2. Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

ACCO Brands is primarily involved in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of office product, school products and accessories for laptop and desktop computers and tablets. We sell primarily to large resellers, and our subsidiaries operate principally in the United States, Northern Europe, Brazil, Canada, Australia and Mexico.

The majority of our office products, such as stapling, binding and laminating equipment and related consumable supplies, shredders and whiteboards, are used by businesses. Most of these end-users purchase their products from our customers, which include traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers and other retailers, including on-line retailers. We also supply some of our products directly to large commercial and industrial end-users, and provide business machine maintenance and certain repair services. Additionally, we also supply private label products within the office products sector.

Our school products include notebooks, folders, decorative calendars and stationery products. We distribute our school products primarily through mass merchandisers, and other retailers, such as grocery, drug and office superstores as well as on-line retailers. We also supply private label products within the school products sector.

Our calendar products are sold through all the same channels where we sell office or school products, as well as directly to consumers both on-line and through direct mail.

Our Computer Products Group designs, sources, distributes, markets and sells accessories for laptop and desktop computers and tablets. These accessories primarily include security products, input devices such as presenters, mice and trackballs, ergonomic aids such as foot and wrist rests, docking stations, and other PC and tablet accessories.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts, Discounts and Returns

Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for discounts, doubtful accounts and returns. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations, usually due to customers’ potential insolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowance includes a provision for customer defaults on a general formula basis when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with specific customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions.

The allowance for sales returns represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with the potential return of products previously sold to customers, and is recorded at the time that the sales are recognized. The allowance includes a general provision for product returns based on historical trends. In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for currently authorized customer returns that are considered to be abnormal in comparison to the historical basis.

Inventories

Inventories are priced at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out with minor amounts at average) or market. A reserve is established to adjust the cost of inventory to its net realizable value. Inventory reserves are recorded for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance or engineering/material changes. These estimates could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from expectations.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided, principally on a straight-line basis, over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Gains or losses resulting from dispositions are included in operating income. Betterments and renewals, which improve and extend the life of an asset are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed. Purchased computer software is capitalized and amortized over the software’s useful life. The following table shows estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment:



Property, plant and equipment		Useful Life
Buildings		40 to 50 years
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of lease term or the life of the asset
Machinery, equipment and furniture		3 to 10 years
Computer software		5 to 10 years

We capitalize interest for major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is depreciated over the useful lives of those assets. We capitalized interest of $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

We test long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverable from its undiscounted cash flow. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flow expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate at the time of future cash flow, derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flow. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on our weighted average cost of capital, computed by selecting market rates at the valuation dates for debt and equity that are reflective of the risks associated with an investment in our industry as estimated by using comparable publicly traded companies.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are comprised primarily of indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets acquired and arising from the application of purchase accounting. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life is appropriate. In addition, amortizable intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives. Certain of our trade names have been assigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these trade names will contribute cash flows to ACCO Brands indefinitely.

We review indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually, normally in the second quarter, and whenever market or business events indicate there may be a potential adverse impact on a particular intangible. The review may be on a qualitative or quantitative basis as allowed by GAAP. We consider the implications of both external factors (e.g., market growth, pricing, competition, and technology) and internal factors (e.g., product costs, margins, support expenses, and capital investment) and their potential impact on cash flows for each business in both the near and long term, as well as their impact on any identifiable intangible asset associated with the business. Based on recent business results, consideration of significant external and internal factors, and the resulting business projections, indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed to determine whether they are likely to remain indefinite-lived, or whether a finite life is more appropriate. In addition, based on events in the period and future expectations, management considers whether the potential for impairment exists. Finite lived intangibles are amortized over 10, 15, 23 or 30 years.

We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2015, on a qualitative basis and concluded that no impairment existed. In the fourth quarter of 2015 we performed a quantitative test (Step 1), as we identified a trigger event related to our trade name primarily used in Brazil. While we concluded that no impairment existed, the trade name's fair value has been significantly reduced. Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of our trade name primarily used in Brazil included a long-term growth rate of 6.5% and a 14.5% discount rate. The fair values of certain other indefinite-lived trade names are also not substantially above their carrying values. As of December 31, 2015 the aggregate carrying value of indefinite-lived trade names not substantially above their fair values was $176.6 million.

Goodwill

Goodwill has been recorded on our balance sheet and represents the excess of the cost of the acquisitions when compared to the fair value of the net assets acquired. The authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. We have determined that our reporting units are the ACCO Brands North America, ACCO Brands International and Computer Products Group segments.

We test goodwill for impairment at least annually and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. As permitted by GAAP we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test included in GAAP. Entities are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless they determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount. We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2015, on a qualitative basis, and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount.

If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if it is determined that a qualitative assessment is not appropriate, we move onto the two-step goodwill impairment test where we calculate the fair value of the reporting units. When applying a fair-value-based test the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to determine the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. Determining the implied fair value of goodwill requires valuation of a reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of purchase price in a business combination. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is deemed impaired and is written down to the extent of the difference.

Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding their impact on our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our qualitative impairment testing during 2015 will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding forecasted revenue or margin growth rates of certain reporting units are not achieved, we may be required to record impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing in the second quarter of fiscal year 2016 or prior to that, if a triggering event is identified outside of the quarter from when the annual impairment test is performed. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.

Employee Benefit Plans

We provide a range of benefits to our employees and retired employees, including pension, post-retirement, post-employment and health care benefits. We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by GAAP, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis and modifications to these assumptions are made based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate. As required by GAAP, the effect of our modifications are generally recorded and amortized over future periods.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax liabilities or assets are established for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and are subsequently adjusted to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Facts and circumstances may change and cause us to revise the conclusions on our ability to realize certain net operating losses and other deferred tax attributes.

The amount of income taxes that we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax position is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. We believe that we have adequately provided for reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to these matters. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are revised or resolved.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue from product sales when earned, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns and allowances. We consider revenue to be realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We also provide for our estimate of potential bad debt at the time of revenue recognition.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in the manufacturing, procurement and distribution process, allocation of certain information technology costs supporting those processes, inbound and outbound freight, shipping and handling costs, purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the production processes.

Advertising, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") include advertising, marketing, selling (including commissions), research and development, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrative expenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, information technology, corporate expenses, etc.).

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs amounted to $120.9 million, $130.8 million and $131.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These costs primarily include, but are not limited to, cooperative advertising and promotional allowances as described in "Customer Program Costs" below, and are principally expensed as incurred.

Customer Program Costs

Customer program costs include, but are not limited to, sales rebates, which are generally tied to achievement of certain sales volume levels, in-store promotional allowances, shared media and customer catalog allowances and other cooperative advertising arrangements, and freight allowance programs. We generally recognize customer program costs as a deduction to gross sales at the time that the associated revenue is recognized. Certain customer incentives that do not directly relate to future revenues are expensed when initiated.

In addition, accrued customer program liabilities principally include, but are not limited to, sales volume rebates, promotional allowances, shared media and customer catalog allowances and other cooperative advertising arrangements and freight allowances as discussed above.

Shipping and Handling

We reflect all amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling in net sales and the costs incurred from shipping and handling product (including costs to ship and move product from the seller’s place of business to the buyer’s place of business, as well as costs to store, move and prepare products for shipment) in cost of products sold.

Warranty Reserves

We offer our customers various warranty terms based on the type of product that is sold. Estimated future obligations related to products sold under these warranty terms are provided by charges to cost of products sold in the period in which the related revenue is recognized.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses, which amounted to $20.0 million, $20.2 million and $22.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are classified as SG&A expenses and are charged to expense as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation

Our primary types of share-based compensation consist of stock options, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Where awards are made with non-substantive vesting periods (for example, where a portion of the award vests upon retirement eligibility), we estimate and recognize expense based on the period from the grant date to the date on which the employee is retirement eligible.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the period. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Some transactions are made in currencies different from an entity’s functional currency. Gains and losses on these foreign currency transactions are included in income as they occur.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the same period. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.

Certain forecasted transactions, assets and liabilities are exposed to foreign currency risk. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged include the U.S. dollar, Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound and Japanese yen.

Recent Accounting Standards Updates

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2015-14") deferring by one year the effective date of ASU 2014-09 until reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet selected a transition method.

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11"). ASU 2015-11 applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. An entity should measure inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11 at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2015-11 on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015; early adoption is permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements ("ASU 2015-15"). ASU 2015-15 provides guidance for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements; the SEC staff stated that they would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement.

The company has adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 in the fourth quarter of 2015 and has retrospectively adjusted its prior period balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2014 we have reclassified $11.3 million from "Other non-current assets" to "Long-term debt, net" related the debt issuance costs for our U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due April 2020 and our Senior Unsecured Notes, due April 2020. See "Note 3. Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings."

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"). The amendments in ASU 2015-17 require all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as non-current simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. The Company has elected to prospectively adopt the accounting standard in the beginning of our fourth quarter of 2015. Prior periods in our Consolidated Financial Statements were not retrospectively adjusted.

Other than the items mentioned above, there are no other recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.