Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and the accounts of its subsidiaries and include the results of the Company and all entities in which the Company has a controlling interest. When we consolidate our financial statements, we eliminate intercompany transactions, accounts and profits. When we exert significant influence over an investee but do not control it, we account for the investment and the investment income using the equity method. These investments are reported in Other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheet. We consolidate financial results for five legal entities in which we do not own 100% of the equity interests, either directly or indirectly through our subsidiaries. These entities have non-controlling interest ownerships ranging from 5% to 41%.

When we acquire a subsidiary, its financial results are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. When we dispose of a subsidiary, its financial results are included in our consolidated financial statements until the date of the disposition. In the event that a disposal group meets the criteria for discontinued operations, prior periods are adjusted to reflect the classification.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions in the Preparation of Financial Statements

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which requires us to make estimates and to use judgments and assumptions that affect the timing and amount of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses recorded and disclosed. The more significant estimates and judgments relate to revenue recognition, restructuring and cost reduction programs, asset impairment, income taxes, inventories, goodwill, pension and other postretirement benefits and environmental liabilities. Actual outcomes could differ from our estimates, resulting in changes in revenues or costs that could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial results of our operations outside of the U.S. are recorded in local currencies, which generally are also the functional currencies for financial reporting purposes. The results of operations outside of the U.S. are translated from these functional currencies into U.S. dollars using the average monthly currency exchange rates. We use the average currency exchange rate for these results of operations as a reasonable approximation of the results had specific currency exchange rates been used for each individual transaction. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded, as incurred, as Other expense (income) in the consolidated statements of operations. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates at the balance sheet dates, and we record the resulting foreign currency translation adjustments as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in equity.

Revenue Recognition

Under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods. In order to achieve that core principle, the Company applies the following five-step approach: 1) identify the contract with a customer; 2) identify the performance obligations; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and 5) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company considers confirmed customer purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by master sales agreements, to be the contracts, from an accounting perspective, with customers. Under our standard contracts, the only performance obligation is the delivery of manufactured goods and the performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time, when the Company transfers control of the manufactured goods. The Company may receive orders for products to be delivered over multiple dates that may extend across several reporting periods. The Company invoices for each order and recognizes revenue for each distinct product upon shipment, once transfer of control has occurred. Payment terms are standard for the industry and jurisdiction in which we operate. In determining the transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment, to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. Discounts or rebates are specifically stated in customer contracts or invoices, and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized. The product price as specified on the customer confirmed orders is considered the standalone selling price. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product based on its relative standalone selling price. Revenue is recognized when control of the product is transferred to the customer (i.e., when the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied), which generally occurs at shipment. We review material contracts to determine transfer of control based upon the business practices and legal requirements of each country. For sales of all products, including those containing precious metals, we report revenues on a gross basis, along with their corresponding cost of sales to arrive at gross profit.

The amount of shipping and handling fees invoiced to our customers at the time our product is shipped is included in net sales as we are the principal in those activities. Sales, valued-added and other taxes collected from our customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from net sales. Credit memos issued to customers for sales returns and sales adjustments are recorded when they are incurred as a reduction of sales.

There were no changes in amounts previously reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements due to adopting ASC 606.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

All material contracts have an original duration of one year or less and, as such, the Company uses the practical expedient applicable to such contracts, and has not disclosed the transaction price for the remaining performance obligations as of the end of each reporting period, or when the Company expects to recognize this revenue.

When the period of time between the transfer of control of the goods and the time the customer pays for the goods is one year or less, the Company uses the practical expedient allowed by ASC 606 that provides relief from adjusting the amount of promised consideration for the effects of a financing component.

We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Total expenditures for product and application technology, including research and development, customer technical support and other related activities, were approximately $35.6 million for 2020, $41.0 million for 2019 and $40.1 million for 2018.

Restructuring Programs

We expense costs associated with exit and disposal activities designed to restructure operations and reduce ongoing costs of operations when we incur the related liabilities or when other triggering events occur. After the appropriate level of management, having the authority, approves the detailed restructuring plan and the appropriate criteria for recognition are met, we establish accruals for employee termination and other costs, as applicable. The accruals are estimates that are based upon factors including statutory and union requirements, affected employees’ lengths of service, salary level, health care benefit choices and contract provisions. We also analyze the carrying value of affected long-lived assets for impairment and reductions in their remaining estimated useful lives. In addition, we record the fair value of any new or remaining obligations when existing operating lease contracts are terminated or abandoned as a result of our exit and disposal activities.

Asset Impairment

The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and intangible assets. We review property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. The following are examples of such events or changes in circumstances:

An adverse change in the business climate of a long-lived asset or asset group;

An adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is used or in its physical condition;

Current operating losses for a long-lived asset or asset group combined with a history of such losses or projected or forecasted losses that demonstrate that the losses will continue; or

A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise significantly disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life.

The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets is not recoverable if the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. In the event of impairment, we recognize a loss for the excess of the recorded value over fair value. The long-term nature of these assets requires the estimation of cash inflows and outflows several years into the future and only takes into consideration technological advances known at the time of review.

We review goodwill for impairment annually using a measurement date of October 31, primarily due to the timing of our annual budgeting process, or more frequently in the event of an impairment indicator. The fair value of each reporting unit that has goodwill is estimated using the average of both the income approach and the market approach, which we believe provides a reasonable estimate of the reporting unit’s fair value, unless facts or circumstances exist which indicate a more representative fair value. The income approach is a discounted cash flow model, which uses projected cash flows attributable to the reporting unit, including an allocation of certain corporate expenses based primarily on proportional sales. We use historical results, trends and our projections of market growth, internal sales efforts and anticipated cost structure assumptions to estimate future cash flows. Using a risk-adjusted, weighted-average cost of capital, we discount the cash flow projections to the measurement date. The market approach estimates a price reasonably expected to be paid by a market participant in the purchase of the reporting units based on a comparison to similar businesses. If the fair value of any reporting unit was determined to be less than its carrying value, we would obtain comparable market values or independent appraisals of its net assets.

Derivative Financial Instruments

As part of our risk management activities, we employ derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and foreign currency forward contracts, to hedge certain anticipated transactions, firm commitments, or assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. We also purchase portions of our energy and precious metal requirements under fixed price forward purchase contracts designated as normal purchase contracts.

We record derivatives on our balance sheet as either assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and reclassified from AOCL into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as net investment hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of the currency translation in AOCL. Time value is excluded and the cash payments are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. For derivatives that are not designated as hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in current earnings. We only use derivatives to manage well-defined risks and do not use derivatives for speculative purposes.

Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits

We recognize postretirement and other employee benefits expense as employees render the services necessary to earn those benefits. We determine defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations with the assistance of third parties who perform certain actuarial calculations. The calculations and the resulting amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements are affected by assumptions including the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the annual rate of change in compensation for plan-eligible employees, estimated changes in costs of healthcare benefits, mortality tables, and other factors. We evaluate the assumptions used on an annual basis. All costs except the service cost component are recorded in Miscellaneous expense (income), net on the consolidated statement of operations.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax effects 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 statement 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 record deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing temporary differences, the availability of tax planning strategies, forecasted income, and recent financial operations.

We recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. These instruments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Ferro sells its products to customers in diversified industries throughout the world. No customer or related group of customers represents greater than 10% of net sales or accounts receivable. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and require collateral principally for export sales, when industry practices allow and as market conditions dictate, subject to our ability to negotiate secured terms relative to competitive offers. We regularly analyze significant customer accounts and provide for uncollectible accounts based on historical experience, customer payment history, the length of time the receivables are past due, the financial health of the customer, economic conditions and specific circumstances, as appropriate. Changes in these factors could result in additional allowances. Customer accounts we conclude to be uncollectible or to require excessive collection costs are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Historically, write-offs of uncollectible accounts have been within our expectations. Detailed information about the allowance for doubtful accounts is provided below:


(Dollars in thousands)	2020		2019		2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,502	$	1,756	$	1,343
Bad debt expense		255		455		843

Inventories

We value inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined utilizing the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. We periodically evaluate the net realizable value of inventories based primarily upon their age, but also upon assumptions of future usage in production, customer demand and market conditions. Inventory values have been reduced to the lower of cost or net realizable value by allowances for slow moving or obsolete goods.

We maintain raw materials on our premises that we do not own, including precious metals consigned from financial institutions and customers. We also consign inventory from our vendors. Although we have physical possession of the goods, their value is not reflected on our balance sheet because we do not have legal title.

We obtain precious metals under consignment agreements with financial institutions for periods of one year or less. These precious metals are primarily silver, gold, platinum, and palladium and are used in the production of certain products for our customers. Under these arrangements, the financial institutions own the precious metals, and accordingly, we do not report these precious metals as inventory on our consolidated balance sheets although they are physically in our possession. The financial institutions charge us fees for these consignment arrangements, and these fees are recorded as cost of sales. These agreements are cancelable by either party at the end of each consignment period, however, because we have access to a number of consignment arrangements with available capacity, our consignment needs can be shifted among the other participating institutions in order to ensure our supply. In certain cases, these financial institutions can require cash deposits to provide additional collateral beyond the value of the underlying precious metals.

Property, Plant and Equipment

We record property, plant and equipment at historical cost. In addition to the original purchased cost, including transportation, installation and taxes, we capitalize expenditures that increase the utility or useful life of existing assets. For constructed assets, we capitalize interest costs incurred during the period of construction. We expense repair and maintenance costs, as incurred. We depreciate property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis, generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:


Buildings	20 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment	5 to 15 years

Other Capitalized Costs

We capitalize the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use after the preliminary project stage has been completed, and management, with the relevant authority, authorizes and commits to funding a computer software project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. External direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use computer software, payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the project, and interest costs incurred when developing computer software for internal use are capitalized within Intangible assets. Capitalization ceases when the project is substantially complete, generally after all substantial testing is completed. We expense training costs and data conversion costs as incurred. We amortize software on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, which has historically been in a range of 1 to 10 years.

Environmental Liabilities

As part of the production of some of our products, we handle, process, use and store hazardous materials. As part of these routine processes, we expense recurring costs associated with control and disposal of hazardous materials as they are incurred. Occasionally, we are subject to ongoing, pending or threatened litigation related to the handling of these materials or other matters. If, based on available information, we believe that we have incurred a liability and we can reasonably estimate the amount, we accrue for environmental remediation and other contingent liabilities. We disclose material contingencies if the likelihood of the potential loss is reasonably possible but the amount is not reasonably estimable.

In estimating the amount to be accrued for environmental remediation, we use assumptions about:

Remediation requirements at the contaminated site;

The nature of the remedy;

Existing technology;

The outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies;

Other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites; and

The number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties.

We actively monitor the status of sites, and, as assessments and cleanups proceed, we update our assumptions and adjust our estimates as necessary. Because the timing of related payments is uncertain, we do not discount the estimated remediation costs.

The following section provides a description of new accounting pronouncements ("Accounting Standard Update" or "ASU") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that are applicable to the Company.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

This section provides a description of new accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB that are applicable to the Company.

The following ASUs were adopted as of January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements:



Standard		Description
ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, issued December, 2019 ‎		Simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and by: altering the recognition of franchise tax partially based on income; requiring evaluation of proper treatment of a step up in the tax basis of goodwill; specifying requirements regarding the allocation of tax expense to a legal entity that is not subject to tax; requiring the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates be reflected in the annual effective tax rate computation in the interim period that includes the enactment date, and; other minor codification improvements. ASU 2019-12 was early adopted by the Company.
ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, issued June 2016 ‎		Changes the way entities recognize impairment of financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial asset. Additional disclosures are required regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the expected credit loss.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

We are currently evaluating the impact on our financial statements of the following ASUs:



Standard		Description
ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, issued March, 2020		Along with ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope, provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in these ASUs are effective for all entities through December 31, 2022.
ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, issued August, 2018		Modifies disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and is to be applied using a retrospective approach for all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued had, or are expected to have, a material impact of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.