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Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Accounting Policies Accounting Policies
A summary of the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows:
Basis of Presentation
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted an accounting standards update with new guidance intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations relating to leases.  The new guidance requires lessees to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term.  The standards update retained a dual model for lease classification, requiring leases to be classified as finance or operating leases to determine recognition in the statements of operations and cash flows; however, substantially all leases are now required to be recognized on the balance sheet. The standards update also requires quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding key information about leasing arrangements. We elected the optional transition method and applied the new guidance at the date of adoption, without adjusting the comparative periods presented. We also elected the practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance that retain the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption of the standard, and we have elected to not evaluate land easements that existed as of, or expired before, adoption of the new standard. In addition, we did not reassess whether any contracts entered into prior to adoption are leases.
The adoption of this standards update had a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and related disclosures. In addition to recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for our operating leases, we recorded $23 million as a cumulative effect adjustment to decrease Retained Earnings as a result of using the modified retrospective adoption approach. The adoption of this standards update did not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.
The cumulative effect of the changes made to our January 1, 2019 balance sheet for the adoption of the standards update was as follows:
 
Balance at
 
Adjustment for
 
Balance at
(In millions)
December 31, 2018
 
New Standard
 
January 1, 2019
Deferred Income Taxes — Asset
$
1,847

 
$
7

 
$
1,854

Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets

 
882

 
882

Property, Plant and Equipment, less Accumulated Depreciation
7,259

 
(16
)
 
7,243

Operating Lease Liabilities due Within One Year

 
204

 
204

Operating Lease Liabilities

 
684

 
684

Long Term Debt and Finance Leases
5,110

 
14

 
5,124

Other Long Term Liabilities
471

 
(6
)
 
465

Retained Earnings
6,597

 
(23
)
 
6,574


Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted an accounting standards update, intended to reduce complexity in hedge accounting and make hedge results easier to understand. This includes simplifying how hedge results are presented and disclosed in the financial statements, expanding the types of hedging strategies allowed and providing relief around the documentation and assessment requirements. The adoption of this standards update did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted an accounting standards update that allows an optional one-time reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCL") to Retained Earnings for the stranded tax effects resulting from the new corporate tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") that was enacted on December 22, 2017 in the United States. We have elected not to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Act from AOCL to Retained Earnings. As such, the adoption of this standards update did not impact our consolidated financial statements. Our policy is to utilize an item-by-item approach to release stranded income tax effects from AOCL. Under this approach, the stranded income tax effects are released from AOCL when the related item ceases to exist.
Effective October 31, 2019, in conjunction with our annual impairment testing, we early adopted an accounting standards update with new guidance intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The standards update eliminates the requirement for an entity to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, an entity will perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment testing by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recording an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The adoption of this standards update did not impact our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In January 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update with clarifying guidance on the application of the measurement alternative for certain equity securities and the scoping assessment for forward contracts and purchased options on certain securities. The standards update is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of this standards update on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance that changes the accounting for certain income tax transactions. The standards update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this update related to separate financial statements of legal entities that are not subject to tax should be applied on a retrospective basis for all periods presented. The amendments related to changes in ownership of foreign equity method investments or foreign subsidiaries should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The amendments related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income should be applied on either a retrospective basis for all periods presented or a modified retrospective basis. All other amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. We are currently assessing the impact of this standards update on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance requiring a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow existing internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset. The standards update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied retrospectively or as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The adoption of this standards update will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on accounting for credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance includes an impairment model for estimating credit losses that is based on expected losses, rather than incurred losses. The standards update is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standards update will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all legal entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest generally arises from our ownership of a majority of the voting shares of our subsidiaries. We would also hold a controlling financial interest in variable interest entities if we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. Investments in companies in which we do not own a majority interest and we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in other companies are carried at cost. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including those related to:
general and product liabilities and other litigation,
workers’ compensation,
recoverability of intangibles and other long-lived assets,
deferred tax asset valuation allowances and uncertain income tax positions,
pension and other postretirement benefits, and
various other operating allowances and accruals, based on currently available information.
Changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and affect results of operations and financial position in future periods.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable Valuation
Sales are recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied and control is transferred. This generally occurs with shipment or delivery, depending on the terms of the underlying contract, or when services have been rendered. Sales are measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. The amount of consideration we receive and sales we recognize can vary due to changes in sales incentives, rebates, rights of return or other items we offer our customers, for which we estimate the expected amounts based on an analysis of historical experience,
or as the most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes. Payment terms with customers vary by region and customer, but are generally 30-90 days or at the point of sale for our consumer retail locations. Net sales exclude sales, value added and other taxes. Costs to obtain contracts are generally expensed as incurred due to the short term nature of individual contracts. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense as incurred. We have elected to recognize the costs incurred for transportation of products to customers as a component of cost of goods sold ("CGS").
Appropriate provisions are made for uncollectible accounts based on historical loss experience, portfolio duration, economic conditions and credit risk, considering both expected future losses as well as current incurred losses. The adequacy of the allowances are assessed quarterly.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs include, among other things, materials, equipment, compensation and contract services. These costs are expensed as incurred and included as a component of CGS. Research and development expenditures were $430 million, $424 million and $406 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Warranty
Warranties are provided on the sale of certain of our products and services and an accrual for estimated future claims is recorded at the time revenue is recognized. Tire replacement under most of the warranties we offer is on a prorated basis. Warranty reserves are based on past claims experience, sales history and other considerations. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 19, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in this Form 10-K.
Environmental Cleanup Matters
We expense environmental costs related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. We determine our liability on a site by site basis and record a liability at the time when it is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our estimated liability is reduced to reflect the anticipated participation of other potentially responsible parties in those instances where it is probable that such parties are legally responsible and financially capable of paying their respective shares of the relevant costs. Our estimated liability is not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 19, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in this Form 10-K.
Legal Costs
We record a liability for estimated legal and defense costs related to pending general and product liability claims, environmental matters and workers’ compensation claims. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 19, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in this Form 10-K.
Advertising Costs
Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are generally expensed when incurred as a component of selling, administrative and general expense ("SAG"). Costs incurred under our cooperative advertising programs with dealers and franchisees are generally recorded as reductions of sales as related revenues are recognized. Advertising costs, including costs for our cooperative advertising programs with dealers and franchisees, were $353 million, $345 million and $320 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Rationalizations
We record costs for rationalization actions implemented to reduce excess and high-cost manufacturing capacity and operating and administrative costs. Associate-related costs include severance, supplemental unemployment compensation and benefits, medical benefits, pension curtailments, postretirement benefits, and other termination benefits. For ongoing benefit arrangements, a liability is recognized when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. For one-time benefit arrangements, a liability is incurred and must be accrued at the date the plan is communicated to employees, unless they will be retained beyond a minimum retention period. In this case, the liability is calculated at the date the plan is communicated to employees and is accrued ratably over the future service period. For voluntary benefit arrangements, a liability is not estimable and is not recognized until eligible associates apply for the benefit and we accept the applications. Other costs generally include non-cancelable lease costs, contract terminations and relocation costs. A liability for these costs is recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Rationalization charges related to accelerated depreciation and asset impairments are recorded in CGS or SAG. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 3, Costs Associated with Rationalization Programs, in this Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are recognized during the year in which transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income, with deferred taxes being provided for temporary differences between carrying values of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such carrying values as measured under applicable tax laws. The effect on deferred tax assets or liabilities of a change in the tax law or tax rate is recognized in the period the change is enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The calculation of our tax liabilities also involves considering uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on our estimate of whether it is more likely than not that additional taxes will be required and we report related interest and penalties as income taxes. To the extent that we incur expense under the global intangible low-taxed income provisions we will treat it as a component of income tax expense in the period incurred. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 6, Income Taxes, in this Form 10-K.
Cash and Cash Equivalents / Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. Substantially all of our cash and short-term investment securities are held with investment grade rated counterparties. At December 31, 2019, our cash investments with any single counterparty did not exceed $170 million.
Cash flows associated with derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of identifiable transactions or events are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the related hedged items. Cash flows associated with derivative financial instruments not designated as hedges are classified as operating activities. Bank overdrafts, if any, are recorded within Notes Payable and Overdrafts. Cash flows associated with bank overdrafts are classified as financing activities.
Customer prepayments for products and government grants received that predominately relate to operations are reported as operating activities. Government grants received that are predominately related to capital expenditures are reported as investing activities. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are presented net of finance leases of $36 million, $6 million and $5 million originating in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash flows from investing activities in 2019 exclude $243 million of accrued capital expenditures remaining unpaid at December 31, 2019, and include payment for $266 million of capital expenditures that were accrued and unpaid at December 31, 2018. Cash flows from investing activities in 2018 exclude $266 million of accrued capital expenditures remaining unpaid at December 31, 2018, and include payment for $265 million of capital expenditures that were accrued and unpaid at December 31, 2017. Cash flows from investing activities in 2017 exclude $265 million of accrued capital expenditures remaining unpaid at December 31, 2017, and include payment for $264 million of capital expenditures that were accrued and unpaid at December 31, 2016.
Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash as reported within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
908

 
$
801

 
$
1,043

Restricted Cash
66

 
72

 
67

Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
$
974

 
$
873

 
$
1,110


Restricted Cash, which is included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, primarily represents amounts required to be set aside in connection with accounts receivable factoring programs. The restrictions lapse when cash from factored accounts receivable is remitted to the purchaser of those receivables.
Restricted Net Assets
In certain countries where we operate, transfers of funds into or out of such countries by way of dividends, loans or advances are generally or periodically subject to various governmental regulations. In addition, certain of our credit agreements and other debt instruments limit the ability of foreign subsidiaries to make cash distributions. At December 31, 2019, approximately $711 million of net assets were subject to such regulations or limitations.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or the average cost method. Costs include direct material, direct labor and applicable manufacturing and engineering overhead. We allocate fixed manufacturing overheads based on normal production capacity and recognize abnormal manufacturing costs as period costs. We
determine a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on management’s review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 10, Inventories, in this Form 10-K.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are assessed for impairment annually with the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary or to perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible to its carrying amount. Under the qualitative assessment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount. If under the quantitative assessment the fair value is less than the carrying amount, then an impairment loss will be recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. We perform a quantitative assessment at least once every five years.
In addition to annual testing, impairment testing is conducted when events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives would be written down to fair value if considered impaired. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized to their estimated residual values over such finite lives, and reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances warrant such a review. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 11, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, in this Form 10-K.
Investments
Investments in marketable securities are stated at fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period and, when appropriate, exchange rates at that date. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable equity securities are recorded in earnings. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable debt securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded in AOCL, net of tax. Our investment in TireHub is accounted for under the equity method.
We regularly review our investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below their recorded amount is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 12, Other Assets and Investments, No. 16, Fair Value Measurements, and No. 21, Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, in this Form 10-K.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Additions and improvements that substantially extend the useful life of property, plant and equipment, and interest costs incurred during the construction period of major projects are capitalized. Government grants to us that are predominately related to capital expenditures are recorded as reductions of the cost of the associated assets. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives, and reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances warrant such a review. Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $793 million, $776 million and $779 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Refer to Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 4, Interest Expense, and No. 13, Property, Plant and Equipment, in this Form 10-K.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for most subsidiaries outside the United States is the local currency. Financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate for each period for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. The U.S. dollar is used as the functional currency in countries with a history of high inflation and in countries that predominantly sell into the U.S. dollar export market. For all operations, gains or losses from remeasuring foreign currency transactions into the functional currency are included in Other (Income) Expense. Translation adjustments are recorded in AOCL. Income taxes are generally not provided for foreign currency translation adjustments.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
To qualify for hedge accounting, hedging instruments must be designated as hedges and meet defined correlation and effectiveness criteria. These criteria require that the anticipated cash flows and/or changes in fair value of the hedging instrument substantially offset those of the position being hedged.
Derivative contracts are reported at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Accounts Receivable, Other Assets, Other Current Liabilities or Other Long Term Liabilities. Deferred gains and losses on contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recorded net of tax in AOCL.
Interest Rate Contracts — Gains and losses on contracts designated as cash flow hedges are initially deferred and recorded in AOCL. Amounts are transferred from AOCL and recognized in income as Interest Expense in the same period that the hedged item is recognized in income. Gains and losses on contracts designated as fair value hedges are recognized in income in the current period as Interest Expense. Gains and losses on contracts with no hedging designation are recorded in the current period in Other (Income) Expense.
Foreign Currency Contracts — Gains and losses on contracts designated as cash flow hedges are initially deferred and recorded in AOCL. Amounts are transferred from AOCL and recognized in income in the same period and on the same line that the hedged item is recognized in income. Gains and losses on contracts designated as fair value hedges, excluding premiums and discounts, are recorded in Other (Income) Expense in the current period. Gains and losses on contracts with no hedging designation are also recorded in Other (Income) Expense in the current period. We do not include premiums or discounts on forward currency contracts in our assessment of hedge effectiveness. Premiums and discounts on contracts designated as hedges are recorded in AOCL. The amounts are recognized in the Statement of Operations on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract on the same line that the hedged item is recognized in the Statement of Operations.
Net Investment Hedging — Nonderivative instruments denominated in foreign currencies are used from time to time to hedge net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Gains and losses on these instruments are deferred and recorded in AOCL as Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments. These gains and losses are only recognized in income upon the complete or partial sale of the related investment or the complete liquidation of the investment.
Termination of Contracts — Gains and losses (including deferred gains and losses in AOCL) are recognized in Other (Income) Expense when contracts are terminated concurrently with the termination of the hedged position. To the extent that such position remains outstanding, gains and losses are amortized to Interest Expense or to Other (Income) Expense over the remaining life of that position. Gains and losses on contracts that we temporarily continue to hold after the early termination of a hedged position, or that otherwise no longer qualify for hedge accounting, are recognized in Other (Income) Expense. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 15, Financing Arrangements and Derivative Financial Instruments, in this Form 10-K.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure compensation cost arising from the grant of stock-based awards to employees at fair value and recognize such cost in income over the period during which the service is provided, usually the vesting period. We recognize compensation expense using the straight-line approach.
Stock-based awards to employees include grants of performance share units, restricted stock units and stock options. We measure the fair value of grants of performance share units and restricted stock units based primarily on the closing market price of a share of our common stock on the date of the grant, modified as appropriate to take into account the features of such grants.
We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Assumptions used to estimate compensation expense are determined as follows:
Expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding based on our historical experience of option exercises;
Expected volatility is measured using the weighted average of historical daily changes in the market price of our common stock over the expected term of the award and implied volatility calculated for our exchange traded options with an expiration date greater than one year;
Risk-free interest rate is equivalent to the implied yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bonds with a remaining maturity equal to the expected term of the awards; and
Forfeitures are based substantially on the history of cancellations of similar awards granted in prior years.
Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 18, Stock Compensation Plans, in this Form 10-K.
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share primarily reflects the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options and other stock based awards. All earnings per share amounts in these notes to the consolidated financial statements are diluted, unless otherwise noted. Refer to Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 7, Earnings Per Share, in this Form 10-K.
Fair Value Measurements
Valuation Hierarchy
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date.
Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 — Valuation is based upon other unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:
Investments
Where quoted prices are available in an active market, investments are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government bonds, certain mortgage products and exchange-traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the security, and would be classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities would be classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Exchange-traded derivative financial instruments that are valued using quoted prices would be classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Derivative financial instruments valued using internally-developed models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Derivative financial instruments that are valued based upon models with significant unobservable market parameters, and that are normally traded less actively, would be classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Refer to Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements No. 15, Financing Arrangements and Derivative Financial Instruments, and No. 16, Fair Value Measurements, in this Form 10-K.
Reclassifications and Adjustments
Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.