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Basis of Presentation, Use of Accounting Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation, Use of Accounting Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2. Basis of Presentation, Use of Accounting Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of LivaNova have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S.” and such principles, “U.S. GAAP”).
Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements for LivaNova include LivaNova’s wholly owned subsidiaries and the LivaNova PLC Employee Benefit Trust (“the Trust”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in such financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, valuation and amortization of intangible assets, goodwill, measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, uncertain income tax positions, contingent consideration arrangements, legal and other contingencies, stock-based compensation, obsolete and slow-moving inventories, models, such as an impairment analysis, and in general, allocations to provisions and the fair value of assets and liabilities recorded in a business combination. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Reclassifications
We have reclassified certain prior period amounts on the consolidated statements of income (loss), the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows for comparative purposes. These reclassifications did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The prior period reclassifications on the consolidated statements of income (loss) are summarized and presented below (in thousands):
Product remediation has been reclassified to cost of sales
Merger and integration expenses have been reclassified to other operating expenses
Restructuring expenses have been reclassified to other operating expenses
Litigation provision, net has been reclassified to other operating expenses
Amortization of intangibles has been reclassified to cost of sales or selling, general and administrative based on the nature of the underlying intangible asset
Decommissioning provision has been reclassified to other operating expenses and
Loss on debt extinguishment has been reclassified from foreign exchange and other gains/(losses) to loss on debt extinguishment.
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
As RevisedReclassificationsCurrent PresentationAs RevisedReclassificationsCurrent Presentation
Net sales$934,241 $— $934,241 $1,084,170 $— $1,084,170 
Cost of sales312,097 27,381 339,478 326,201 34,164 360,365 
Product remediation7,860 (7,860)— 15,777 (15,777)— 
Gross profit614,284 (19,521)594,763 742,192 (18,387)723,805 
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative427,770 18,791 446,561 506,478 21,988 528,466 
Research and development152,902 — 152,902 146,849 — 146,849 
Merger and integration expenses7,333 (7,333)— 23,457 (23,457)— 
Restructuring expenses7,571 (7,571)— 12,254 (12,254)— 
Impairment of disposal group180,160 — 180,160 — — — 
Impairment of goodwill21,269 — 21,269 42,417 — 42,417 
Impairment of long-lived assets6,762 — 6,762 142,517 — 142,517 
Amortization of intangibles38,312 (38,312)— 40,375 (40,375)— 
Decommissioning provision42,198 (42,198)— — — — 
Litigation provision, net3,906 (3,906)— (601)601 — 
Other operating expenses— 61,008 61,008 — 35,110 35,110 
Operating loss from continuing operations(273,899)— (273,899)(171,554)— (171,554)
Interest income131 — 131 803 — 803 
Interest expense(40,837)— (40,837)(15,091)— (15,091)
Loss on debt extinguishment— (1,407)(1,407)— — — 
Foreign exchange and other gains/(losses)(33,417)1,407 (32,010)(2,536)— (2,536)
Loss from continuing operations before tax$(348,022)$— $(348,022)$(188,378)$— $(188,378)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, consisting of demand deposit accounts and money market mutual funds, to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried on the consolidated balance sheet at cost, which approximates their fair value. 
Accounts Receivable
Our accounts receivable consisted of trade receivables from direct customers and distributors. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential credit losses based on our estimates of the ability of customers to make required payments, historical credit experience, existing economic conditions and expected future trends. We write off uncollectible accounts against the allowance when all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted.
Inventories
We state our inventories at the lower of cost, using the first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method, or net realizable value. Our calculation of cost includes the acquisition cost of raw materials and components, direct labor and overhead, including depreciation of manufacturing related assets. We reduce the carrying value of inventories for those items that are potentially excess, obsolete or slow moving based on changes in customer demand, technology developments or other economic factors.
Property, Plant and Equipment (“PP&E”)
PP&E is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred, while significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the following terms: the useful life of the asset or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. Capital improvements to the building are added as building components and depreciated over the useful life of the improvement or the building, whichever is less.
Goodwill
We allocate the amounts we pay for an acquisition to the assets we acquire and liabilities we assume based on their fair values at the date of acquisition, including property, plant and equipment, inventories, accounts receivable, long-term debt, and identifiable intangible assets which either arise from a contractual or legal right or are separable from goodwill. We base the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination, including IPR&D, on valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management, which consider management’s best estimates of inputs and assumptions that a market participant would use. We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired to goodwill. Transaction costs associated with these acquisitions are expensed as incurred and are reported in selling, general and administrative on the consolidated statements of income (loss). We recognize adjustments to the provisional amounts identified during the measurement period with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts are recorded in the same period’s consolidated financial statements, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date.
Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill
Intangible assets shown on the consolidated balance sheets consist of finite-lived and indefinite-lived assets expected to generate future economic benefits and are recorded at their respective fair values as of their acquisition date. Finite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of developed technology and technical capabilities, including patents, related know-how and licensed patent rights, trade names and customer relationships. Customer relationships consist of relationships with hospitals and surgeons in the countries where we operate. Indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill are composed of IPR&D assets acquired in acquisitions. We estimate the useful lives of our intangible assets, which requires significant management judgment. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets over their useful lives using the straight-line method.
Amortization expense is included on our consolidated statements of income (loss) within cost of sales or selling, general and administrative based on the nature of the underlying intangible asset. We evaluate our intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances indicate either a different useful life or impairment. If we change our estimate of the useful life of an asset, we amortize the carrying amount over the revised remaining useful life.
Impairments of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
Long-lived Assets Impairment
Assets Held and Used
We evaluate the carrying value of our long-lived assets and investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Such changes in circumstance may include, among other items, (i) an expectation of a sale or disposal of a long-lived asset or asset group, (ii) adverse changes in market or competitive conditions, (iii) an adverse change in legal factors or business climate in the markets in which we operate and (iv) operating or cash flow losses.
For PP&E and intangible assets used in our operations, recoverability generally is determined by comparing the carrying value of an asset, or group of assets to their expected undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value of an asset (asset group) is not recoverable, the amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying value of the asset (asset group) and its estimated fair value. The asset grouping as well as the determination of expected undiscounted cash flow amounts requires significant judgments, estimates, and assumptions, including cash flows generated upon disposition. We measure fair value as the price that would be received if we were to sell the assets in an orderly transaction. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
We conduct impairment testing of our indefinite-lived intangible assets on October 1st each year. We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized when the asset's carrying value exceeds its fair value.
Assets Held for Sale
We classify long-lived assets as held for sale in the period in which we commit to a plan to sell the asset, the asset is available for immediate sale, the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and the sale of the asset is probable within the next twelve months and when actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. A long-lived asset classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and depreciation is discontinued. We recognize an impairment for any excess of carrying value over the fair value less cost to sell.
When an impairment of a disposal group is deemed necessary and the amount of the impairment exceeds the carrying value of the long-lived assets, we record the impairment to the disposal group rather than long-lived assets. We also allocate goodwill of the associated reporting unit to the disposal group based upon the relative fair value of the businesses within the reporting unit. The goodwill allocated to the disposal group is then tested for impairment.
Goodwill Impairment
We conduct impairment testing of our goodwill on October 1st each year. Testing is performed at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or a component of an operating segment that constitutes a business for which financial information is available and is regularly viewed by management. Our operating segments are deemed to be our reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing. We test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
If we determine that goodwill is more-likely-than-not impaired, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value refers to the price that would be received if we were to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction. Fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow model and requires various assumptions, including revenue growth rates and discount rates. If the carrying amount of our reporting unit is greater than zero and its fair value exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, up to and including the carrying amount of the goodwill.
If the aggregate fair value of our reporting units exceeds our market capitalization, we evaluate the reasonableness of the implied control premium which includes a comparison to implied control premiums from recent market transactions within our industry or other relevant benchmark data.
Goodwill impairment evaluations are highly subjective. In most instances, they involve expectations of future cash flows that reflect our judgments and assumptions regarding future industry conditions and operations. The estimates, judgments and assumptions used in the application of our goodwill impairment policies reflect both historical experience and an assessment of current operational, industry, market, economic and political environments. The use of different estimates, judgments, assumptions and expectations regarding future industry and market conditions and operations would likely result in materially different asset carrying values and operating results.
Quantitative factors used to determine the fair value of the reporting units reflect our best estimates, and we believe they are reasonable. Future declines in the reporting units’ operating performance or our anticipated business outlook may reduce the estimated fair value of our reporting units and result in an impairment. Factors that could have a negative impact on the fair value of the reporting units include, but are not limited to:
decreases in revenue as a result of the inability of our sales force to effectively market and promote our products;
increased competition, patent expirations or new technologies or treatments;
declines in anticipated growth rates;
the outcome of litigation, legal proceedings, investigations or other claims resulting in significant cash outflows; and
increases in the market-participant risk-adjusted Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”).
Derivatives and Risk Management
U.S. GAAP requires companies to recognize all derivatives as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure the instruments at fair value through earnings unless the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting. If the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting, depending on the nature of the hedge and hedge effectiveness, changes in the fair value of the derivative will either be recognized immediately in earnings or recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The changes in the fair value of the derivative are intended to offset the change in fair value of the hedged asset, liability or probable commitment. We evaluate hedge effectiveness at inception. Cash flows from derivative contracts are reported as operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
We use currency exchange rate derivative contracts to manage the impact of currency exchange on earnings and cash flows. Forward currency exchange rate contracts are designed to hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions and changes in the value of specific assets and liabilities. At inception of the forward contract, the derivative is designated as either a freestanding derivative or a cash flow hedge. We do not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, as assets or liabilities (current or non-current) depending upon the gain or loss position of the contract and contract maturity date.
Forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are designed to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency that will take place in the future. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and reclassified into earnings to offset exchange differences originated by the hedged item or the current earnings effect of the hedged item. We use freestanding derivative forward contracts to offset exposure to the variability of the value associated with assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency. These derivatives are not designated as hedges, and therefore changes in the value of these forward contracts are recognized in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related change in value of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
Fair Value Measurements
We follow the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis. Under this guidance, fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The authoritative guidance also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The categorization of financial assets and financial liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels defined as follows:
Level 1    -    Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2    -    Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3    -    Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability.
Our financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 include derivative instruments, primarily forward and option currency contracts, which are valued using standard calculations and models that use readily observable market data as their basis.
Our financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 include contingent consideration liability arrangements, derivative and embedded derivative instruments and convertible notes receivable.
Contingent consideration liabilities are from arrangements resulting from acquisitions that involve potential future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones and sales-based earn-outs. Contingent consideration is recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition based on the consideration expected to be transferred and estimated as the probability of future cash flows, discounted to present value in accordance with accepted valuation methodologies. The discount rate used is determined at the time of measurement. Contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period with the change in fair value, including accretion for the passage of time, recorded in earnings. The change in fair value of contingent consideration based on the achievement of regulatory milestones is recorded as research and development expense while the change in fair value of sales-based earnout contingent consideration is recorded as cost of sales. Contingent consideration payments made soon after the acquisition date are classified as an investing activity. Contingent consideration payments that are not made soon after the acquisition date are classified as a financing activity up to the amount of the contingent consideration liability recognized at the acquisition date, with any excess classified as an operating activity. For further information on our Level 3 contingent consideration liability arrangements, please refer to “Note 9. Fair Value Measurements.” For further information on our Level 3 derivative and embedded derivative instruments, please refer to “Note 10. Financing Arrangements” and “Note 9. Fair Value Measurements.” For further information on our Level 3 convertible notes receivable, please refer to “Note 8. Investments.”
Investments in Equity Securities
Our investments in equity securities, and related loans, are investments in affiliates that are in varied stages of development and not publicly traded. Our equity investments are reported in investments, and related loans in other assets, on the consolidated balance sheets.
We elect to measure investments that do not have readily determinable fair values, at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or a similar investment of the same issuer.
Our investments in affiliates in which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of net income or loss is reflected as one line item on our consolidated statements of income (loss) under losses from losses from equity-method investments and will increase or decrease, as applicable, the carrying value of our equity method investments reported under investments on the consolidated balance sheets. We regularly review our investments for changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events that suggest our investment may not be recoverable, and if an impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, the loss is recognized on the consolidated statements of income (loss) in the period the determination is made and reported as losses from equity-method investments.
Warranty Obligation
We offer a warranty on various products. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under warranties and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is sold. The amount of the reserve recorded is equal to the net costs to repair or otherwise satisfy the claim. We include the warranty obligation in accrued liabilities and other on the consolidated balance sheets. Warranty expense is recorded to cost of goods sold on our consolidated statements of income (loss).
Retirement Benefit Plan Assumptions
We sponsor various retirement benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans (pension benefits), defined contribution savings plans and termination indemnity plans, covering substantially all U.S. employees and employees outside the U.S. Pension benefit costs include assumptions for the discount rate, retirement age, compensation rate increases and the expected return on plan assets.
Product Liability Accruals
Accruals for product liability claims are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. Accruals for product liability claims are adjusted periodically as additional information becomes available.
Revenue Recognition
Refer to “Note 3. Revenue Recognition.”
Research and Development
All R&D costs are expensed as incurred. R&D includes costs of basic research activities as well as engineering and technical effort required to develop a new product or make significant improvements to an existing product or manufacturing process. R&D costs also include regulatory and clinical study expenses, including post-market clinical studies.
Leases
On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC Update (“ASU”) No 2016-02, Leases, including subsequent related accounting updates (collectively referred to as “Topic 842”), which supersedes the previous accounting model for leases. We adopted the standard using the modified retrospective approach with an effective date as of January 1, 2019. Prior year financial statements were not recast under the new standard. 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 our historical assessment of whether contracts are or contain leases and lease classification. We also elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single combined lease component, which is applicable to all asset classes. We did not, however, elect the practical expedient related to using hindsight in determining the lease term as this was not relevant following our election of the modified retrospective approach.
In addition, we elect certain practical expedients on an ongoing basis, including the practical expedient for short-term leases pursuant to which a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize a lease liability and operating lease asset for leases with a term of 12 months or less and that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. We have applied this accounting policy to all asset classes
in our portfolio and will recognize the lease payments for such short-term leases within profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Furthermore, from a lessor perspective, certain of our agreements that allow the customer to use, rather than purchase, our medical devices meet the criteria of being a lease in accordance with the new standard. While the amount of revenue and expenses recognized over the contract term will not be impacted, the timing of revenue and expense recognition will be impacted depending upon lease classification. We enacted appropriate changes to our business processes, systems and internal controls to support identification, recognition and disclosure of leases under the new standard.
We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the latter of our lease standard effective date for adoption or the lease commencement date. Variable lease payments, such as common area rent maintenance charges and rent escalations not known upon lease commencement, are not included in determination of the minimum lease payments and will be expensed in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement in determining the present value of future payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease within a particular currency environment. We used the incremental borrowing rate available nearest to our adoption date for leases that commenced prior to that date. The operating lease asset also includes any lease payments made in advance and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For additional information refer to “Note 12. Leases.”
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Incentive Awards
We may grant stock-based incentive awards to directors, officers, key employees and consultants. We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair market value of the award. We recognize equity-based compensation expense ratably over the period that an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the entire award (all vesting periods). We issue new shares upon stock option exercises, otherwise issuance of stock for vesting of restricted stock units or exercises of stock appreciation rights are issued from treasury shares. We have the right to elect to pay the cash value of vested restricted stock units in lieu of the issuance of new shares.
Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)
A SAR confers upon an employee the contractual right to receive an amount of cash, stock, or a combination of both that equals the appreciation in the company’s stock from an award’s grant date to the exercise date. SARs may be exercised at the employee’s discretion during the exercise period and do not give the employee an ownership right in the underlying stock. SARs do not involve payment of an exercise price. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing methodology to calculate the grant date fair market value of SARs and compensation is expensed ratably over the service period. We determine the expected volatility of the awards based on historical volatility. Calculation of compensation for stock awards requires estimation of volatility, employee turnover and forfeiture rates.
Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
We may grant RSUs at no purchase cost to the grantee. The grantees of unvested RSUs have no voting rights or rights to dividends. Sale or transfer of the stock and stock units is restricted until they are vested. The fair market value of service-based RSUs is determined using the market closing price on the grant date, and compensation is expensed ratably over the service period. Calculation of compensation for stock awards requires estimation of employee turnover and forfeiture rates.
Market Performance-Based RSU’s
We may grant market performance-based RSUs at no purchase cost to the grantee. The grantees of the units have no voting rights or rights to dividends. Sale or transfer of the units is restricted until they are vested. The number of shares that are ultimately transferred to the grantee is dependent upon the Company’s percentile rank of total shareholder return relative to a peer group. The fair market value of market performance-based RSUs is determined utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation on the grant date and compensation is expensed ratably over the service period. Calculation of compensation for market performance-based stock awards requires estimation of employee turnover, historical volatility and forfeiture rates.
Operating Performance-Based Awards RSU’s
We may grant operating performance-based RSUs at no purchase cost to the grantee. The grantees of the units have no voting rights or rights to dividends. Sale or transfer of the units is restricted until they are vested. The number of shares that are ultimately transferred to the grantee is dependent upon the Company’s achievement of certain thresholds for cumulative adjusted free cash flow and return on invested capital. The fair market value of operating performance-based RSUs is determined using the market closing price on the grant date. Compensation is expensed ratably over the service period and adjusted based upon the percent achievement of cumulative adjusted free cash flow. Calculation of compensation for operating performance-based stock awards requires estimation of employee turnover, adjusted free cash flow, return on invested capital and forfeiture rates.
Income Taxes
We are a UK corporation, and we operate through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. Our provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates applicable in the jurisdictions in which we operate and earn income. We use significant judgment and estimates in accounting for our income taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the anticipated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statements basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities, which are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
We periodically assess the recoverability of our deferred tax assets by considering whether it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the actual benefit of those assets will be realized. To the extent that realization does not meet the “more-likely-than-not” criterion, we establish a valuation allowance. We periodically review the adequacy and necessity of the valuation allowance by considering significant positive and negative evidence relative to our ability to recover deferred tax assets and to determine the timing and amount of valuation allowance that should be released. This evidence includes: profitability in the most recent quarters; internal forecasts for the current and next two future years; size of deferred tax asset relative to estimated profitability; the potential effects on future profitability from increasing competition, healthcare reforms and overall economic conditions; limitations and potential limitations on the use of our net operating losses due to ownership changes, pursuant to IRC Section 382; and the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, if any.
We file federal and local tax returns in many jurisdictions throughout the world and are subject to income tax examinations for our fiscal year 2015 and subsequent years, with certain exceptions. While we believe that our tax return positions are fully supported, tax authorities may disagree with certain positions we have taken and assess additional taxes and as a result, we may establish reserves for uncertain tax positions, which require a significant degree of management judgment. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of our tax positions in order to determine the appropriateness of our reserves; however, the actual outcome of an audit can be significantly different than our expectations, which could have a material impact on our tax provision. Our tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold. Uncertain tax positions requiring recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Some of the reasons a reserve for an uncertain tax benefit may be reversed are: completion of a tax audit; a change in applicable tax law including a tax case or legislative guidance; or an expiration of the statute of limitations. We recognize interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits and record interest in interest expense, and penalties in selling, general and administrative expense, on our consolidated statements of income (loss).
Foreign Currency
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar; however, a portion of the revenues earned and expenses incurred by certain of our subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We determine the functional currency of our subsidiaries that exist and operate in different economic and currency environments based on the primary economic environment in which the subsidiary operates, that is, the currency of the environment in which an entity primarily generates and expends cash. Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Europe and the U.S. The functional currency of our significant European subsidiaries is the Euro, and the functional currency of our significant U.S. subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar.
Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based on a combination of both current and historical exchange rates, while their revenues earned and expenses incurred are translated into U.S. dollars at average period exchange rates. Translation adjustments are included as AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency different from an entity’s functional currency are included in foreign exchange and other gains/(losses) on our consolidated statements of income (loss). Taxes are not provided on cumulative translation adjustments, as substantially all translation adjustments are related to earnings which are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in the countries where earned.
Contingencies
We are subject to product liability claims, environmental obligations, government investigations and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Legal fees and other expenses related to litigation are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of income (loss). Contingent liabilities are recorded when we determine that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. Due to the fact that legal proceedings and other contingencies are inherently unpredictable, our assessments involve significant judgment regarding future events.