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

Our fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 of each year. We end our quarterly accounting periods on the Saturday closest to the end of the calendar quarter, with the fourth quarter ending on December 31 of each year.
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting

     During the three months ended March 30, 2019, we changed the composition of our operating and reporting segments. We moved our pharmaceuticals and diagnostic businesses in Israel from the Consumer Self-Care International segment to the Prescription Pharmaceuticals segment and we made certain adjustments to our allocations between segments. These changes were made to reflect changes in the way in which management makes operating decisions, allocates resources, and manages the growth and profitability of the Company. Financial information related to our business segments and geographic locations can be found in Note 2 and Note 20. Our new reporting and operating segments are as follows:

Consumer Self-Care Americas ("CSCA"), formerly Consumer Healthcare Americas, comprises our consumer self-care business (OTC, contract manufacturing, infant formula, and oral self-care categories and our divested animal health category) in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Consumer Self-Care International ("CSCI"), formerly Consumer Healthcare International, comprises our branded consumer self-care business primarily in Europe and Australia, our consumer-focused business in the United Kingdom and parts of Asia, and our liquid licensed products business in the United Kingdom.
Prescription Pharmaceuticals ("RX") comprises our prescription pharmaceuticals business in the U.S. and our pharmaceuticals and diagnostic businesses in Israel, which were previously in our CSCI segment.

Principles of Consolidation Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entity
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
    
We have research and development ("R&D") arrangements with certain biotechnology companies that we determined to be variable interest entities ("VIEs"). We did not consolidate the VIEs in our financial statements because we lack the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance and thus are not considered the primary beneficiaries of these entities. These arrangements provide us with certain rights and obligations to purchase product candidates from the VIEs, dependent upon the outcome of the development activities.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions, which affect the reported earnings, financial position and various disclosures. Although the estimates are considered reasonable, actual results could differ from the estimates.
Non-U.S. Operations
Non-U.S. Operations

We translate our non-U.S. dollar-denominated operations’ assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at current rates of exchange as of the balance sheet date and income and expense items at the average exchange rate for the reporting period. Translation adjustments resulting from exchange rate fluctuations are recorded in the cumulative translation account, a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are included in Other (income) expense, net.
Revenue
Revenue

Product Revenue

We generally recognize product revenue for our contract performance obligations at a point in time, typically upon shipment or delivery of products to customers. For point in time customers for which control transfers on delivery to the customer due to free on board destination terms (“FOB”), an adjustment is recorded to defer revenue recognition over an estimate of days until control transfers at the point of delivery. Where we recognize revenue at a point in time, the transfer of title is the primary indicator that control has transferred. In other limited instances, primarily relating to those contracts that relate to contract manufacturing performed for our customers and certain store branded products, control transfers as the product is manufactured. Control is deemed to transfer over time for these contracts as the product does not have an alternative use and we have a contractual right to payment for performance completed to date. Revenue for contract manufacturing contracts is recognized over the transfer period using an input method that measures progress towards completion of the performance obligation as costs are incurred. For store branded product revenue recognized over time, an output method is used to recognize revenue when production of a unit is completed because product customization occurs when the product is packaged as a finished good under the store brand label of the customer.

Net product sales include estimates of variable consideration for which accruals and allowances are established. Variable consideration for product sales consists primarily of chargebacks, rebates, and administrative fees and other incentive programs recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Accrued customer programs, and sales returns and shelf stock allowances recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction to Accounts receivable. Where appropriate, these estimates take into consideration a range of possible outcomes in which relevant factors, such as historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market events and trends, industry data and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns, are either probability weighted to derive an estimate of expected value or the estimate reflects the single most likely outcome. Overall, these reserves reflect the best estimates of the amount of consideration to which we are entitled based on the terms of the contract. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from our estimates. If actual results in the future vary from the estimates, these estimates are adjusted, which would affect revenue and earnings in the period such variances become known. Accrued customer programs and allowances were $483.7 million and $534.8 million at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Other Revenue Policies

We receive payments from our customers based on billing schedules established in each contract. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when our right to consideration is unconditional. In most cases, the timing of the unconditional right to payment aligns with shipment or delivery of the product and the recognition of revenue; however, for those customers where revenue is recognized at a time prior to shipment or delivery due to over time revenue recognition, a contract asset is recorded and is reclassified to accounts receivable when it becomes unconditional under the contract upon shipment or delivery to the customer.

Our performance obligations are generally expected to be fulfilled in less than one year. Therefore, we do not provide quantitative information about remaining performance obligations.

We do not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised products to the customer will be one year or less, which is the case with substantially all customers.

Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenue.  

Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in Net sales. Conversely, shipping and handling expenses we incur are included in Cost of sales.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of demand deposits and other short-term investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value.
Inventories
Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in first-out method. Costs include material and conversion costs. Inventory related to R&D is expensed when it is determined the materials have no alternative future use.

We maintain reserves for estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventory based on the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated net realizable value. In estimating the reserves, management considers factors such as excess or slow-moving inventories, product expiration dating, products on quality hold, current and future customer demand and market conditions. Changes in these conditions may result in additional reserves (refer to Note 6).
Investments
Investments

Fair Value Method Investments

Equity investments in which we own less than a 20% interest and cannot exert significant influence are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in net income. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, we may use the Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share as a practical expedient to measure the fair value, if eligible. If the NAV practical expedient cannot be applied, we may elect to use a measurement alternative until the investment’s fair value becomes readily determinable. Under the alternative method, the equity investments are accounted for at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in an orderly transaction for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

Equity Method Investments

The equity method of accounting is used for unconsolidated entities over which we have significant
influence; generally, this represents ownership interests of at least 20% and not more than 50%. Under the equity method of accounting, we record the investments at carrying value and adjust for a proportionate share of the profits and losses of these entities each period. We evaluate our equity method investments for recoverability. If we determine that a loss in the value of an investment is other than temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value. Evaluations of recoverability are based primarily on projected cash flows.

For more information on our investments, refer to Note 8.

Derivatives Instruments
Derivative Instruments
    
On January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12 Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2017-12") using a modified retrospective approach. Among other provisions, the new standard required modifications to existing presentation and disclosure requirements on a prospective basis. As such, disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2018 conform to the disclosure requirements prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-12.

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-12, we were required to separately measure and reflect the amount by which the hedging instrument did not offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items, which was referred to as the ineffective amount. We assessed hedge effectiveness on a quarterly basis and recorded the gain or loss related to the ineffective portion of derivative instruments, if any, in Other (income) expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Pursuant to the provisions of ASU 2017-12, we are no longer required to separately measure and recognize hedge ineffectiveness. Therefore, we no longer recognize hedge ineffectiveness separately on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, but instead recognize the entire change in the fair value of:

Cash flow hedges included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI"). The amounts recorded in OCI will subsequently be reclassified to earnings in the same line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as impacted by the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings; and

Fair value hedges included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness in the same line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item.

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-12, we excluded option premiums and forward points (excluded components) from our assessment of hedge effectiveness for our foreign exchange cash flow hedges. We recognized all changes in fair value of the excluded components in Other (income) expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amendments in ASU 2017-12 continue to allow those components to be excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and add cross-currency basis spread as an allowable excluded component for cash flow and fair value hedges. The provisions of ASU 2017-12 allow a policy election to either continue to recognize changes in the fair value of the excluded components currently in earnings or to recognize the initial value of the excluded component using an amortization approach. For our cash flow hedges, we have elected to recognize the initial value of the excluded component on a straight-line basis over the life of the derivative instrument, within the same line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. The cumulative effect adjustment between Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") and Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) from applying this policy on existing hedges at the date of adoption was immaterial.

We record derivative instruments on the balance sheet on a gross basis as either an asset or liability measured at fair value (refer to Note 7). Additionally, changes in a derivative's fair value, which are measured at the end of each period, are recognized in earnings unless a derivative can be designated in a qualifying hedging relationship. All realized and unrealized gains and losses are included within operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Designated derivatives meet hedge accounting criteria, which means the fair value of the hedge is recorded in shareholders’ equity as a component of OCI, net of tax. The deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. All of our designated derivatives are assessed for hedge effectiveness quarterly.

We also have economic non-designated derivatives that do not meet hedge accounting criteria. These derivative instruments are adjusted to current market value at the end of each period through earnings. Gains or losses on these instruments are offset substantially by the remeasurement adjustment on the hedged item.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties on derivative contracts. It is our policy to manage our credit risk on these transactions by dealing only with financial institutions having a long-term credit rating of "Aa3" or better and by distributing the contracts among several financial institutions to
diversify credit concentration risk. Should a counterparty default, our maximum exposure to loss is the asset balance of the instrument. The maximum term of our forward currency exchange contracts is 18 months.

We enter into certain derivative financial instruments, when available on a cost-effective basis, to mitigate our risk associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates as follows:

Interest rate risk management - We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes through our cash investments and borrowings. We utilize a variety of strategies to manage the impact of changes in interest rates including using a mix of debt maturities along with both fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. In addition, we may enter into treasury-lock agreements and interest rate swap agreements on certain investing and borrowing transactions to manage our exposure to interest rate changes and our overall cost of borrowing.

Foreign currency exchange risk management - We conduct business in several major currencies other than the U.S. dollar and are subject to risks associated with changing foreign exchange rates. Our objective is to reduce cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes on a consolidated basis to allow management to focus its attention on business operations. Accordingly, we enter into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the value of existing foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments, and anticipated foreign currency sales and expenses.

Interest rate swaps - Interest rate swap agreements are contracts to exchange floating rate for fixed rate payments (or vice versa) over the life of the agreement without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The notional amounts of the interest rate swap agreements are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The differential paid or received on the interest rate swap agreements is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.

Cross currency swaps - In a cross currency swap, interest payments and principal in one currency are exchanged for principal and interest payments in a different currency. Interest payments are exchanged at fixed intervals during the life of the agreement. Changes in the fair value of these swaps are recorded in equity as a component of AOCI in the same manner as foreign currency translation adjustments. In assessing the effectiveness of these hedges, we use a method based on changes in spot rates to measure the impact of the foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on both our foreign subsidiary net investment and the related swap. Under this method, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument, other than those due to changes in the spot rate, are initially recorded in AOCI as a translation adjustment. The excluded component is recognized on a systematic and rational basis by accruing the swap payments and receipts within Interest expense, net. Changes in the fair value associated with the effective portion (i.e. those changes due to the spot rate) are recorded in AOCI as a translation adjustment and are released and recognized in earnings only upon the sale or liquidation of the hedged net investment.
    
All derivative instruments are managed on a consolidated basis to efficiently net exposures and thus take advantage of any natural offsets. Gains and losses related to the derivative instruments are expected to be offset largely by gains and losses on the original underlying asset or liability. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The impact of gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments related to changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are generally offset by net foreign exchange gains and losses, which are also included on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Other (income) expense, net for all periods presented. When we enter into foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the impact of exchange rate volatility in the translation of foreign earnings, gains and losses will generally be offset by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-translated amounts of each Income Statement account in current and/or future periods.

For more information on our derivatives, refer to Note 9.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method. Useful lives for financial reporting range from 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment and 10 to 45 years for
buildings. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to earnings, while expenditures that increase asset lives are capitalized. Depreciation expense includes amortization of assets recorded under finance leases and totaled $91.0 million, $90.0 million, and $95.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Leases
Leases

We adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition approach, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the effective date. The financial results reported in periods prior to 2019 are unchanged. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which, among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in additional operating lease liabilities and lease assets, including the transition of existing capital lease liabilities and lease assets to finance classification, of approximately $166.5 million and $164.0 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. Upon adoption, there were two primary reasons for the differences between the lease assets and liabilities recognized: (1) the transition requirement to reduce the operating lease asset carrying value by the deferred lease liabilities that existed prior to the adoption date; and (2) the transition of capital leases to finance leases which occurred at their existing carrying values. Additionally, historical build-to-suit assets and liabilities were removed on transition and recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings, net of deferred tax impact. The standard did not materially impact our consolidated net income or cash flow classification.

We lease certain office buildings, warehouse facilities, vehicles, and plant, office, and computer equipment. Lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.
 
We evaluate arrangements at inception to determine if lease components are included. An arrangement includes a lease component if it identifies an asset and we have control over the asset. For new leases beginning January 1, 2019 or later, we have elected not to separate lease components from the non-lease components included in an arrangement when measuring the leased asset and leased liability for all asset classes.

Lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. We recognize lease expense for leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We apply the portfolio approach to certain groups of computer equipment and vehicle leases when the term, classification, and asset type are identical. The discount rate selected is the incremental borrowing rate we would obtain for a secured financing of the lease asset over a similar term.

Many of our leases include one or more options to extend the lease term. Certain leases also include options to terminate early or purchase the leased property, all of which are executed at our sole discretion. Optional periods may be included in the lease term and measured as part of the lease asset and lease liability if we are reasonably certain to exercise our right to use the leased asset during the optional periods. We generally consider renewal options to be reasonably certain of execution and included in the lease term when significant leasehold improvements have been made by us to the leased assets. The depreciable lives of assets and leasehold
improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise.

Certain of our lease agreements include contingent rental payments based on per unit usage over contractual levels (e.g., miles driven or machine hours used) and others include rental payments adjusted periodically for market reviews or inflationary indexes. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

For more information on our leases, refer to Note 10.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill    

Goodwill represents amounts paid for an acquisition in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on the first day of our fourth quarter, or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events suggest an impairment exists.

The test for impairment requires us to make several estimates about fair value, most of which are based on projected future cash flows and market valuation multiples. The estimates associated with the goodwill impairment tests are considered critical due to the judgments required in determining fair value amounts, including projected discounted future cash flows. Changes in these estimates may result in the recognition of an impairment loss. We have six reporting units that are evaluated for impairment.

Intangible Assets

We have intangible assets that we have acquired through various business acquisitions and include trademarks, trade names and brands, in-process research and development ("IPR&D"), developed product technology/formulation and product rights, distribution and license agreements, customer relationships and distribution networks, and non-compete agreements. The assets are typically valued initially using the relief from royalty method or the multi-period excess earnings method ("MPEEM").

We test indefinite-lived trademarks, trade names, and brands for impairment annually, or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events suggest impairment exists, by comparing the carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair values. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.

Definite-lived intangible assets consist of a portfolio of developed product technology/formulation and product rights, distribution and license agreements, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and certain trademarks, trade names, and brands. The assets are amortized on either a straight-line basis or proportionately to the benefits derived from those relationships or agreements. Useful lives vary by asset type and are determined based on the period over which the intangible asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows. We also review all other long-lived assets that have finite lives and that are not held for sale for impairment when indicators of impairment are evident by comparing the carrying value of the assets to their estimated future undiscounted cash flows.

IPR&D assets are recognized at fair value and are classified as indefinite-lived assets until the successful completion or abandonment of the associated R&D efforts. If the associated R&D is completed, the IPR&D asset becomes a definite-lived intangible asset and is amortized over the asset's assigned useful life. If it is abandoned, an impairment loss is recorded.

Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible asset, and definite-lived intangible asset impairments are recorded in Impairment charges on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 4 for further information on our goodwill and intangible assets.

Share-Based Awards
Share-Based Awards

We measure and record compensation expense for all share-based awards based on estimated grant date fair values. For awards with only service conditions that are based on graded vesting schedules, we recognize the compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the entire award. Forfeitures on share-based awards are recognized in compensation expense in the period in which they occur.

We estimate the fair value of stock option awards granted based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the use of subjective and complex assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the expected term that awards granted are expected to be outstanding, the expected volatility of our stock price for a period commensurate with the expected term of the related options, and the risk-free rate with a maturity closest to the expected term of the related awards. Restricted stock and restricted stock units are valued based on our stock price on the day the awards are granted. The estimated fair value of outstanding Relative Total Shareholder Return performance units (“RTSR”) is based on the grant date fair value of RTSR awards using a Monte Carlo simulation, which includes estimating the movement of stock prices and the effects of volatility, interest rates, and dividends (refer to Note 13).
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

We record deferred income tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet as noncurrent based upon the difference between the financial reporting and the tax reporting basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates. To the extent that available evidence raises doubt about the realization of a deferred income tax asset, a valuation allowance is established.

We have provided for income taxes for certain earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries which have not been deemed to be permanently reinvested. For those foreign subsidiaries we have deemed to be permanently reinvested, we have provided no further tax provision.

We record reserves for uncertain tax positions to the extent it is more likely than not that the tax authority position will be sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. Periodic changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions are reflected in the provision for income taxes. We include interest and penalties attributable to uncertain tax positions and income taxes as a component of our income tax provision (refer to Note 15)
Legal Contingencies
Legal Contingencies

We are involved in product liability, patent, commercial, regulatory and other legal proceedings that arise in the normal course of business. We record a liability when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within that range is a better estimate, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. If a loss is not probable or a probable loss cannot be reasonably estimated, no liability is recorded. We have established reserves for certain of our legal matters (refer to Note 17). We do not incorporate insurance recoveries into our reserves for legal contingencies. We separately record receivables for amounts due under insurance policies when we consider the realization of recoveries for claims to be probable, which may be different than the timing in which we establish the loss reserves.
Research and Development
Research and Development

All R&D costs, including payments related to products under development and research consulting agreements, are expensed as incurred. We incur costs throughout the development cycle, including costs for research, clinical trials, manufacturing validation, and other pre-commercialization approval costs that are included in R&D. We may continue to make non-refundable payments to third parties for new technologies and for R&D work that has been completed. These payments may be expensed at the time of payment depending on the nature of the payment made. R&D expense was $187.4 million, $218.6 million, and $167.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid an up-front license fee of $50.0 million allowing us to develop and commercialize an OTC version of Nasonex-branded products (refer to Note 3).

We actively collaborate with other pharmaceutical companies to develop, manufacture and market certain products or groups of products. We may choose to enter into these types of agreements to, among other things, leverage our or others’ scientific research and development expertise or utilize our extensive marketing and distribution resources. Our policy on accounting for costs of strategic collaborations determines the timing of the recognition of certain development costs. In addition, this policy determines whether the cost is classified as a development expense or capitalized as an asset. Management is required to form judgments with respect to the commercial status of such products in determining whether development costs meet the criteria for immediate expense or capitalization. For example, when we acquire certain products for which there is already an Abbreviated New Drug Application ("ANDA") or New Drug Application ("NDA") approval directly related to the product, and there is net realizable value based on projected sales for these products, we capitalize the amount paid as an intangible asset. If we acquire product rights that are in the development phase and as to which we have no assurance that the third party will successfully complete its development milestones, we expense the amount paid (refer to Note 18).
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs
    
Advertising costs relate primarily to print advertising, direct mail, on-line advertising, social media communications, and television advertising and are expensed as incurred.
Earnings per Share (EPS)
Earnings per Share ("EPS")

Basic EPS is calculated using the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding during each period. It excludes both the dilutive effects of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the shares issued under stock incentive plans had been exercised and the dilutive effect of restricted share units, to the extent those shares and units have not vested. Diluted EPS is calculated including the effects of shares and potential shares issued under stock incentive plans, following the treasury stock method.

Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans

We operate a number of defined benefit plans for employees globally.

Two significant assumptions, the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and liability measurement. We evaluate these assumptions annually. Other assumptions involve employee demographic factors, such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover, and the rate of compensation increase.

The liability recognized in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated periodically by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of either high quality corporate bonds or long term government bonds depending on the depth and liquidity of the high quality corporate bond market in the different geographies where we have pension liabilities. The bonds are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid and have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.     

Actuarial gains and losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations using the corridor method. Under the corridor method, to the extent that any cumulative unrecognized net actuarial gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the present value of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of the plan assets, that portion is recognized over the expected average remaining working lives of the plan participants. Otherwise, the net actuarial gain or loss is recorded in OCI. We recognize the funded status of benefit plans on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we recognize the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic pension cost of the period as a component of OCI (refer to Note 16).

Recently Accounting Standards Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Standard Pronouncements

Below are recent Accounting Standard Updates ("ASU") that we are assessing to determine the effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. We do not believe that any other recently issued accounting standards could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. As new accounting pronouncements are issued, we will adopt those that are applicable under the circumstances.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-15: Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract
 
This guidance requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance in ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets or expense as incurred.
 
January 1, 2020
 
We currently plan to adopt the standard prospectively on the effective date. Upon adoption, no impact is currently expected, however, future hosting arrangements treated as service contracts will need to be evaluated for capitalizable costs during implementation. The Consolidated Financial Statement impact will align with the presentation of the underlying hosting contracts, which will be included within Operating expenses.
ASU 2018-13: Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
 
This guidance amends ASC 820 to add, remove, and modify certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.
 
January 1, 2020
 
We currently plan to adopt the standard on the effective date. Upon adoption, we will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurement. We will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
ASU 2016-13: Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

ASU 2018-19: Codification Improvements for Topic 326: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

ASU 2019-05: Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Targeted Transition Relief

ASU 2019-11: Codification Improvements for Topic 326: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
 
This guidance changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, replacing the current "incurred loss" approach with an "expected loss" credit impairment model, which will apply to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, and off-balance sheet credit exposures such as letters of credit.
 
January 1, 2020
 
We currently plan to adopt the standard on the effective date. Upon adoption, we do not expect a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2018-18: Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606
 
This guidance amends ASC 808 to clarify that certain transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement should be accounted for under ASC 606 when the counterparty is a customer. The proposed guidance would be applied retrospectively to the date of initial adoption of Topic 606.
 
January 1, 2020
 
We currently plan to adopt the standard on the effective date. Upon adoption, we do not expect a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted (continued)
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2019-08: Stock Compensation (Topic 718) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Share-Based Consideration Payable to a Customer
 
This guidance requires the application of guidance in Topic 718 when measuring and classifying share-based payments to a customer.
 
January 1, 2020
 
We currently plan to adopt the standard on the effective date. Upon adoption, we do not expect a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2018-14: Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans
 
This guidance amends ASC 715 to add, remove, and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans.
 
December 31, 2020
 
We are currently evaluating the implications of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU 2019-12: Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
 
This guidance enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance in ASC 740.
 
January 1, 2021
 
We are currently evaluating the implications of adoption on our Consolidated Financial Statements.