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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Pitney Bowes Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (we, us, our, or the company) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
In the fourth quarter 2020, we determined that based on their nature, certain cash flows from loan receivables classified as cash flows from operating activities should have been classified as investments in loan receivables within cash flows from investing activities. It was also determined that certain investment purchases and maturities that were previously reported on a net basis in 2019 and 2018 should have been reported on a gross basis. Finally, previously reported cash flows from investing activities resulting from changes in customer deposits at the Pitney Bowes Bank (the Bank) have been adjusted to be reported as cash flows from financing activities. We have determined that these adjustments were not material to the previously issued financial statements. The net impact of these changes to our previously reported Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is shown below. The impact on our previously issued interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the year-to-date interim periods in 2020 is presented in Note 21 and will be revised in our 2021 Form 10-Q filings.
Year Ended December 31, 2019
As Previously ReportedAdjustmentsReclassAs Revised and Reclassified
Cash flows from operating activities
Allowance for credit losses$— $— $28,488 $28,488 
Changes in accounts and other receivables$8,318 $— $(16,345)$(8,027)
Changes in finance receivables$25,638 $15,676 $(12,143)$29,171 
Net cash from operating activities: continuing operations$242,935 $15,676 $— $258,611 
Net cash from operating activities$252,207 $15,676 $— $267,883 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investment securities$(57,194)$(80,000)$— $(137,194)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of investment securities$108,548 $— $— $108,548 
Net change in short-term and other investing activities$(78,814)$78,814 $— $— 
Net investment in loan receivables$— $(15,676)$— $(15,676)
Customer deposits at the Bank$16,341 $(16,341)$— $— 
Other investing activities$(10,091)$1,186 $— $(8,905)
Net cash from investing activities: continuing operations$(180,563)$(32,017)$— $(212,580)
Net cash from investing activities$489,567 $(32,017)$— $457,550 
Cash flows from financing activities
Customer deposits at the Bank$— $16,341 $— $16,341 
Net cash from financing activities$(686,640)$16,341 $— $(670,299)
Year Ended December 31, 2018
As Previously ReportedAdjustmentsReclassAs Revised and Reclassified
Cash flows from operating activities
Allowance for credit losses$— $— $26,370 $26,370 
Changes in accounts and other receivables$(44,031)$— $(9,770)$(53,801)
Changes in finance receivables$53,280 $1,773 $(16,600)$38,453 
Net cash from operating activities: continuing operations$350,795 $1,773 $— $352,568 
Net cash from operating activities$342,879 $1,773 $— $344,652 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investment securities$(81,527)$(626)$— $(82,153)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of investment securities$175,820 $46 $— $175,866 
Net change in short-term and other investing activities$11,838 $(11,838)$— $— 
Net investment in loan receivables$— $(1,773)$— $(1,773)
Customer deposits at the Bank$21,008 $(21,008)$— $— 
Other investing activities$(4,250)$12,418 $— $8,168 
Net cash from investing activities: continuing operations$(25,405)$(22,781)$— $(48,186)
Net cash from investing activities$309,127 $(22,781)$— $286,346 
Cash flows from financing activities
Customer deposits at the Bank$— $21,008 $— $21,008 
Net cash from financing activities$(766,419)$21,008 $— $(745,411)

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective method and recognized a $9 million cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings at the date of the initial application. Additionally in 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-06, Income Taxes: Intra-entity Transfers of Assets other than Inventory and recognized a $3 million cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings and ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income with a cumulative effect adjustment to reclassify $116 million from AOCI to opening retained earnings.

Risks and Uncertainties
The effects of COVID-19 on global economies and businesses continues to impact how we conduct business and our operating results, financial position and cash flows. Its impact on our business remains unpredictable and accordingly, we are not able to reasonably estimate the full extent of COVID-19 on our operating results, financial position and cash flows.
We assessed certain accounting matters that require the use of estimates, assumptions and consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the known and projected future impacts of COVID-19. The most significant impacts were to our allowance for credit losses (see Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020 below) and the carrying value of goodwill (see Note 9). Actual results could differ significantly from our estimates and assumptions, possibly resulting in additional impairments or other charges.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and accompanying disclosures, including the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best knowledge of current events, historical experience and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. These estimates include, but are not limited to, goodwill and intangible asset impairment review, deferred tax asset valuation allowance, income tax reserves, revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements, pension and other postretirement costs, allowance for doubtful accounts and credit losses, residual values of leased assets, useful lives of long-lived and intangible assets, restructuring costs, the allocation of purchase price to assets and
liabilities acquired in business combinations, stock-based compensation expense and loss contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Cash Equivalents and Investments
Cash equivalents include interest-earning investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Short-term investments include investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year from the reporting date. Investments with maturities greater than one year from the reporting date are recorded as other assets.
Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). Purchase premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the security. Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are recorded on the trade date using the specific identification method. Investment securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost.

Accounts and Other Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days after the invoice date. We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical loss experience, the age of the receivables, specific troubled accounts and other currently available information.
Accounts receivable are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible, or when they are 365 days past due, if sooner. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts and adjust as necessary.
At December 31, 2019, accounts and other receivables included $24 million recognized in connection with the sale of certain operations in six smaller international markets. As a result of ongoing negotiations, approximately $17 million of this receivable was reclassified to other assets at December 31, 2020.

Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses
Finance receivables are comprised of sales-type leases, secured loans and unsecured revolving loans. Sales-type lease receivables and secured loans are financing options to clients for Pitney Bowes equipment or leasing of other manufacturers' equipment and are generally due in installments over periods ranging from three to five years. Unsecured loan receivables comprise revolving credit lines offered to our clients for postage and supplies and working capital purposes. These revolving credit lines are generally due monthly; however, clients may rollover outstanding balances. Interest is recognized on finance receivables using the effective interest method. Annual fees are recognized ratably over the annual period covered and client acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.
We provide an allowance for credit losses based on historical loss experience, the nature of our portfolios, adverse situations that may affect a client's ability to pay, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and current economic outlook. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and adjust as necessary.
We establish credit approval limits based on the credit quality of the client and the type of equipment financed. We discontinue financing revenue recognition for lease receivables that are more than 120 days past due and for unsecured loan receivables that are more than 90 days past due. Revenue recognition is resumed when the client's payments reduce the account aging to less than 60 days past due. Finance receivables are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible. We believe that our finance receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis, the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis or average cost. At both December 31, 2020 and 2019, approximately 60% of inventories was determined on the LIFO basis.

Fixed Assets
Property, plant and equipment and rental equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are 50 years for buildings, 10 to 20 years for building improvements, up to 3 years for internal use software development costs, 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment and 4 to 6 years for rental equipment. Major improvements that add to the productive capacity or extend the life of an asset are capitalized while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining lease term. Fully depreciated assets are retained in fixed assets and accumulated depreciation until they are removed from service.
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of up to 10 years.

Deferred Costs
Certain incremental costs to obtain a contract are capitalized if we expect the benefit of those costs to be realized over a period greater than one year. These costs primarily relate to sales commissions on multi-year equipment and Global Ecommerce contracts. and are amortized in a manner consistent with the timing of the related revenue over the contract performance period or longer, if renewals are expected and the renewal commission is not commensurate with the initial commission. Unamortized deferred costs at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, included in other assets, were $40 million and $26 million, respectively. Amortization expense for these costs for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $10 million, $7 million and $9 million, respectively.

Revenue Recognition
We derive revenue from multiple sources including sales, rentals, financing and services. Certain transactions are consummated at the same time and can therefore generate revenue from multiple sources. The most common form of these transactions involves a sale or noncancelable lease of equipment, meter services and an equipment maintenance agreement. We determine whether each product and service within the contract should be treated as a separate performance obligation (unit of accounting) for revenue recognition purposes. For contracts that include multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated based on relative standalone selling prices (SSP) which are a range of selling prices that we would sell a product or service to a customer on a separate basis. SSP are established for each performance obligation at the inception of the contract and can be observable prices or estimated. The allocation of the transaction price to the various performance obligations impacts the timing of revenue recognition, but does not change the total revenue recognized. More specifically, revenue related to our offerings is recognized as follows:

Business services
Business services includes providing mail processing services, shipping subscription solutions, fulfillment, delivery and return services and cross-border solutions. Revenue for shipping subscription solutions is recognized ratably over the contract period as the client obtains equal benefit from these services through the period. Revenue for mail processing services, fulfillment, delivery and return services and cross-border solutions is recognized over time using an output method based on the number of parcels or mail pieces either processed or delivered, depending on the service type, since that measure best depicts the value of goods and services transferred to the client over the contract period. We review third party relationships and record revenue on a gross basis when we act as a principal in a transaction and on a net basis when we act as an agent between a client and vendor. In determining whether we are acting as principal or agent, we consider several factors such as whether we are the primary obligor to the client, have control over pricing or have inventory risk.

Support services
Support services revenue includes revenue from maintenance, professional and subscription services for our mailing equipment and professional services for our digital delivery services. Revenue is allocated to these services using selling prices charged in standalone replacement and renewal transactions. Revenue for maintenance and subscription services is recognized ratably over the contract period and revenue for professional services is recognized when services are provided.

Financing
We provide financing for our products primarily through sales-type leases and revolving lines of credit for the purchase of postage and supplies. Financing revenue also includes finance income, late fees and investment income, gains and losses at the Bank. We record financing income over the lease term using the effective interest method. Financing revenue also includes amounts related to sales-type leases that customers have extended or renewed for an additional term. Revenue for these contracts is recognized over the term of the modified lease using the effective interest method. We believe that our sales-type lease portfolio contains only normal collection risk.
Equipment residual values are determined at the inception of the lease using management's best estimate of fair value at the end of the lease term. Fair value estimates are determined based on historical renewal experience, used equipment markets, competition and technological changes. We evaluate residual values on an annual basis or sooner if circumstances warrant. Declines in estimated residual values considered "other-than-temporary" are recognized immediately. Increases in estimated future residual values are not recognized until the equipment is remarketed.

Equipment sales
We sell and lease equipment directly to customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. The amount of revenue allocated to the equipment is based on a range of observable selling prices in standalone transactions. Revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases is recognized as control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon shipment for self-installed products and upon installation or customer acceptance for other products. Revenue from the direct sale of equipment is
recognized as control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon delivery for self-installed products and upon installation or customer acceptance for other products. We do not typically offer any rights of return.

Supplies
Supplies revenue is recognized upon delivery.

Rentals
Rentals revenue includes revenue from mailing equipment that does not meet the criteria to be accounted for as a sales-type lease. We may invoice in advance for rentals according to the terms of the agreement. We initially defer these advanced billings and recognize rentals revenue on a straight-line basis over the rental period. Revenue generated from financing clients for the continued use of equipment subsequent to the expiration of the original lease is recognized as rentals revenue.

Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs are recognized as costs of revenue as incurred.

Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs include engineering costs related to research and development activities and are expensed as incurred.

Restructuring Charges
Costs associated with restructuring actions primarily include employee severance and other separation costs. These costs are recognized when a liability is incurred, which is generally upon communication to the affected employees, and the amount to be paid is both probable and reasonably estimable. Severance accruals are based on company policy, historical experience and negotiated settlements.

Stock-based Compensation
We primarily issue restricted stock units, non-qualified stock options and performance stock units under our stock award plans. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is measured based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest and recognized ratably over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted stock units is estimated based on the fair value of our common stock on the grant date, less the present value of expected dividends. The fair value of non-qualified stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model and fair value of performance stock units is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. We believe that these valuation techniques and the underlying assumptions are appropriate in estimating the fair value of stock awards. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized primarily in selling, general and administrative expense. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant to recognize expense for those awards that are expected to vest and are based on our historical forfeiture rates.

Retirement Plans
Net periodic benefit cost includes current service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. Actuarial gains and losses arise from actual results that differ from previous assumptions and changes in assumptions. The expected return on plan assets is based on a market-related valuation of plan assets where differences between the actual and expected return on plan assets are recognized over a five-year period. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and amortized to benefit cost primarily over the life expectancy of plan participants. The funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

Impairment Review
Long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset is compared to the asset's carrying value. The fair value of the asset is determined using probability weighted expected cash flow estimates, derived from our long-term business plans and historical experience, quoted market prices when available and appraisals, as appropriate. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the asset's carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the assets carrying value to its fair value.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level during the fourth quarter or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment test for goodwill determines the fair value of each reporting unit and compares it to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value an impairment loss is recognized for the difference, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivatives. We use derivative instruments to limit the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on financial results and manage the related cost of debt. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
Derivative instruments are measured at fair value and reported as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, as applicable. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative, the resulting designation and the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk exposure it is designed to hedge. To qualify as a hedge, a derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated for hedging purposes. The hedge relationship must be formally documented at inception, detailing the particular risk management objective and strategy for the hedge. The effectiveness of the hedge relationship is evaluated on a retrospective and prospective basis.
The use of derivative instruments exposes us to counterparty credit risk. To mitigate such risks, we only enter into agreements with financial institutions that meet stringent credit requirements. We regularly review our credit exposure and the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We have not seen a material change in the creditworthiness of our derivative counterparties.

Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. 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 of such change. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In estimating the necessity and amount of a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence for each jurisdiction including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. We adjust the valuation allowance through income tax expense when new information becomes available that would alter our determination of the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized.

Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents.

Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts
In general, the functional currency of our foreign operations is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. are translated at rates in effect at the end of the period and revenue and expenses are translated at average monthly rates during the period. Net deferred translation gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Loss Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each significant matter and assess the potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal action is considered probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish a liability for the estimated loss. The assessment of the ultimate outcome of each claim or legal action and the determination of the potential financial exposure requires significant judgment. Estimates of potential liabilities for claims or legal actions are based only on information that is available at that time. As additional information becomes available, we may revise our estimates, and these revisions could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.

New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Adopted in 2020
Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The ASU applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including finance receivables, trade and other receivables and investments in debt securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. The ASU replaces the current incurred loss impairment model that recognizes losses when a probable threshold is met with a requirement to recognize lifetime expected credit losses immediately when a financial asset is originated or purchased. The models to estimate credit losses are required to be based on historical loss experience, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and current economic outlook. The impact of COVID-19 on
global businesses and economies resulted in an increased probability of recessionary conditions, delinquency rates and business bankruptcy.
We adopted this standard using the modified retrospective transition approach with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The adoption of the standard resulted in an increase in the allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable of $15 million and the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables of $10 million and a net reduction to retained earnings of $22 million. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our available-for-sale investment portfolio.

New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Not Yet Adopted
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles and also clarifies and amends existing guidance. The standard will be adopted effective January 1, 2021 and will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The transition to new reference interest rates will require certain contracts to be modified and the ASU is intended to mitigate the effects of this transition. The accommodations provided by the ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and may be applied at the beginning of any interim period within that time frame. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.