New accounting pronouncements (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]

New accounting pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

ASU No. 2016-13 – In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Subsequently, the FASB issued several amendments to this standard. These standards replace the incurred loss methodology previously utilized for valuing financial instruments with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology. The measurement of expected losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial instruments measured at amortized cost, including accounts and notes receivable. The standards also made targeted changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. We adopted the standards on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. Under this method, prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. We recorded a net decrease in retained earnings of $3,640 as of January 1, 2020 for the cumulative effect of adopting the standards, which consisted primarily of an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans and notes receivable, net of the related deferred income tax impact. We recorded no allowance for credit losses related to our available-for-sale debt securities. Further information regarding these investments can be found in Note 3.

An allowance for uncollectible accounts is a valuation account that is deducted from an asset's amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected. Amounts are charged off against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of an account is confirmed. In calculating the allowances related to trade accounts receivable and revenue in excess of billings, we utilize a combination of aging schedules with reserve rates applied to both current and aged receivables and roll-rate reserves using historical loss rates and changes in current or projected conditions. In determining the allowance for uncollectible accounts related to loans and notes receivable from distributors, we utilize a loss-rate analysis based on historical loss information, current delinquency rates, the credit quality of the loan recipients and the portfolio mix to determine an appropriate credit risk measurement, adjusted to reflect current loan-specific risk characteristics and changes in environmental conditions affecting our small business distributors. Changes in conditions that may affect our distributors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in the markets for their products and services and changes in governmental regulations. In completing our analysis, we utilize a reversion methodology for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, as many of our loans and notes receivable have longer terms. Further information regarding current risks and uncertainties affecting our loans and notes receivable can be found in Note 15. Further information regarding our allowances for uncollectible accounts can be found in Note 3.

Our trade accounts receivable and unbilled receivables are not interest-bearing. Interest rates on our loans and notes receivable generally range from 6% to 8% and reflect market interest rates at the time the transactions were executed. Accrued interest included in loans and notes receivable is not significant.

ASU No. 2018-13 – In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements. This standard removes, modifies and adds certain disclosures related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. During 2018, we adopted the provisions of the standard that remove and modify disclosure requirements. The additional disclosures were effective for us on January 1, 2020 and are required to be applied prospectively to fair value measurements completed on or after that date. Disclosures regarding our fair value measurements can be found in Note 7.

ASU No. 2018-15 – In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. This standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing

implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the new standard. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, applying it prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after this date. Adoption of this standard did impact our results of operations and financial position, as we previously expensed these implementation costs as incurred. As of September 30, 2020, $19,617 of cloud computing implementation costs were included within other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. These costs primarily relate to our planned implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system.