Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Westlake Chemical Corporation (the "Company") operates as an integrated global manufacturer and marketer of basic chemicals, vinyls, polymers and building products. These products include some of the most widely used chemicals in the world, which are fundamental to many diverse consumer and industrial markets, including flexible and rigid packaging, automotive products, coatings, residential and commercial construction as well as other durable and non-durable goods. The Company's customers range from large chemical processors and plastics fabricators to small construction contractors, municipalities and supply warehouses primarily throughout North America and Europe. The petrochemical industry is subject to price fluctuations and volatile feedstock pricing typical of a commodity-based industry, the effects of which may not be immediately passed along to customers.

Acquisition of Axiall Corporation

On August 31, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Axiall Corporation ("Axiall") for $33.00 per share in an all-cash transaction (the "Axiall Merger").

Westlake Chemical Partners LP

In 2014, the Company formed Westlake Chemical Partners LP ("Westlake Partners") to operate, acquire and develop ethylene production facilities and related assets. Westlake Partners' assets consist of a limited partner interest in Westlake Chemical OpCo LP ("OpCo"), as well as the general partner interest in OpCo. OpCo's assets include two ethylene production facilities at the Company's Lake Charles, Louisiana site, one ethylene production facility at the Company's Calvert City, Kentucky site and a 200-mile common carrier ethylene pipeline that runs from Mont Belvieu, Texas to the Company's Longview, Texas site. As of December 31, 2018, the Company held an 81.7% limited partner interest in OpCo and a controlling interest in Westlake Partners. The operations of Westlake Partners are consolidated in the Company's financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries in which the Company directly or indirectly owns more than a 50% voting interest and exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. Investments in majority-owned companies where the Company does not exercise control and investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20%-50% owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Undistributed earnings from joint ventures included in retained earnings were immaterial as of December 31, 2018. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior-year financial statements to conform to the current-year presentation.

Noncontrolling interests represent the direct equity interests held by investors in the Company's consolidated subsidiaries, Westlake Partners, Taiwan Chlorine Industries, Ltd. and Suzhou Huasu Plastics Co., Ltd.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have a maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of risk consist principally of trade receivables from customers engaged in manufacturing polyethylene products, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") products and PVC pipe products. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of the customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains allowances for potential losses.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on estimation of the amount of accounts receivable that the Company believes are unlikely to be collected. Estimating this amount requires analysis of the financial strength of the Company's customers, the use of historical experience, the Company's accounts receivable aged trial balance, and specific collectibility analysis. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed quarterly. Past due balances over 90 days and high risk accounts as determined by the analysis of financial strength of customers are reviewed individually for collectibility.

Inventories

Inventories primarily include product, material and supplies. Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") or average method.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Cost includes expenditures for improvements and betterments that extend the useful lives of the assets and interest capitalized on significant capital projects. Capitalized interest was $7, $4 and $10 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. Gains and losses on the disposition or retirement of fixed assets are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations when the assets are sold or retired.

The accounting guidance for asset retirement obligations requires the recording of liabilities equal to the fair value of asset retirement obligations and corresponding additional asset costs, when there is a legal asset retirement obligation as a result of existing or enacted law, statute or contract.

Depreciation is provided by utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:



Classification			Years
Buildings and improvements			40
Plant and equipment			10-25
Other			3-15

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The accounting guidance for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets requires that the Company review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets assessed for impairment are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Assets are considered to be impaired if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows. The impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The accounting guidance requires that goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill has been reduced below its carrying value. The Company performed its annual impairment tests for the Olefins and Vinyls segments' goodwill in October 2018 and April 2018, respectively, and the impairment tests indicated that the recorded goodwill was not impaired. There has been no impairment of the Olefins or Vinyls segments' goodwill since the goodwill was initially recorded. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment in accordance with the provisions of the accounting guidance. See Note 7 for more information on the Company's annual goodwill impairment tests.

Other Assets, net

Other assets, net include turnaround costs, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, restricted cash, deferred charges and other long-term assets.

The Company accounts for turnaround costs under the deferral method. Turnarounds are the scheduled and required shutdowns of specific operating units in order to perform planned major maintenance activities. The costs related to the significant overhaul and refurbishment activities include maintenance materials, parts and direct labor costs. The costs of the turnaround are deferred when incurred at the time of the turnaround and amortized (within depreciation and amortization) on a straight-line basis until the next planned turnaround, which ranges from three to six years. Deferred turnaround costs are presented as a component of other assets, net. The cash outflows related to these costs are included in operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Business Combinations

The Company records business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value is recorded as goodwill. Changes in the estimated fair values of net assets recorded for acquisitions prior to the finalization of more detailed analysis, but not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, will adjust the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are reflected in the period in which they occur.

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded based upon temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying values for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period. Valuation allowances are recorded against deferred tax assets when it is considered more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

On December 22, 2017, the United States ("U.S.") Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") was signed into law. The Tax Act, among other changes, reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and also required a one-time deemed repatriation of foreign earnings at specified rates. The Company provisionally recognized a $591 income tax benefit in the 2017 consolidated financial statements that was primarily comprised of the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities partially offset by a one-time U.S. tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of the Company's post-1986 foreign earnings. The Company did not record any material measurement period adjustment in 2018. For additional information, see Note 14.

As a result of the Tax Act, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") concluded that Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income Tax ("GILTI tax") can be recognized in the financial statements, no later than December 22, 2018, per an accounting policy choice, by: (1) recording a period cost (permanent item) or (2) providing deferred income taxes stemming from certain basis differences that are expected to result in GILTI tax. The Company elected to record GILTI tax as a period cost. The GILTI tax recognized in 2018 was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate as of the end of the year. Statement of operations items are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when the Company transfers control of inventories to its customers. Amounts recognized as revenues reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those inventories. Provisions for discounts, rebates and returns are incorporated in the estimate of variable consideration and reflected as reduction to revenue in the same period as the related sales.

Control of inventories generally transfers upon shipment for domestic sales. The Company excludes taxes collected on behalf of customers from the estimated contract price. For export contracts, the point at which control passes to the customer varies depending on the terms specified in the customer contract.

The Company generally invoices customers and recognizes revenue and accounts receivable upon transferring control of inventories. In limited circumstances, the Company transfers control of inventories shortly before it has an unconditional right to receive consideration, resulting in recognition of contract assets. The Company also receives advance payments from certain customers, resulting in recognition of contract liabilities. Contract assets and liabilities are generally settled within the period and are not material to the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company expenses sales commissions when incurred. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations because its contracts with customers (1) have an original expected duration of one year or less or (2) have only variable consideration that is calculated based on market prices at specified dates and is allocated to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations.

Prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), on January 1, 2018, the revenue was recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, products were delivered to the customer, the sales price was fixed or determinable and collectability was reasonably assured. For domestic contracts, title and risk of loss had passed to the customer upon delivery under executed customer purchase orders or contracts. For export contracts, the title and risk of loss had passed to customers at the time specified by each contract.

Transportation and Freight

Amounts billed to customers for freight and handling costs on outbound shipments are included in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Transportation and freight costs incurred by the Company on outbound shipments are included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations.

Price Risk Management

The Company recognizes derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value, and changes in a derivative's fair value are currently recognized in earnings or comprehensive income, depending on the designation of the derivative. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in comprehensive income and is recognized in the statement of operations when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings currently. The derivative instruments did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company has conditional asset retirement obligations for the removal and disposal of hazardous materials from certain of the Company's manufacturing facilities.

The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which the liability becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Recognized asset retirement obligations are initially recorded at fair value and capitalized as a component of the carrying value of the long-lived asset to which the obligation relates. The liability is accreted to its future value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, a gain or loss is recorded. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $8 and $20 of asset retirement obligations recorded as accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $3 and $18 of asset retirement obligations recorded as accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively.

The Company also has conditional asset retirement obligations that have not been recognized because the fair values of the conditional legal obligations cannot be measured due to the indeterminate settlement date of the obligations. Settlements of the unrecognized conditional asset retirement obligations are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in any individual reporting period.

Environmental Costs

Environmental costs relating to current operations are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate, depending on whether such costs provide future economic benefits. Remediation liabilities are recognized when the costs are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Measurement of liabilities is based on currently enacted laws and regulations, existing technology and undiscounted site-specific costs. Environmental liabilities in connection with properties that are sold or closed are realized upon such sale or closure, to the extent they are probable and estimable and not previously reserved. Recognition of any joint and several liabilities is based upon the Company's best estimate of its final pro rata share of the liability.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Leases (ASU No. 2016-02)

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update on a new lease standard that will supersede the existing lease guidance. The standard requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities related to long-term leases that are classified as operating leases under current guidance on its balance sheet. An asset would be recognized related to the right to use the underlying asset and a liability would be recognized related to the obligation to make lease payments over the term of the lease. The standard also requires expanded disclosures related to leases. The standard requires adoption using a modified retrospective approach and allows for the election of certain transition practical expedients. The accounting standards update allows for certain transition expedients for leases that commenced prior to the adoption of the new standard. Under the optional transition expedients an entity is not required to reassess (1) whether any expired or existing lease contracts are or contain leases, (2) the classification of leases as operating or capital leases or (3) whether any initial direct costs qualify for capitalization under the new accounting standard. These expedients are required to be elected as a group. The accounting standards update also allows the use of hindsight to determine the lease term when considering lease renewal or termination options.

During 2018, the FASB issued additional authoritative guidance that provides an optional transition method which allows entities to continue applying the existing lease guidance in the comparative periods and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The FASB also issued an accounting standards update that allows entities to apply their existing policy for accounting for land easements that exist as of, or expired before, the effective date of the new lease standard.

The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The accounting standard is expected to result in the recognition of material right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The accounting standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.

Credit Losses (ASU No. 2016-13)

In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (ASU No. 2017-04)

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Fair Value Measurement (ASU No. 2018-13)

In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The amendments are effective beginning after December 15, 2019. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until the effective date. Most amendments should be applied retrospectively, but certain amendments will be applied prospectively. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the standard on the Company's fair value disclosures. However, the standard is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU No. 2014-09)

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update on a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that supersedes virtually all previously issued revenue recognition guidance. The new accounting guidance creates a framework by which an entity will allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations and recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Under the new standard, entities are required to use judgment and make estimates, including identifying performance obligations in a contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation and determining when an entity satisfies its performance obligations. The standard allows for "modified retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative catch-up as of the current period.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , effective January 1, 2018. The Company applied the modified retrospective transition method to all contracts that were not completed as of the adoption date. Periods prior to January 1, 2018 were not adjusted and are reported under the accounting standards that were in place during those periods. The cumulative effects of changes to the Company's consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of this accounting standard were immaterial.

The impact of ASC 606 adoption on the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared with the guidance that was in effect prior to January 1, 2018 was immaterial.

ASC 606 requires disclosure of disaggregated revenue into categories that depict the nature of how the Company's revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The Company discloses revenues by product and segment in Note 20.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU No. 2016-01)

In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update making certain changes principally to the current guidance for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Among other things, the guidance (1) requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) allows entities to elect to measure equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, adjusted for subsequent observable price changes (changes in the basis of these equity investments to be reported in net income); (3) requires an entity that has elected the fair value option for financial liabilities to recognize changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk separately in other comprehensive income; (4) clarified current guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities; and (5) requires specific disclosure pertaining to financial assets and financial liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Cash Flows (ASU No. 2016-15)

In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update providing new guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments including debt extinguishment costs, debt prepayment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees in the statement of cash flows. This update is required to be applied using the retrospective transition method to each period presented unless it is impracticable to be applied retrospectively. In such situation, this guidance is to be applied prospectively. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Cash Flows (ASU No. 2016-18)

In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to clarify certain existing principles in Accounting Standards Codification 230, Cash flows, including providing additional guidance related to transfers between cash and restricted cash and how entities present, in their statement of cash flows, the cash receipts and cash payments that directly affect the restricted cash accounts. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, the Company retrospectively adjusted its financial statements to reflect restricted cash in the beginning and ending cash and restricted cash balances within the statements of cash flows. As a result of this retrospective adoption and reclassification of restricted cash and cash equivalents, net cash provided by financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 has been adjusted to $6 from the originally reported $160. Net cash provided by financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 has been adjusted to $1,687 from the originally reported $1,533. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 has been adjusted to $1,528 from the originally reported $1,538. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 has been adjusted to $867 from the originally reported $834.

Business Combinations (ASU No. 2017-01)

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The guidance requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in ASC 606. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the accounting standard effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (ASU No. 2017-05)

In February 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to clarify the scope of guidance related to other income—gains and losses from the derecognition of nonfinancial assets, and to add guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The new guidance clarifies that an in substance nonfinancial asset is an asset or group of assets for which substantially all of the fair value consists of nonfinancial assets and the group or subsidiary is not a business. The guidance also outlines that when an entity transfers its controlling interest in a nonfinancial asset, but retains a noncontrolling interest, it will measure the retained interest at fair value resulting in full gain or loss recognition upon sale of the controlling interest. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Compensation - Retirement Benefits (ASU No. 2017-07)

In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The new guidance requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net periodic benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The adoption resulted in retrospective reclassification of immaterial amounts from cost of sales to other income, net.

Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASU No. 2017-09)

In May 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to provide clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require the application of modification accounting in Topic 718. Essentially, an entity will not have to account for the effects of a modification if: (1) the fair value of the modified award is the same immediately before and after the modification; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same immediately before and after the modification; and (3) the classification of the modified award as either an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same immediately before and after the modification. This update is to be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The accounting standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU No. 2017-12)

In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to improve financial reporting of hedging relationships, to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in the financial statements and to simplify application of hedge accounting guidance. The accounting standard eliminates certain hedge effectiveness measurement and reporting requirements and expands the types of permissible hedging strategies. The accounting standard will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted in any interim period after issuance, to be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the fiscal year. The Company adopted this accounting standard effective January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (ASU No. 2018-02)

In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to (1) allow reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act; and (2) require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. Certain tax effects become stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income when deferred tax balances originally recorded at the historical income tax rate are adjusted in income from continuing operations based on the lower, newly-enacted income tax rate. The accounting standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the accounting standard effective October 1, 2018 and reclassified $13 of stranded tax effects relating to its pension benefits liability and cumulative effect of foreign exchange from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (ASU No. 2018-15)

In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company adopted the standard on October 1, 2018, prospectively, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.