Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates The presentation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.

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

Allowances for Credit Losses Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for discounts and credit losses. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations (usually due to customers’ potential insolvency) or discounts related to early payment of accounts receivables by our customers. The allowances for credit losses include provisions for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowances include a provision for expected customer defaults on a general formula basis when it cannot yet be associated with specific customers. Expected credit losses are estimated using various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical collection experience and existing economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, our allowance for credit losses was $5.5 million and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Inventories We use first-in, first-out inventory method. Inventory provisions are recorded to reduce inventory to the net realizable dollar value for obsolete or slow moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions, inventory levels and turns, product spoilage and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance, engineering/material changes, or regulatory-related changes.

Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided, principally on a straight-line basis, over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Gains or losses resulting from dispositions are included in operating income. Betterments and renewals, which improve and extend the life of an asset, are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Assets held for use to be disposed of at a future date are depreciated over the remaining useful life. Assets to be sold are written down to fair value less costs to sell at the time the assets are being actively marketed for sale. Estimated useful lives of the related assets are as follows:


Buildings and leasehold improvements	15 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment	3 to 15 years
Software	3 to 7 years

Long-lived Assets In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") requirements for Property, Plant and Equipment, a long-lived asset (including amortizable identifiable intangible assets) or asset group held for use is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate of future cash flows derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is calculated based on fair value. Fair value is estimated primarily using discounted expected future cash flows on a market-participant basis.

We recorded impairments of $0.2 million and $3.6 million related to a long-lived asset to be disposed of in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2021 and 2020, respectively. No impairments related to long-lived assets were recorded in 2022.

Leases Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of our lease contracts do not provide an explicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of future lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rates include estimates related to the impact of collateralization and the economic environment where the leased asset is located. The operating lease assets also include any prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs incurred, but exclude lease incentives received at lease commencement. Our lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 to 9 years, some of which may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We do not recognize leases with an initial term of twelve months or less on the balance sheet and instead recognize the related lease payments as expense in the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all asset classes. Additionally, for certain equipment leases, we apply a portfolio approach and account for multiple lease components as a single lease component.

Certain lease agreements include variable rental payments, including rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Variable rental payments are expensed during the period they are incurred and therefore are excluded from our lease assets and liabilities. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

Business Combinations We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires an allocation of the consideration we paid to the identifiable assets, intangible assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values as of the closing date of the acquisition. The excess of the fair value of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable assets, intangible assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.

Purchased intangibles other than goodwill are initially recognized at fair value and amortized over their useful lives unless those lives are determined to be indefinite. The valuation of acquired assets will impact future operating results. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is determined using an income approach on an individual asset basis. Specifically, we use the multi-period excess earnings method to determine the fair value of customer relationships and the relief-from-royalty approach to determine the fair value of the tradename and proprietary technology. Determining the fair value of acquired intangibles involves significant estimates and assumptions, including forecasted revenue growth rates, EBITDA margins, percentage of revenue attributable to the tradename, contributory asset charges, customer attrition rate, market-participant discount rates and the assumed royalty rates.

The determination of the useful life of an intangible asset other than goodwill is based on factors including historical tradename performance with respect to consumer name recognition, geographic market presence, market share, plans for ongoing tradename support and promotion, customer attrition rate, and other relevant factors.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets In accordance with ASC requirements for Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, management reviews goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever market or business events indicate there may be a potential impairment of the reporting unit. Impairment losses are recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The Company’s reporting units are operating segments, or one level below operating segments when appropriate.

To evaluate the recoverability of goodwill, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. Qualitative factors include changes in volume, margin, customers and the industry. If it is deemed more likely than not that goodwill for a reporting unit is impaired, we will perform a quantitative impairment test where fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using the income approach using a discounted cash flow model based on estimates of future cash flows combined with the market approach using comparable trading and transaction multiples based on guideline public companies. We may also elect to bypass the qualitative testing and proceed directly to the quantitative testing. For the income approach, using a discounted cash flow model, we estimate the future cash flows of the reporting units to which the goodwill relates and then discount the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived discount rate. In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on management’s plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. Furthermore, our cash flow projections used to assess impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets are significantly influenced by our projection for the U.S. new home starts and home repair remodel spending, our annual operating plans finalized in the fourth quarter of each year, and our ability to execute on various planned cost reduction initiatives supporting operating income improvements. Our projection for the U.S. home products market is inherently uncertain and is subject to a number of factors, such as employment, home prices, credit availability, new home starts and the rate of home foreclosures. For the market approach, we apply comparable trading and transaction multiples based on guideline

public companies to the current operating results of the reporting units to determine each reporting unit’s fair value.

The significant assumptions that are used to determine the estimated fair value of reporting units for impairment testing are forecasted revenue growth rates, operating income margins, market-participant discount rates, EBITDA multiples and revenue multiples.

Certain of our tradenames have been assigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these tradenames will contribute cash flows to the Company indefinitely. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life is appropriate. We measure the fair value of identifiable intangible assets upon acquisition and we review for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever market or business events indicate there may be a potential impairment of that intangible. Impairment losses are recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value.

We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. Qualitative factors include changes in volume, customers and the industry. If it is deemed more likely than not that an intangible asset is impaired, we will perform a quantitative impairment test. We measure fair value of our indefinite-lived tradenames using the relief-from-royalty approach which estimates the present value of royalty income that could be hypothetically earned by licensing the brand name to a third party over the remaining useful life. The significant assumptions that are used to determine the estimated fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets upon acquisition and subsequent impairment testing are forecasted revenue growth rates, the assumed royalty rates and the market-participant discount rates. Of our $478.1 million indefinite-lived tradenames, $141.5 million relate to our Water Innovations segment and $336.6 million relate to our Outdoors & Security segment as of December 31, 2022. There were no impairments related to our continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 6, “Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets,” for additional information.

Events or circumstances that could have a potential negative effect on the estimated fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived tradenames include: lower than forecasted revenues, actual new construction and repair and remodel growth rates that fall below our assumptions, actions of key customers, increases in discount rates, continued economic uncertainty, higher levels of unemployment, weak consumer confidence, lower levels of discretionary consumer spending, a decrease in royalty rates and decline in the trading price of our common stock. We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances that might adversely affect the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived assets.

Investments in Equity Securities In accordance with ASC requirements for investments in equity securities, we utilize the equity method to account for investments when we possess the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when the investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate that the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, we record our investment at cost and subsequently increase or decrease the carrying amount of the investment by our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of the investee. We record dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of our investment.

When we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, we account for non-controlling investments in equity securities at fair value, with any gains or losses recognized through other income and expense. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost minus impairment, plus or minus any changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

As of December 31, 2022, all of our investments in our strategic partners where we do not have significant influence over the investee do not have readily determinable fair values. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying value of our investments were $3.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively, which is included in other assets within our Consolidated Balance Sheet. There were no impairments or

other changes resulting from observable prices changes recorded during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 or 2020.

Defined Benefit Plans We have a number of pension plans in the United States, covering many of the Company’s employees. In addition, the Company provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain retirees. Service cost for 2022 relates to benefit accruals for an hourly Union group within the defined benefit plan for our Outdoors & Security segment. All other benefit accruals under our defined benefit pension plans were frozen as of, or prior to, December 31, 2016.

We record amounts relating to these plans based on calculations in accordance with ASC requirements for Compensation – Retirement Benefits, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. We recognize changes in the fair value of pension plan assets and net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the fair value of pension plan assets or each plan’s projected benefit obligation (the “corridor”) in earnings immediately upon remeasurement, which is at least annually in the fourth quarter of each year. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current economic conditions and trends. The discount rate used to measure obligations is based on a spot-rate yield curve on a plan-by-plan basis that matches projected future benefit payments with the appropriate interest rate applicable to the timing of the projected future benefit payments. The expected rate of return on plan assets is determined based on the nature of the plans’ investments, our current asset allocation and our expectations for long-term rates of return. Compensation increases reflect expected future compensation trends. For postretirement benefits, our health care trend rate assumption is based on historical cost increases and expectations for long-term increases. The cost or benefit of plan changes, such as increasing or decreasing benefits for prior employee service (prior service cost), is deferred and included in expense on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the related employees. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under our plans, which are presented in Note 15, “Defined Benefit Plans,” are reasonable based on our experience and on advice from our independent actuaries; however, differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions may materially affect our financial position and results of operations. We will continue to monitor these assumptions as market conditions warrant.

Insurance Reserves We provide for expenses associated with workers’ compensation and product liability obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The accruals are adjusted as new information develops or circumstances change that would affect the estimated liability.

Litigation Contingencies Our businesses are subject to risks related to threatened or pending litigation and are routinely defendants in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of business. Liabilities and costs associated with litigation-related loss contingencies require estimates and judgments based on our knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding each matter and the advice of our legal counsel. We record liabilities for litigation-related losses when a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss in accordance with ASC requirements for Contingencies. We evaluate the measurement of recorded liabilities each reporting period based on the then-current facts and circumstances specific to each matter. The ultimate losses incurred upon final resolution of litigation-related loss contingencies may differ materially from the estimated liability recorded at any particular balance sheet date. Changes in estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which such changes occur.

Income Taxes In accordance with ASC requirements for Income Taxes, we establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting basis and subsequently adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance reducing deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.

We record liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is recognition, where we evaluate whether an individual tax position has a likelihood of greater than 50% of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of

any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions that are currently estimated to have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained, no tax benefit is recorded. For tax positions that have met the recognition threshold in the first step, we perform the second step of measuring the benefit to be recorded. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from our estimates. In future periods, changes in facts, circumstances and new information may require us to change the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and consolidated balance sheet in the period in which such changes occur. As of December 31, 2022, we had liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions totaling $33.4 million. It is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $9.8 million in the next 12 months primarily as a result of the lapse of statutes of U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes.

Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue for the sale of goods based on its assessment of when control transfers to our customers. See Note 14, “Revenue,” for additional information.

Cost of Products Sold Cost of products sold includes all costs to make products saleable, such as labor costs, inbound freight, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and internal transfer costs. In addition, all depreciation expense associated with assets used to manufacture products and make them saleable is included in cost of products sold.

Customer Program Costs Customer programs and incentives are a common practice in our businesses. Our businesses incur customer program costs to obtain favorable product placement, to promote sales of products and to maintain competitive pricing. We record estimates to reduce revenue for customer programs and incentives, which are considered variable consideration, and include price discounts, volume-based incentives, promotions and cooperative advertising when revenue is recognized in order to determine the amount of consideration the Company will ultimately be entitled to receive. These estimates are based on historical and projected experience for each type of customer. In addition, for certain customer program incentives, we receive an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration given and record the associated expenditure in selling, general and administrative expenses. Volume allowances are accrued based on management’s estimates of customer volume achievement and other factors incorporated into customer agreements, such as new products, store sell-through, merchandising support, levels of returns and customer training. Management periodically reviews accruals for these rebates and allowances, and adjusts accruals when circumstances indicate (typically as a result of a change in volume expectations). The costs typically recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses include product displays, point of sale materials and media production costs. The costs included in the selling, general and administrative expenses category were $24.7 million, $25.2 million and $22.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include advertising costs; marketing costs; selling costs, including commissions; research and development costs; shipping and handling costs, including warehousing costs; and general and administrative expenses. Shipping and handling costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $162.9 million, $164.0 million and $107.7 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Advertising costs, which amounted to $220.7 million, $231.7 million and $189.9 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are principally expensed as incurred. Advertising costs paid to customers as pricing rebates include product displays, marketing administration costs, media production costs and point-of-sale materials. Advertising costs recorded as a reduction to net sales, primarily cooperative advertising, were $47.7 million, $40.7 million and $40.4 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Advertising costs recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses were $173.0 million, $191.0 million and $149.5 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Research and development expenses include product development, product improvement, product engineering and process improvement costs. Research and development expenses, which were $62.0

million, $64.1 million and $48.4 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are expensed as incurred within selling, general and administrative expenses.

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense, measured as the fair value of an award on the date of grant, is recognized in the financial statements over the period that an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. Compensation expense is recorded net of forfeitures, which we have elected to record in the period they occur. The fair value of each option award is measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of each performance share award is based on the average of the high and low share prices on the date of grant and the probability of meeting performance targets. The fair value of each restricted stock unit granted is equal to the average of the high and low share prices on the date of grant. See Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation,” for additional information.

Earnings Per Share Earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Fortune Brands by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share include the impact of all potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the year. See Note 21, “Earnings Per Share,” for further discussion.

Foreign Currency Translation Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the actual rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the period for the foreign subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of the “accumulated other comprehensive income” (“AOCI”) caption in equity. Transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a subsidiary are translated into functional currency with resulting transaction gains or losses recorded in other expense, net.

Derivative Financial Instruments In accordance with ASC requirements for Derivatives and Hedging, we recognize all derivative contracts as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet, and the measurement of those instruments is at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the same period. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are recognized in the consolidated statement of income when the hedged item affects earnings. If the derivative is designated as an effective economic hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation, the changes in the fair value of the derivative is reported in the cumulative translation adjustment section of OCI. Similar to foreign currency translation adjustments, these changes in fair value are recognized in earnings only when realized upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity.

Deferred currency gains (loss) of $4.7 million, $(2.6) million and $(0.7) million (before tax impact) were reclassified into earnings for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Based on foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2022, we estimate that $2.3 million of net derivative gain included in AOCI as of December 31, 2022, will be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-12, which is intended to simplify accounting for income taxes and improve consistency in application. ASU 2019-12 amends certain elements of income tax accounting, including but not limited to intraperiod tax allocations, step-ups in tax basis of goodwill and calculating taxes on year-to-date losses in interim periods. The guidance was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Effects of Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, which provides relief from accounting analysis and impacts that may otherwise be required for modifications to agreements necessitated by reference rate reform. It also provides optional expedients to enable the continuance of hedge accounting where certain hedging relationships are impacted by reference rate reform. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which further clarifies the scope of ASU 2020-04. This optional guidance is effective immediately and available to be used through December 31, 2024. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Disclosures by Business Entities About Government Assistance

In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832). The new guidance, codified in ASC 832, requires business entities that account for transactions with a government by applying a grant or contribution model by analogy to disclose information about government assistance recorded during the period. ASU 2021-10 is effective for all entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial statements.