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Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation - These financial statements present consolidated information for Roper Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Roper,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements - The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) establishes changes to accounting principles under GAAP in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. Any ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC 842, which included the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of other key information about leasing arrangements. The Company adopted ASC 842, as of January 1, 2019 using the cumulative effect transition method for leases in existence as of the date of adoption.

The reported results for 2019 reflect the application of ASC 842 guidance while the reported results for 2018 were prepared under the previous guidance of ASC 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). The adoption of ASC 842 represents a change in accounting principle that recognizes ROU assets and lease liabilities arising from all leases based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Consistent with ASC 840, lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s adoption of ASC 842 had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings or our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within ASC 842, which allowed us to: (i) carry forward the historical lease classification, (ii) not reassess whether any existing contract contains a lease, and (iii) not reassess initial direct costs for existing leases.
Operating leases are classified as non-current operating lease ROU assets and current and non-current operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Finance leases are not material.

Adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and total operating lease liabilities of $274.0 and $282.7, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference between the operating lease ROU assets and total operating lease liabilities is the reclassification of previously recognized deferred rent liabilities against operating lease ROU assets. The adoption of ASC 842 did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings and it did not impact our net deferred tax assets or liabilities.

The Company’s operating leases are primarily for real property in support of our business operations. Although many of our leases contain renewal options, we generally are not reasonably certain to exercise these options at the commencement date. Accordingly, renewal options are generally not included in the lease term for determining the ROU asset and lease liability at commencement.

Variable lease payments generally depend on an inflation-based index and such payments are not included in the original estimate of the lease liability. These variable lease payments are not material.

Discount rates are determined based on Roper’s incremental borrowing rate as our leases generally do not provide an implicit rate.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC 606, which created a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The Company adopted ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method resulting in a $14.3 increase to beginning retained earnings.

See the Company’s accounting policies below for details.

Recently Released Accounting Pronouncements

Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents - Roper considers highly liquid financial instruments with remaining maturities at acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Contingencies
Contingencies - Management continually assesses the probability of any adverse judgments or outcomes to its potential contingencies. Disclosure of the contingency is made if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred. In the assessment of contingencies as of December 31, 2019, management concluded that there were no matters for which there was a reasonable possibility of a material loss.

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share - Basic earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective year. Diluted earnings per share were calculated using net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock associated with stock options outstanding during the respective year.
Estimates
Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions - Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar were translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses were translated at average exchange rates for the period in which those entities were included in Roper’s financial results. Translation adjustments are reflected as a component of other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings within “Other income/(expense), net.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Roper accounts for goodwill in a purchase business combination as the excess of the cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Business combinations can also result in other intangible assets being recognized. Amortization of intangible assets, if applicable, occurs over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill, which is not amortized, is tested for impairment on an annual basis (or an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value). When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, then performance of the quantitative impairment test is required. The quantitative process utilizes both an income approach (discounted cash flows) and a market approach (consisting of a comparable public company earnings multiples methodology) to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. To determine the reasonableness of the estimated fair values, the Company reviews the assumptions to ensure that neither the income approach nor the market approach provides significantly different valuations. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is required and no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, a non-cash impairment loss is recognized in the amount of that excess.
When performing the quantitative assessment, key assumptions used in the income and market methodologies are updated when the analysis is performed for each reporting unit. Various assumptions are utilized including forecasted operating results, strategic plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, the weighted-average cost of capital, comparable transactions, market data and earnings multiples. The assumptions that have the most significant effect on the fair value calculations are the anticipated future cash flows, discount rates, and the earnings multiples. While the Company uses reasonable and timely information to prepare its cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances.

Roper has 35 reporting units with individual goodwill amounts ranging from zero to $2.5 billion. In 2019, the Company performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter for all reporting units. The Company conducted its analysis qualitatively and assessed whether it was more likely than not that the respective fair value of these reporting units was less than the carrying amount. The Company determined that impairment of goodwill was not likely in 33 of its reporting units and thus was not required to perform a quantitative analysis for these reporting units. For the remaining two reporting units, the Company performed its quantitative analysis and concluded that the fair value of each of these two reporting units was substantially in excess of its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of October 1, 2019.

Recently acquired reporting units generally represent a higher inherent risk of impairment, which typically decreases as the businesses are integrated into the enterprise. Negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to its business, actual results significantly below expected results, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets, divestitures and market capitalization declines may have a negative effect on the fair value of Roper’s reporting units.

The following events or circumstances, although not comprehensive, would be considered to determine whether interim testing of goodwill would be required:

a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;
an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
unanticipated competition;
a loss of key personnel;
a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of;
the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and
recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit.
Business combinations can also result in other intangible assets being recognized. Amortization of intangible assets, if applicable, occurs over their estimated useful lives. Trade names that are determined to have an indefinite useful economic life are not amortized, but separately tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year or on an interim basis if an event occurs that indicates the fair value is more likely than not below the carrying value. Roper first qualitatively assesses whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of an indefinite-lived trade name is less than its carrying amount. If necessary, Roper conducts a quantitative review using the relief-from-royalty method. This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these assets. The fair value of each trade name is determined by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net revenues discounted using a risk adjusted rate of capital. Each royalty rate is determined based on the profitability of the trade name to which it relates and observed market royalty rates. Revenue growth rates are determined after considering current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches or other variables. Trade names resulting from recent acquisitions generally represent the highest risk of impairment, which typically decreases as the businesses are integrated into Roper. The Company performed a quantitative analysis over the fair values of two of its trade names and concluded that the fair value exceeded its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of October 1, 2019.

The assessment of fair value for impairment purposes requires significant judgments to be made by management. Although forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management uses to operate the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected results attributable to the reporting units. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. No impairment resulted from the annual testing performed in 2019.

The most significant identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives recognized from our acquisitions are customer relationships. The fair value for customer relationships is determined as of the acquisition date using the excess earnings method. Under this methodology the fair value is determined based on the estimated future after-tax cash flows arising from the acquired customer relationships over their estimated lives after considering customer attrition and contributory asset charges. When testing customer relationship intangible assets for potential impairment, management considers historical customer attrition rates and projected revenues and profitability related to customers that existed at acquisition. In evaluating the amortizable life for customer relationship intangible assets, management considers historical customer attrition patterns.

Roper evaluates whether there has been an impairment of identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives, or of the remaining life of such assets, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or remaining period of amortization of any asset may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or a revision in the remaining amortization period is required.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - The Company determines whether there has been an impairment of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that are determined to have indefinite useful economic lives, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or life of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or revision to remaining life is required. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying long-lived assets could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets that may not be reflected in the assets’ current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge or acceleration of depreciation or amortization expense in the future.

Income Taxes
Income Taxes - The Company recognizes in the Consolidated Financial Statements only those tax positions determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the positions. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as a component of income tax expense.

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, for each respective tax jurisdiction, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax assets will not be realized. Available evidence which is considered in determining the amount of valuation allowance required includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s estimate of future taxable income and any applicable tax-planning strategies.

Certain assets and liabilities have different bases for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes have been provided for these differences at the enacted tax rates expected to be paid.
Interest Rate Risk

Interest Rate Risk - The Company manages interest rate risk by targeting a combination of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt, which may include interest rate swaps to convert fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt, or to convert variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt. Interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet as an asset or liability, and the changes in fair values of both the swap and the hedged item are recorded as interest expense in current earnings.
Inventories
Inventories - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income includes net earnings and all other non-owner sources of changes in a company’s net assets.

Product Warranties
Product Warranties - The Company sells certain of its products to customers with a product warranty that allows customers to return a defective product during a specified warranty period following the purchase in exchange for a replacement product, repair at no cost to the customer or the issuance of a credit to the customer. The Company accrues its estimated exposure to warranty claims based upon current and historical product sales data, warranty costs incurred and any other related information known to the Company.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation and Amortization - Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using principally the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Buildings
20-30 years
Machinery
8-12 years
Other equipment
3-5 years

Research and Development Research and Development - Research and development (“R&D”) costs include salaries and benefits, rents, supplies, and other costs related to products under development. Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred
Revenue Recognition Remaining performance obligations - Remaining performance obligations represents the transaction price of firm orders for which work has not been performed and excludes unexercised contract options.
Revenue Recognition - The Company adopted ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method for all contracts not substantially completed as of the date of adoption. The reported results for 2018 and thereafter reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance, while the reported results for 2017 were prepared under the guidance of ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The adoption of ASC 606 represents a change in accounting principle that is intended to more closely align revenue recognition with the transfer of control of the Company’s products and services to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these products and/or services. To achieve this principle, the Company applies the following five steps:

identify the contract with the customer;
identify the performance obligations in the contract;
determine the transaction price;
allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract; and
recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

Disaggregated Revenue -
Accounts receivable, net - Accounts receivable, net includes amounts billed and currently due from customers. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and sales allowances of $20.3 and $23.1 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Outstanding accounts receivable balances are reviewed periodically, and allowances are provided at such time that management believes it is probable that an account receivable is uncollectible.
Unbilled receivables - Our unbilled receivables include unbilled amounts typically resulting from sales under project-based contracts when the input method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer, and right to payment is not solely due to the passage of time. Amounts may not exceed their net realizable value.

Deferred revenues - We record deferred revenues when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance. Our deferred revenues relate primarily to software and related services. In most cases, we recognize these deferred revenues ratably over time as the SaaS or PCS performance obligation is satisfied. The non-current portion of deferred revenue is included in “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our unbilled receivables and deferred revenues are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. We classify these balances as current or non-current based on the timing of when we expect to recognize revenue.

Deferred commissions - Our incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract, which consist of sales commissions primarily for our software sales, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of contract performance or a longer period, depending on facts and circumstances. We classify deferred commissions as current or non-current based on the timing of when we expect to recognize the expense. The current and non-current portions of deferred commissions are included in “Other current assets” and “Other assets,” respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Software and related services

SaaS - SaaS subscriptions and ongoing related support are generally accounted for as a single performance obligation and recognized ratably over the contractual term. In addition, SaaS arrangements may include implementation services which are accounted for as a separate performance obligation and recognized over time, using the input method. Payment is generally required within 30 days of the commencement of the SaaS subscription period, which is primarily offered to customers over a one-year timeframe.

Licensed Software - Performance obligations in our customer contracts may include:

Perpetual or time-based (“term”) software licenses
Post contract support (“PCS”)
Implementation/installation services

Software licenses may be combined with implementation/installation services as a single performance obligation if the implementation/installation significantly modifies or customizes the functionality of the software license.

We recognize revenue over time or at a point in time depending on our evaluation of when the customer obtains control over the promised products or services. For software arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on estimates of the price that we would charge the customer for each promised product or service if it were sold on a standalone basis.

Payment for software licenses is generally required within 30 to 60 days of the transfer of control. Payment for PCS is generally required within 30 to 60 days of the commencement of the service period, which is primarily offered to customers over a one-year timeframe. Payment terms do not contain a significant financing component. Payment for implementation/installation services that are recognized over time are typically commensurate with milestones defined in the contract, or billable hours incurred.

Engineered products and related services

Revenue from product sales is recognized when control transfers to the customer, which is generally when the product is shipped.

Non-project-based installation and repair services are performed by certain of our businesses for which revenue is recognized upon completion.

Payment terms are generally 30 to 60 days from the transfer of control. Payment terms do not contain a significant financing component.

Preventative maintenance service revenues are recognized over time using the input method. If we determine our efforts or inputs are expended evenly throughout the performance period, we generally recognize revenue on a straight-line basis. Payment for preventative maintenance services are typically commensurate with milestones defined in the contract.

We offer customers return rights and other credits subject to certain restrictions. We estimate variable consideration generally based on historical experience to arrive at the transaction price, or the amount to which we ultimately expect to be entitled from the customer.

Revenues from our project-based businesses, including toll and traffic systems and control systems, are generally recognized over time using the input method, primarily utilizing the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs, as the measure of performance. For these projects, payment is typically commensurate with certain performance milestones defined in the contract. Retention and down payments are also customary in these contracts. Estimated losses on any projects are recognized as soon as such losses become probable and reasonably estimable.
Capitalized Software Capitalized Software - The Company accounts for capitalized software under applicable accounting guidance which, among other provisions, requires capitalization of certain internal-use software costs once certain criteria are met. Overhead, general and administrative and training costs are not capitalized.
Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation - The Company recognizes expense for the grant date fair value of its employee stock awards on a straight-line basis (or, in the case of performance-based awards, on a graded basis) over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the award). The fair value of option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.