales may be increasingly sensitive to deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse developments with respect to, one or more of our largest customers.

As of May 31, 2024, approximately 21% of the Company’s consolidated labor force was represented by collective bargaining units, all of which are located in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. where collective bargaining arrangements are customary. The concentration of credit risks from financial instruments related to the markets the Company serves is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated and combined financial position, cash flows or future results of operations.

The Company’s principal raw material is flat-rolled steel, which is purchased from multiple primary steel producers. The steel industry as a whole has been cyclical, and at times availability and pricing can be volatile due to a number of factors beyond our control. This volatility can significantly affect the Company’s steel costs. In an environment of increasing prices for steel and other raw materials, in general, competitive conditions or contractual obligations may impact how much of the price increases the Company can pass on to customers. To the extent the Company is unable to pass on future price increases in raw materials to customers, financial results could be adversely affected. Also, if steel prices decrease, in general, competitive conditions or contractual obligations may impact how quickly the Company must reduce prices to customers, and the Company could be forced to use higher-priced raw materials to complete orders for which the selling prices have decreased, resulting in inventory holding losses. Declining steel prices could also require the Company to write down the value of inventories to reflect current net realizable value. Further, the number of suppliers has decreased in recent years due to industry consolidation and the financial difficulties of certain suppliers, and consolidation may continue. Accordingly, if delivery from a major steel supplier is disrupted, it may be more difficult to obtain an alternative supply than in the past.

Receivables

Receivables: The Company reviews its receivables on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are properly valued and collectible. Expected lifetime credit losses on receivables are recognized at the time of origination. The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses based on the expected future credit losses using the internal historical loss information and observable and forecasted macroeconomic data.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is used to record the estimated risk of loss related to customers’ inability to pay. This allowance is maintained at a level that the Company considers appropriate based on factors that affect collectability, such as the financial health of customers, historical trends of charge-offs and recoveries and current economic and market conditions. As the Company monitors its receivables, it identifies customers that may have payment problems and adjusts the allowance accordingly, with the offset to SG&A. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when recovery is considered remote. The allowance for doubtful accounts increased $0.6 million during fiscal 2024 to $3.2 million.

While the Company believes its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, changes in economic conditions, the financial health of customers and bankruptcy settlements could impact its future earnings. If the economic environment and market conditions deteriorate, particularly in the automotive and construction end markets where the Company’s exposure is greatest, additional reserves may be required.

Property and Depreciation

Property and Depreciation: Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 10 to 40 years and machinery and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 20 years. Depreciation expense

was $58.5 million, $62.7 million and $54.2 million during fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023, and fiscal 2022, respectively. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes.

The following table presents property, plant and equipment, net, by geographic region as of the end of the past two fiscal years:

 

(In millions)

2024

 

 

2023

 

United States

$

328.4

 

 

$

328.9

 

Canada

 

42.3

 

 

 

14.8

 

Mexico

 

58.7

 

 

 

36.1

 

Other

 

45.4

 

 

 

34.6

 

Total

$

474.8

 

 

$

414.4

 

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets: The Company uses the purchase method of accounting for all business combinations and recognize amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets separately from goodwill. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities in an acquisition are measured and recognized based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition, with goodwill representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets. A bargain purchase may occur, wherein the fair value of identifiable net assets exceeds the purchase price, and a gain is then recognized in the amount of that excess. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may be present. Application of goodwill impairment testing involves judgment, including but not limited to, the identification of reporting units and estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company’s operations are organized as a single component, or operating segment. The Company’s reporting units, which are one level below the single operating segment, consist of: (1) Flat Rolled Steel Processing; (2) Electrical Steel; and (3) Laser Welding. Refer to “Note D – Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets” for additional information on the goodwill impairment.

For goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company tests for impairment by first evaluating qualitative factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, and overall financial performance. If there are no potential impairments raised from this evaluation, no further testing is performed. If, however, our qualitative analysis indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, a quantitative analysis is performed. The quantitative analysis compares the fair value of each reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset to the related carrying amount, and an impairment loss is recognized in our consolidated statements of earnings equivalent to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as appropriate. The Company’s policy is to perform a quantitative analysis of each reporting unit at least every three to five years.

The Company performed its annual impairment evaluation of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and concluded that no impairment indicators were present.

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite useful lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Impairment testing involves a comparison of the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group to its respective carrying amount. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows exceeds the carrying amount, then no impairment exists. If the carrying amount exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows, then a second step is performed to determine the amount of impairment, if any, to be recognized. The impairment loss recognized is equal to the amount that the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. Long-lived assets held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell and are recorded in a single line in our consolidated balance sheets. The Company classifies assets as held for sale if it commits to a plan to sell the assets within one year and actively markets the assets in their current condition for a price that is reasonable in comparison to their estimated fair value.

The Company’s impairment testing for both goodwill and other long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite useful lives, is largely based on cash flow models that require significant judgment and require assumptions about future volume trends, revenue and expense growth rates; and, in addition, external factors such as changes in economic trends and cost of capital. Significant changes in any of these assumptions could impact the outcomes of the tests performed. See “Note D – Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets” for additional details regarding these assets and related impairment testing.

Equity Method Investments

Equity method investments: Investments in affiliated companies that the Company does not control, either through majority ownership or otherwise, are accounted for using the equity method. The Company reviews its equity method investment in Serviacero Worthington for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the investment might not be recoverable. Events and circumstances can include, but are not limited to: evidence the Company does not have the ability to recover the carrying value; the inability of the investee to sustain earnings; the current fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value; and other investors cease to provide support or reduce their financial commitment to the investee. If the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value, and the fair value of the investment will not recover in the near term, then other-than-temporary impairment may exist. When the loss in

value of an investment is determined to be other-than-temporary, the Company recognizes an impairment in the period the conclusion is made.

Leases

Leases: The Company accounts for leases in accordance with GAAP, ASU Leases (Topic 842) (“Topic 842”). Under Topic 842, leases are categorized as operating or financing leases at inception. Lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent obligations to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right of use (“ROU”) assets include any initial direct costs and prepayments less lease incentives. Lease terms include options to renew or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options. As most of our leases do not include an implicit rate, the Company uses its collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in cost of goods sold or SG&A depending on the underlying nature of the leased assets. For operating leases with variable payments dependent upon an index or rate that commenced subsequent to adoption of Topic 842, the Company applies the active index or rate as of the lease commencement date. Variable lease payments not based on an index or rate are not included in the operating lease liability as they cannot be reasonably estimated and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Leases with a term of twelve months or less upon the commencement date are considered short-term leases, are not included on our consolidated and combined balance sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Refer to “Note R – Leases” for additional information on the adoption and impact of Topic 842.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation: As of May 31, 2024, the Company had stock-based compensation plans for its employees as well as its non-employee directors as described more fully in “Note K – Stock-Based Compensation.” All share-based awards, including grants of stock options and restricted common shares, are recorded as expense in the consolidated and combined statements of earnings over the vesting period based on their grant date fair values. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized in accordance with GAAP, ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“Topic 606”). Under this accounting guidance, the Company recognizes revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive for those goods or services, including any variable consideration.

Returns and allowances are used to record estimates of returns or other allowances resulting from quality, delivery, discounts or other issues and are estimated based on historical trends and current market conditions, with the offset to net sales.

Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are treated as fulfillment activities and are recorded in both net sales and cost of goods sold at the time control is transferred to the customer. Due to the short-term nature of the Company’s contracts with customers, we have elected to apply the practical expedients under Topic 606 to: (1) expense as incurred, incremental costs of obtaining a contract; and (2) not adjust the consideration for the effects of a significant financing component for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less. When the Company satisfies (or partially satisfy) a performance obligation, prior to being able to invoice the customer, the Company recognizes an unbilled receivable when the right to consideration is unconditional and a contract asset when the right to consideration is conditional. Unbilled receivables and contract assets are included in receivables and prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively, on the consolidated and combined balance sheets. Additionally, the Company does not maintain contract liability balances, as performance obligations are satisfied prior to customer payment for products. Payments from customers are generally due within 30 to 60 days of invoicing, which generally occurs upon shipment or delivery of the goods.

Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that we collect from a customer, are excluded from revenue.

Certain contracts with customers include warranties associated with the delivered goods or services. These warranties are not considered to be separate performance obligations, and accordingly, the Company records an estimated liability for potential warranty costs as the goods or services are transferred.

With the exception of toll processing revenue, the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time the performance obligation is satisfied and control of the product is transferred to the customer upon shipment or delivery. Generally, the Company receives and acknowledges purchase orders from customers, which define the quantity, pricing, payment and other applicable terms and conditions (as defined in a master sales agreement, where applicable). In some cases, we receive a blanket purchase order from customers, which includes pricing, payment and other terms and conditions, with quantities defined at the time each customer subsequently issues periodic releases against the blanket purchase order.

Toll processing revenues are recognized over time and are primarily measured using the cost-to-cost method, which we believe best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. Under the cost-to-cost method, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of actual costs incurred to the total estimated costs expected upon satisfying the identified performance obligation. Revenues are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. The Company has elected to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less.

Certain contracts contain variable consideration, which is not constrained, and primarily include estimated sales returns, customer rebates, and sales discounts which are recorded on an expected value basis. These estimates are based on historical returns, analysis of credit memo data and other known factors. The Company accounts for rebates by recording reductions to revenue for rebates in the same period the related revenue is recorded. The amount of these reductions is based upon the terms agreed to with the customer. The Company does not exercise significant judgments in determining the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations or the transaction price. Refer to “Note B – Revenue Recognition” for additional information.

The following table presents net sales by geographic region for the past three fiscal years:

 

(In millions)

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

United States

$

2,752.0

 

 

$

2,892.2

 

 

$

3,440.0

 

Canada

 

392.6

 

 

 

406.1

 

 

 

387.9

 

Mexico

 

181.3

 

 

 

213.7

 

 

 

179.1

 

Other

 

104.7

 

 

 

95.7

 

 

 

61.9

 

Total

$

3,430.6

 

 

$

3,607.7

 

 

$

4,068.9

 

Cost of Goods Sold: Cost of goods sold is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing of product, as well as manufacturing labor, depreciation expense, repair and maintenance expense and direct overhead expenses associated with manufacturing products for sale. Cost of goods sold also includes the cost to distribute products to customers and inbound freight costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense: SG&A is primarily comprised of payroll and benefit expenses, administrative and other indirect overhead costs and other miscellaneous operating items not specifically categorized elsewhere in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of Goods Sold: Cost of goods sold is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing of product, as well as manufacturing labor, depreciation expense, repair and maintenance expense and direct overhead expenses associated with manufacturing products for sale. Cost of goods sold also includes the cost to distribute products to customers and inbound freight costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, General and Administrative Expense: SG&A is primarily comprised of payroll and benefit expenses, administrative and other indirect overhead costs and other miscellaneous operating items not specifically categorized elsewhere in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Earnings.

Advertising Expense

Advertising Expense: Advertising costs are expensed to SG&A as incurred. Advertising expense was $0.8 million, $1.2 million, and $0.6 million for fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.

Statements of Cash Flows

Statements of Cash Flows: Supplemental cash flow information was as follows for the prior three fiscal years:

 

(In millions)

2024

 

 

2023

 

2022

Interest paid, net of amount capitalized (1)

$

4.5

 

 

n/a

 

n/a

Income taxes paid, net of refunds (1)

$

37.6

 

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

 

(1)
The amount of interest paid, net of amount capitalized and cash paid for income taxes paid, net of refunds, for the periods prior to the Separation was not distinguishable for the Company. These amounts were combined with the Former Parent. Due to the legal organizational structure, capital structure, as well as income tax compliance requirements, the amounts for the Company are indivisible from those that were included with the Former Parent. The amounts disclosed for income taxes paid, net of refunds represent all distinguishable amounts, which includes domestic taxes paid after the Separation and foreign taxes paid for the entire fiscal year.
Income Taxes

Income Taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and the financial reporting basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates the deferred tax assets to determine whether it is more likely than not that all, or a portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and provides a valuation allowance as appropriate.

Tax benefits from uncertain tax positions that are recognized in the consolidated and combined financial statements are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

The Company has reserves for income taxes and associated interest and penalties that may become payable in future years as a result of audits by taxing authorities. It is the Company’s policy to record these in income tax expense. While the Company believes the positions taken on previously filed tax returns are appropriate, the Company has established the tax and interest/penalties reserves in recognition that various taxing authorities may challenge our positions. These reserves are analyzed periodically, and adjustments are made as events occur to warrant adjustment to the reserves, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, conclusion of tax audits, additional exposure based on current calculations, identification of new issues and release of administrative guidance or court decisions affecting a particular tax issue.

Employee Pension Plans

Employee Pension Plans: Defined benefit pension and OPEB plan obligations are remeasured at least annually as of May 31 based on the present value of projected future benefit payments for all participants for services rendered to date. The measurement of projected future benefits is dependent on the provisions of each specific plan, demographics of the group covered by the plan, and other key measurement assumptions. Net periodic benefit costs, including service cost, interest cost, and expected return on assets, are determined using assumptions regarding the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets as of the beginning of each year. The funded status of the benefit plans, which represents the difference between the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets, is calculated on a plan-by-plan basis. The benefit obligation and related funded status are determined using assumptions as of the end of each year. Net periodic benefit cost is included in other income (expense) in the consolidated and combined statements of earnings, except for the service cost component, which is recorded in SG&A. Refer to “Note L – Employee Retirement Plans” for additional information.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations: The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that once control is obtained, all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities requires significant judgments and estimates and the use of valuation techniques when market value is not readily available. For the valuation of intangible assets acquired in a business combination, the Company typically uses an income approach. The purchase price allocated to the intangible assets is based on unobservable assumptions, inputs and estimates, including but not limited to, forecasted revenue growth rates, projected expenses, discount rates, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, and useful lives. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. During the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

Self-Insurance Reserves

Self-Insurance Reserves: The Company self-insures most of its risks for product, cyber, environmental, workers’ compensation, general and automobile, property liabilities, and for employee medical claims. However, in order to reduce risk and better manage overall loss exposure for these liabilities, the Company purchases stop-loss insurance that covers individual claims in excess of the deductible amounts. The Company establishes and reassesses reserves for the estimated cost to resolve open claims that have been made against us, as well as an estimate of the cost of claims that have been incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). Loss exposure related to known events are established based on our assessment of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome and the estimated range of potential loss. IBNR reserves are established based on actuarial valuations that take into consideration the historical average claim volume, the average cost for settled claims, current trends in claim costs, changes in our business and workforce, general economic factors and other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The estimated reserves for these liabilities could be affected if future occurrences and claims differ from the assumptions used and historical trends. Exposures for employee medical costs and workers’ compensation have had and will continue to have a material impact on our operations. All other loss exposures were immaterial for the periods presented.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications: The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior-year information to conform to the current presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards/Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently Issued Accounting Standards: The Company assesses the adoption impacts of recently issued accounting pronouncements on the Company’s consolidated and combined financial statements as well as material updates to previous assessments. There were no new material accounting standards adopted in the year ended May 31, 2024 that impacted the Company.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted: In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires the disclosure of incremental information about significant segment expenses. The guidance also requires disclosure of the CODM’s position for each segment and detail of how the CODM uses financial reporting to assess their segment’s performance. The new guidance is effective for

fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of the ASU may have on its disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which expands disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of the ASU may have on its disclosures.

The significant accounting policies discussed herein are not intended to represent a comprehensive list of all of the Company’s accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP, with a lesser need for the Company’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which the Company’s judgment in selecting an available alternative would not produce a materially different result.