Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Basis of presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hillenbrand and its subsidiaries. They also include two subsidiaries where the Company’s ownership percentage is less than 100%. The portion of the business that is not owned by the Company is presented as noncontrolling interests within equity in the balance sheets. Income attributable to the noncontrolling interests is separately reported within the statements of income. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates — We prepared the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign currency translation

Foreign currency translation — The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates for operating results. Unrealized translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. When a transaction is denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency, we recognize a transaction gain or loss in “other (expense) income, net” when the transaction is settled.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost, which approximates their fair value.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash - Restricted cash of $0.5 and $0.8 are included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Trade receivables

Trade receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest, unless they become past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is a best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses and collection risk in the existing accounts receivable portfolio. The allowance for cash discounts and sales returns reserve are based upon historical experience and trends. Account balances are charged against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We generally hold trade accounts receivable until they are collected. At September 30, 2018 and 2017, we had reserves against trade receivables of $22.2 and $21.6.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for approximately 30% and 32% of inventories at September 30, 2018 and 2017. Costs of remaining inventories have been determined principally by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) and average cost methods. If the FIFO method of inventory accounting, which approximates current cost, had been used for inventory accounted for using the LIFO method, that inventory would have been approximately $15.7 and $15.0 higher than reported at September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using principally the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of three to 50 years for buildings and improvements and three to 25 years for machinery and equipment. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon disposal or retirement, the cost and accumulated depreciation of assets are eliminated. Any gain or loss is reflected in the Company’s income from operations. We review these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated future undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset are less than its carrying amount. The impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its fair value. Total depreciation expense for 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $23.4, $25.4, and $25.6.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are stated at the lower of cost or fair value. With the exception of certain trade names, intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to 21 years, representing the period over which we expect to receive future economic benefits from these assets. We assess the carrying value of trade names annually, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for the next five years is: $32.1 in 2019, $31.5 in 2020, $30.4 in 2021, $29.2 in 2022, and $28.8 in 2023.



	September 30, 2018					September 30, 2017
	Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Cost		Accumulated Amortization
Finite-lived assets:
Trade names	$	0.2	$	(0.2	)	$	0.2	$	(0.1	)
Customer relationships	464.5		(148.4		)	468.7		(125.9		)
Technology, including patents	79.6		(45.1		)	80.7		(39.9		)
Software	58.0		(48.9		)	48.3		(41.5		)
Other	0.2		(0.2		)	0.2		(0.2		)
	602.5		(242.8		)	598.1		(207.6		)
Indefinite-lived assets:
Trade names	127.6		—			133.4		—

Total	$	730.1	$	(242.8	)	$	731.5	$	(207.6	)

The net change in intangible assets during the year ended September 30, 2018 was driven by normal amortization, foreign currency translation, and an impairment charge on certain trade names. An impairment charge of $4.6 pre-tax ($3.5 after tax) was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2018 for trade names most directly impacted by domestic coal mining and coal power. As of September 30, 2018, we had approximately $4 of trade name book value remaining in the Process Equipment Group segment most directly impacted by domestic coal mining and coal power. In conjunction with our impairment testing, we also reassessed the useful lives of other definite-lived intangible assets specific to the intangibles impacted by domestic coal mining and coal power, resulting in no significant changes in amortization.

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a trade name impairment charge of $2.2, included in operating expenses, on two trade names related to the Process Equipment Group segment. The decline in the estimated fair value of these trade names was largely driven by the decreased demand for equipment and parts used in coal mining and coal power.

As a result of the required annual impairment assessment performed in the third quarter of 2018, the fair value of trade names was determined to meet or exceed the carrying value for all trade names, resulting in no further impairment to trade names.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to annual impairment tests. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units. We assess the carrying value of goodwill annually, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Impairment testing is performed at a reporting unit level.



	Process Equipment Group			Batesville		Total
Balance September 30, 2016	$	626.0		$	8.3	$	634.3
Adjustments	(0.9		)	—		(0.9		)
Foreign currency adjustments	14.1			—		14.1
Balance September 30, 2017	639.2			8.3		647.5
Impairment charge	(58.8		)	—		(58.8		)
Foreign currency adjustments	(6.8		)	—		(6.8		)
Balance September 30, 2018	$	573.6		$	8.3	$	581.9

In connection with the preparation of the quarterly financial statements for the second quarter of 2018, an interim impairment assessment was performed at the reporting unit most directly impacted by domestic coal mining and coal power. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, published industry reports reduced their forecasts for domestic coal production and consumption. The reporting unit also experienced a larger than expected decline in orders for equipment and parts used in the domestic coal mining and coal power industries. In conjunction with these events and as part of the long-term strategic forecasting process, the Company made the decision to redirect strategic investments for growth, significantly reducing the reporting unit’s terminal growth rate. As a result of this change in expected future cash flows, along with comparable fair value information, management concluded that the reporting unit carrying value exceeded its fair value, resulting in a goodwill impairment charge of $58.8. The pre-impairment goodwill balance for the reporting unit was $71.3.

Investments

Environmental liabilities

Environmental liabilities — Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. A reserve is established when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These reserves are determined without consideration of possible loss recoveries. Based on consultations with an environmental engineer, the range of liability is estimated based on current interpretations of environmental laws and regulations. A determination is made of the specific measures that are believed to be required to remediate the site, the estimated total cost to carry out the remediation plan, and the periods in which we will make payments toward the remediation plan. We do not make an estimate of inflation for environmental matters because the number of sites is relatively small, we believe the magnitude of costs to execute remediation plans is not significant, and the estimated time frames to remediate sites are not believed to be lengthy.

Specific costs included in environmental expense and reserves include site assessment, remediation plan development, clean-up costs, post-remediation expenditures, monitoring, fines, penalties, and legal fees. The amount reserved represents the expected undiscounted future cash outflows associated with such plans and actions and we believe is not significant to Hillenbrand.

Self-insurance

Self-insurance — We are self-funded up to certain limits for product and general liability, workers compensation, and auto liability insurance programs, as well as certain employee health benefits including medical, drug, and dental. Claims covered by insurance have in most instances deductibles and self-funded retentions up to $0.5 per occurrence, depending upon the type of coverage and policy period. Our policy is to estimate reserves for product and general liability, workers compensation, and auto liability based upon a number of factors, including known claims, estimated incurred but not reported claims, and outside actuarial analysis. The outside actuarial analysis is based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. These reserves are classified as other current and other long-term liabilities within the balance sheets.

Treasury stock

Treasury stock consists of our common shares that have been issued but subsequently reacquired. We account for treasury stock purchases under the cost method. When these shares are reissued, we use an average-cost method to determine cost. Proceeds in excess of cost are credited to additional paid-in capital.

On July 24, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $100.0 of our common stock. On February 23, 2017, our Board of Directors approved an increase of $100.0 to the existing stock repurchase program. The authorization brings the maximum cumulative repurchase authorization up to $200.0. The repurchase program has no expiration date, but may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of September 30, 2018, we had repurchased approximately 4,950,000 shares for approximately $160.4 in the aggregate. Such shares were classified as treasury stock. We repurchased approximately 1,385,600 shares of our common stock during 2018, at a total cost of approximately $61.0. In 2018 and 2017, approximately 500,000 shares and 700,000 shares were issued from treasury stock under our stock compensation programs. At September 30, 2018, we had approximately $39.6 remaining for share repurchases under the existing Board authorization.

Preferred stock

Preferred stock — The Company has authorized 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock (no par value), of which no shares were issued at September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes all changes in Hillenbrand shareholders’ equity during the period except those that resulted from investments by or distributions to our shareholders.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition — Net revenue includes gross revenue less sales discounts, customer rebates, sales incentives, and product returns, all of which require us to make estimates for the portion of these allowances that have yet to be credited or paid to our customers. We estimate these allowances based upon historical rates and projections of customer purchases toward contractual rebate thresholds.

A portion of Hillenbrand’s revenue is derived from long-term manufacturing contracts. The majority of this revenue is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method. Under this method, revenue is recognized based upon the costs incurred to date as compared to the total estimated project costs. Approximately 25%, 25%, and 24% of Hillenbrand’s revenue was attributable to these long-term manufacturing contracts for 2018, 2017, and 2016.

Accounting for these contracts involves management judgment in estimating total contract revenue and cost. Contract revenues are largely determined by negotiated contract prices and quantities, modified by our assumptions regarding contract options, change orders, and incentive and award provisions associated with technical performance clauses. Contract costs are incurred over longer periods of time and, accordingly, the estimation of these costs requires management judgment. Cost estimates are largely based on negotiated or estimated purchase contract terms, historical performance trends, and other economic projections. Significant factors that influence these estimates include inflationary trends, technical and schedule risk, internal and subcontractor performance trends, business volume assumptions, asset utilization, and anticipated labor agreements. Revenue and cost estimates are regularly monitored and revised based on changes in circumstances. Anticipated losses on long-term contracts are recognized immediately when such losses become evident. We maintain financial controls over the customer qualification, contract pricing, and estimation processes to reduce the risk of contract losses.

Revenue for components, most replacement parts, and service is recognized when title and risk of loss passes to the customer.

Cost of goods sold

Cost of goods sold consists primarily of purchased material costs, fixed manufacturing expense, variable direct labor, and overhead costs. It also includes costs associated with the distribution and delivery of products.

Research and development costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred as a component of operating expenses and were $11.7, $11.9, and $12.6 for 2018, 2017, and 2016.

Warranty costs

Warranty costs — We provide for the estimated warranty cost of a product at the time revenue is recognized. Warranty expense is accrued based upon historical information and may also include specific provisions for known conditions. Warranty obligations are affected by actual product performance and by material usage and service costs incurred in making product corrections. Our warranty provision takes into account the best estimate of amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold. The Process Equipment Group generally offers a one to two-year warranty on a majority of its products. It engages in extensive product quality programs and processes in an effort to minimize warranty obligations, including active monitoring and evaluation of the quality of component suppliers. Warranty reserves were $16.9 and $15.8 for 2018 and 2017. Warranty costs were $3.3, $4.1, and $4.3 for 2018, 2017, and 2016

Income taxes

Income taxes —

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments — The Company has hedging programs in place to manage its currency exposures. The objectives of our hedging programs are to mitigate exposures in gross margin and non-functional-currency-denominated assets and liabilities. Under these programs, we use derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates. These include foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which generally have terms up to 24 months.

We require that hedging derivative instruments be highly effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. As a result, there was no significant ineffectiveness from any of our derivative activities during the period. We formally designate any instrument that meets these hedging criteria as a hedge.

The aggregate notional amount of all derivative instruments was $152.6 and $262.4 at September 30, 2018 and 2017.

We measure all derivative instruments at fair value and report them on our balance sheets as assets or liabilities. Contracts designated as hedges for customer orders or intercompany purchases have an offsetting tax-adjusted amount in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss). Foreign exchange contracts designated to hedge foreign currency exposures within our balance sheet have an offsetting amount recorded in “Other (expense) income, net”. The cash flows from such hedges are presented in the same category in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as the items being hedged.

The carrying value of all of derivative instruments at fair value resulted in assets of $1.9 and $3.8 (included in other current assets and other assets) and liabilities of $2.2 and $2.3 (included in other current liabilities) at September 30, 2018 and 2017. See Note 13 for additional information on the fair value of our derivative instruments.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives are accounted for depending on the intended use of the derivative, designation of the hedging relationship, and whether or not the criteria to apply hedge accounting has been satisfied. Gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) are subsequently included in earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the hedged item. The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently through earnings were not significant from 2016 through 2018. Net gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts offset foreign exchange effects on the hedged items. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for purposes of speculation.

Business acquisitions and related business acquisition and integration costs

Business acquisitions and related business acquisition and integration costs — Assets and liabilities associated with business acquisitions are recorded at fair value, using the acquisition method of accounting. We allocate the purchase price of acquisitions based upon the fair value of each component, which may be derived from observable or unobservable inputs and assumptions. We may utilize third-party valuation specialists to assist us in this allocation. Initial purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to revision within the measurement period, generally not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition.

Business acquisition, development, and integration costs are expensed as incurred and are reported as a component of cost of goods sold, operating expenses, interest expense, and “other (expense) income, net,” depending on the nature of the cost. We define these costs to include finder’s fees, advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees, as well as travel associated with the evaluation and effort to acquire specific businesses. Business acquisition and integration costs also include costs associated with acquisition tax planning, retention bonuses, and related integration costs. These costs exclude the ongoing expenses of our business development department.

Restructuring costs

Restructuring costs may occur when we take action to exit or significantly curtail a part of our operations or change the deployment of assets or personnel. A restructuring charge can consist of an impairment or accelerated depreciation of affected assets, severance costs associated with reductions to the workforce, costs to terminate an operating lease or contract, and charges for legal obligations for which no future benefit will be derived.

Recently adopted accounting standards

Recently adopted accounting standards — In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and modifies the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. We early adopted this standard for fiscal year 2018. See Critical Accounting Estimates within this Form 10-K for further information on the impact this adoption had on our consolidated results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]

Recently issued accounting standards — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has also issued several updates to ASU 2014-09. The new standard supersedes U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition and requires the use of more estimates and judgments than the present standards. It also requires significant disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, and allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption.

Based on our assessment, which included a comparison of our existing accounting policies and practices against the new standard and a review of contracts, we believe the key areas of consideration for our financial statements include percentage-of-completion accounting, separate performance obligations, and related revenue recognized over time. We have executed our implementation plan and have developed new accounting policies and created draft disclosures under the new standard. We are also evaluating changes in our internal controls over revenue recognition and continue to implement system changes and enhancements to facilitate the collection of data required for disclosures under the new standard. As previously disclosed, we expect to adopt this new standard using the modified retrospective method, which would result in a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We currently believe the most significant impact of the adoption of this standard relates to the increased financial statement disclosures. We currently do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right of use asset and related lease liability for leases that have terms of more than twelve months. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance, with the classifications based on criteria that are similar to those applied under the current lease guidance, without the explicit bright lines. The FASB has also issued several updates to ASU 2016-02. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements, and expect that there will be increases in assets and liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption, due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements. ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss impairment model with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-17 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2018. We expect the adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a financial statement presentation and disclosure impact only.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 assists entities in determining whether a transaction involves an asset or a business. Specifically, it states that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. If this initial test is not met, a set cannot be considered a business unless it includes an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. ASU 2017-01 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating ASU 2017-01, but do not expect its adoption will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. ASU 2017-07 states that an employer must 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 and present the other components of net benefit cost (as defined in paragraphs 715-30-35-4 and 715-60-35-9) in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations (if one is presented). In addition, ASU 2017-07 limits the capitalization of compensation costs to the service cost component only (if capitalization is appropriate). ASU 2017-07 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2018. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-07 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. ASU 2017-09 clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications (in accordance with Topic 718). The new guidance will provide relief to entities that make non-substantive changes to share-based payment awards. ASU 2017-09 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2018. The amendment would be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. We do not expect ASU 2017-09 to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. ASU 2017-12 intends to better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components, and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. In addition, this ASU makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. ASU 2017-12 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The amendment would be applied to hedging relationships existing on the date of adoption and the effect of adoption would be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (that is, the initial application date). We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2017-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. The amendments in this ASU also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. ASU 2018-02 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2018-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements.