SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Diebold, Incorporated and its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include revenue recognition, the valuation of trade and financing receivables, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets, legal contingencies, guarantee obligations and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, pension and other post-retirement benefits and customer incentives, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Management monitors the economic condition and other factors and will adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

International Operations. The financial statements of the Company’s international operations are measured using local currencies as their functional currencies, with the exception of Venezuela's financial results, which are measured using the currency exchange mechanism, SICAD 2. The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. subsidiaries at the exchange rates in effect at year end and the results of operations at the average rate throughout the year. The translation adjustments are recorded directly as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, while transaction gains (losses) are included in net income.

Venezuelan Currency Devaluation. The Company's Venezuelan operations consisted of a fifty-percent owned subsidiary, which was consolidated. Venezuela financial results were measured using the U.S. dollar as its functional currency because its economy is considered highly inflationary. On March 24, 2014, the Venezuelan government announced a currency exchange mechanism, SICAD 2, which yielded an exchange rate significantly higher than the rates established through the other regulated exchange mechanisms. Management determined that it was unlikely that the Company would be able to convert bolivars under a currency exchange other than SICAD 2. On March 31, 2014, the Company remeasured its Venezuelan balance sheet using the SICAD 2 rate of 50.86 compared to the previous official government rate of 6.30, resulting in a decrease of $6.1 to the Company’s cash balance and net losses of $12.1 that were recorded within foreign exchange (loss) gain, net in the consolidated statements of operations in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, as a result of the currency devaluation, the Company recorded a $4.1 lower of cost or market adjustment related to its service inventory within service cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations in 2014. On February 10, 2015, the Venezuela government introduced a new foreign currency exchange platform called the Marginal Currency System, or SIMADI, which replaced the SICAD 2 mechanism, yielding another significant increase in the exchange rate. As of March 31, 2015, management determined it was unlikely that the Company would be able to convert bolivars under a currency exchange other than SIMADI and remeasured its Venezuela balance sheet using the SIMADI rate of 192.95 compared to the previous SICAD 2 rate of 50.86, which resulted in a loss of $7.5 recorded within foreign exchange (loss) gain, net in the consolidated statements of operations in the first quarter of 2015.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company agreed to sell its equity interest in its Venezuela joint venture to its joint venture partner and recorded a $10.3 impairment of assets in the first quarter of 2015. On April 29, 2015, the Company closed the sale for the estimated fair market value and recorded a $1.0 reversal of impairment of assets based on final adjustments in the second quarter of 2015, resulting in a $9.3 impairment of assets for the six months ended June 30, 2015. During the remainder of 2015, the Company incurred an additional $0.4 related to uncollectible accounts receivable which is included in selling and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company no longer has a consolidating entity in Venezuela which was included in the Latin America (LA) segment but will continue to operate in Venezuela on an indirect basis.

Acquisitions and Divestitures. Acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. This method requires the Company to record assets and liabilities of the business acquired at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. Any excess cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company generally uses valuation specialists to perform appraisals and assist in the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These valuations require management to make estimates and assumptions that are critical in determining the fair values of the assets and liabilities.

For divestitures, the Company considers assets to be held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market the assets for sale at a price reasonable in relation to their estimated fair value, the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition, an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the sale have been initiated, the sale of the assets is probable and expected to be completed within one year (or, if it is expected that others will impose conditions on the sale of the assets that will extend the period required to complete the sale, that a firm purchase commitment is probable within one year) and it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan. Upon designation as held for sale, the Company records the assets at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value, reduced for the cost to dispose of the assets, and ceases to record depreciation expense on the assets.

The Company reports financial results for discontinued operations separately from continuing operations to distinguish the financial impact of the divestiture from ongoing operations. Discontinued operations reporting occurs only when the disposal of a component or a group of components of the Company represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results. During the year ended December 31, 2015, management of the Company, through receipt in October 2015 of the required authorization from its Board of Directors after a potential buyer had been identified, committed to a plan to divest the electronic security (ES) business. As such, all of the criteria required for held for sale and discontinued operations classification were met during the fourth quarter of 2015. The pending divestiture of its ES business closed on February 1, 2016. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities, operating results and operating and investing cash flows for are presented as discontinued operations separate from the Company’s continuing operations for all periods presented. Prior period information has been reclassified to present this business as discontinued operations for all periods presented, and has therefore been excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements. All assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are included in total current assets based on the cash conversion of these assets and liabilities within one year. These items had no impact on the amounts of previously reported net income attributable to Diebold, Incorporated or total Diebold, Incorporated shareholders' equity (refer to note 21).

Assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation are reclassified as held for sale for all comparative periods presented in the consolidated balance sheet. The results of operations of a discontinued operation are reclassified to income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented. For assets that meet the held for sale criteria but do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation, the Company reclassifies the assets and liabilities in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met, but does not reclassify prior period amounts.

Realignment. In the first quarter 2015, the Company announced the realignment of its Brazil and LA businesses to drive greater efficiency and further improve customer service. Beginning with the first quarter of 2015, LA and Brazil operations were reported under one single reportable operating segment and comparative periods have been reclassified for consistency. The presentation of comparative periods also reflects the reclassification of certain global expenses from segment operating profit to corporate charges not allocated to segments due to the 2015 realignment activities.

Reclassification. The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior-year information to conform to the current presentation.

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenue recognition policy is consistent with the requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605, Revenue Recognition (ASC 605). In general, the Company records revenue when it is realized, or realizable and earned. The Company considers revenue to be realized, or realizable and earned when, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the products or services have been approved by the customer after delivery and/or installation acceptance or performance of services; the sales price is fixed or determinable within the contract; and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company's products include both hardware and the software required for the equipment to operate as intended, and for product sales, the Company determines the earnings process is complete when title, risk of loss and the right to use the product has transferred to the customer. Within the North America region, the earnings process is completed upon customer acceptance. Where the Company is contractually responsible for installation, customer acceptance occurs upon completion of the installation of all equipment at a job site and the Company’s demonstration that the equipment is in operable condition. Where the Company is not contractually responsible for installation, customer acceptance occurs upon shipment or delivery to a customer location depending on the terms within the contract. Internationally, customer acceptance is upon delivery or completion of the installation depending on the terms in the contract with the customer.

The application of ASC 605 to the Company's customer contracts requires judgment, including the determination of whether an arrangement includes multiple deliverables such as hardware, software, maintenance and/or other services. For contracts that contain multiple deliverables, total arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to each deliverable based on the relative selling price method. The relative selling price method is based on a hierarchy consisting of vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) (price when sold on a stand-alone basis), if available, or third-party evidence (TPE), if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (ESP) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. The Company's ESP is consistent with the objective of determining VSOE, which is the price at which we would expect to transact on a stand-alone sale of the deliverable. The determination of ESP is based on applying significant judgment to weigh a variety of company-specific factors including our pricing practices, customer volume, geography, internal costs and gross margin objectives, information gathered from experience in customer negotiations, recent technological trends, and competitive landscape. In contracts that involve multiple deliverables with separately priced extended warranty and product maintenance, these services are typically accounted for under FASB ASC 605-20, Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts where stated price is recognized ratably over the period.

For software sales, excluding software required for the equipment to operate as intended, the Company applies the software revenue recognition principles within FASB ASC 985-605, Software - Revenue Recognition. For software and software-related deliverables (software elements), the Company allocates revenue based upon the relative fair value of these software elements as determined by VSOE. If the Company cannot obtain VSOE for any undelivered software element, revenue is deferred until all deliverables have been delivered or until VSOE can be determined for any remaining undelivered software elements. When the fair value of a delivered element cannot be established, but fair value evidence exists for the undelivered software elements, the Company uses the residual method to recognize revenue. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement consideration is allocated to the delivered elements and recognized as revenue.

The Company has the following revenue streams related to sales to its customers:

Financial Self-Service Product & Managed Service Revenue FSS products are primarily ATMs and other equipment primarily used in the banking industry which include both hardware and the software required for the equipment to operate as intended. The Company also provides service contracts on FSS products that typically cover a 12-month period and can begin at any time after the warranty period expires. The service provided under warranty is limited as compared to those offered under service contracts. Further, warranty is not considered a separate deliverable of the sale and covers only replacement of defective parts inclusive of labor. Service contracts provide additional services beyond those covered under the warranty, including preventative maintenance service, cleaning, supplies stocking and cash handling, all of which are not essential to the functionality of the equipment. Service revenue also includes services and parts the Company provides on a billed-work basis that are not covered by warranty or service contract. The Company also provides customers with integrated services such as outsourced and managed services, including remote monitoring, trouble-shooting, training, transaction processing, currency management, maintenance or full support services.

Electronic Security Products & Managed Service Revenue The Company provides global product sales, service, installation, project management for longer-term contracts and monitoring of original equipment manufacturer electronic security products to financial, government, retail and commercial customers. These solutions provide the Company’s customers a single-source solution to their electronic security needs. The Company has included the net sales from its North America electronic security business as discontinued operations.

Physical Security & Facility Revenue The Company designs, manufactures and/or procures and installs physical security and facility products. These consist of vaults, safe deposit boxes and safes, drive-up banking equipment and a host of other banking facilities products.

Brazil Other The Company offers election and lottery systems product solutions and support to the Brazil government. Election systems revenue consists of election equipment sales, networking, tabulation and diagnostic software development, training, support and maintenance. Lottery systems revenue primarily consists of equipment sales. The election and lottery equipment components are included in product revenue. The software development, training, support and maintenance components are included in service revenue.

Software Solutions & Service Revenue The Company offers software solutions, excluding software required for the equipment to operate as intended, consisting of multiple applications that process events and transactions (networking software) along with the related server. Sales of networking software represent software solutions to customers that allow them to network various different vendors’ ATMs onto one network. Included within service revenue is revenue from software support agreements, which are typically 12 months in duration and pertain to networking software.

Cost of Sales. Cost of products sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacturing and distribution of products, as well as related labor, depreciation expense and direct overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished products. Cost of products sales also includes the cost to distribute products to customers, inbound freight costs, internal transfer costs, warehousing costs and other shipping and handling activity. Cost of services sold is primarily consists of fuel, parts and labor and benefits costs related to installation of products and service maintenance contracts, including call center costs as well as costs for service parts repair centers.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. Amortization of leasehold improvements is based upon the shorter of original terms of the lease or life of the improvement. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Amortization of the Company’s other long-term assets, such as intangible assets and capitalized computer software, is computed using the straight-line method over the life of the asset.

Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $11.6, $16.7 and $9.8 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Research, Development and Engineering. Research, development and engineering costs are expensed as incurred and were $86.9, $93.6 and $92.2 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs. The Company recognizes shipping and handling fees billed when products are shipped or delivered to a customer and includes such amounts in net sales. Third-party freight payments are recorded in cost of sales.

Taxes on Income. Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, operating loss carry-forwards and tax credits. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences and undistributed earnings in certain tax jurisdictions. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Determination of a valuation allowance involves estimates regarding the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income and the impact of tax planning strategies. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

The Company regularly assesses its position with regard to tax exposures and records liabilities for these uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties, if any, when the tax benefit is not more likely than not realizable. The Company has recorded an accrual that reflects the recognition and measurement process for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Additional future income tax expense or benefit may be recognized once the positions are effectively settled.

Sales Tax. The Company collects sales taxes from customers and accounts for sales taxes on a net basis.

Cash Equivalents. The Company considers highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Financial Instruments. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, trade receivables and accounts payable, approximated their fair value because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments. The Company’s risk-management strategy uses derivative financial instruments such as forwards to hedge certain foreign currency exposures and interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. The intent is to offset gains and losses that occur on the underlying exposures, with gains and losses on the derivative contracts hedging these exposures. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading purposes. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are either offset against the change in the hedged assets or liabilities through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

Fair Value. The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities using one or more of the following three valuation techniques:



Valuation technique		Description
Market approach		Prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
Cost approach		Amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost).
Income approach		Techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based upon market expectations.

The hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value is divided into three levels:



Fair value level		Description
Level 1		Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2		Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
Level 3		Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data.

A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company uses the end of period when determining the timing of transfers between levels.

Short-Term Investments The Company has investments in certificates of deposit that are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

Assets Held in Rabbi Trusts / Deferred Compensation The fair value of the assets held in rabbi trusts (refer to notes 6 and 13) is derived from investments in a mix of money market, fixed income and equity funds managed by Bank of America/Merrill Lynch. The related deferred compensation liability is recorded at fair value.

Foreign Exchange Contracts The valuation of foreign exchange forward and option contracts is determined using valuation techniques, including option models tailored for currency derivatives. These contracts are valued using the market approach based on observable market inputs. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including spot rates, foreign currency forward rates, the interest rate curve of the domestic currency, and foreign currency volatility for the given currency pair.

Forward Contracts A substantial portion of the Company’s operations and revenues are international. As a result, changes in foreign exchange rates can create substantial foreign exchange gains and losses from the revaluation of non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities.

Option Contracts A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period. In connection with the Business Combination, the Company entered into foreign exchange option contracts to purchase or call €1,416.0 for a put of $1,547.1 to limit the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the cash component of the purchase price consideration which is denominated in euros and approximates €1,162.2 and estimated euro denominated deal related costs and any outstanding Wincor Nixdorf borrowings. These foreign exchange option contracts are non-designated and are included in other current assets or other current liabilities based on the net asset or net liability position, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. The gain or loss on these non-designated derivative instruments is reflected in other income (expense) miscellaneous, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Changes in foreign exchange rates between the U.S dollar and euro can create substantial gains and losses from the revaluation of the derivative instrument. The $60.0 delayed premium is recorded at fair value and netted against the fair value of the foreign exchange option contract asset.

Interest Rate Swaps The Company has variable rate debt and is subject to fluctuations in interest related cash flows due to changes in market interest rates. The Company’s policy allows it to periodically enter into derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges to fix some portion of future variable rate based interest expense. The Company executed two pay-fixed receive-variable interest rate swaps to hedge against changes in the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) benchmark interest rate on a portion of the Company’s LIBOR-based borrowings. The fair value of the swap is determined using the income approach and is calculated based on LIBOR rates at the reporting date.

Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis In addition to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company also measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Our non-financial assets, including goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indication of impairment. These assets are recorded at fair value, determined using level 3 inputs, only when an impairment charge is recognized. Further details regarding the Company's goodwill impairment review appear in note 11.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Carrying Value The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable, approximates the carrying value due to the relative short maturity of these instruments.

The fair value of the Company’s industrial development revenue bonds are measured using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets categorized as level 1 inputs. The fair value of the Company’s current notes payable and credit facility debt instruments approximates the carrying value due to the relative short maturity of the revolving borrowings under these instruments. The fair values of the Company’s long-term senior notes were estimated using market observable inputs for the Company’s comparable peers with public debt, including quoted prices in active markets, market indices and interest rate measurements, considered level 2 inputs.

Refer to note 19 for further details of assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement.

Trade Receivables. The Company evaluates the collectability of trade receivables based on a percentage of sales related to historical loss experience and current trends. The Company will also record periodic adjustments for known events such as specific customer circumstances and changes in the aging of accounts receivable balances. After all efforts at collection have been unsuccessful, the account is deemed uncollectible and is written off.

Financing Receivables. The Company evaluates the collectability of notes and finance lease receivables (collectively, financing receivables) on a customer-by-customer basis and evaluates specific customer circumstances, aging of invoices, credit risk changes and payment patterns and historical loss experience. When the collectability is determined to be at risk based on the above criteria, the Company records the allowance for credit losses which represents the Company’s current exposure less estimated reimbursement from insurance claims. After all efforts at collection have been unsuccessful, the account is deemed uncollectible and is written off.

Inventories. The Company primarily values inventories at the lower of cost or market applied on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company identifies and writes down its excess and obsolete inventories to net realizable value based on usage forecasts, order volume and inventory aging. With the development of new products, the Company also rationalizes its product offerings and will write-down discontinued product to the lower of cost or net realizable value.

Deferred Revenue. Deferred revenue is recorded for any services billed to customers and not yet recognizable if the contract period has commenced or for the amount collected from customers in advance of the contract period commencing. In addition, deferred revenue is recorded for products and other deliverables that are billed to and collected from customers prior to revenue being recognizable.

Split-Dollar Life Insurance. The Company recognizes a liability for the post-retirement obligation associated with a collateral assignment arrangement if, based on an agreement with an employee, the Company has agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the post-retirement period or to provide a death benefit. In addition, the Company recognizes a liability and related compensation costs for future benefits that extend to post-retirement periods.

Goodwill. Goodwill is the cost in excess of the net assets of acquired businesses (refer to note 11). The Company tests all existing goodwill at least annually for impairment on a reporting unit basis. In 2015, the annual goodwill impairment test was performed as of October 31 compared to November 30 in prior years for administrative improvements.

The Company tests for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the carrying value of a reporting unit below its reported amount. The Company’s reporting units are defined as Domestic and Canada, LA, Asia Pacific (AP), and EMEA. Each year, the Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company considers the following events and circumstances, among others, if applicable: (a) macroeconomic conditions such as general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital or other developments in equity and credit markets; (b) industry and market considerations such as competition, multiples or metrics and changes in the market for the Company's products and services or regulatory and political environments; (c) cost factors such as raw materials, labor or other costs; (d) overall financial performance such as cash flows, actual and planned revenue and earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods; (e) other relevant events such as changes in key personnel, strategy or customers; (f) changes in the composition of a reporting unit's assets or expected sales of all or a portion of a reporting unit; and (g) any sustained decrease in share price.

If the Company's qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or if management elects to perform a quantitative assessment of goodwill, a two-step impairment test is used to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of any impairment loss to be recognized. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. The fair value of the reporting units is determined based upon a combination of the income valuation and market approach in valuation methodology. The income approach uses discounted estimated future cash flows, whereas the market approach or guideline public company method utilizes market data of similar publicly traded companies. The Company’s Step 1 impairment test of goodwill of a reporting unit is based upon the fair value of the reporting unit, defined as the price that would be received to sell the net assets or transfer the net liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the assessment date. In the event that the net carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a Step 2 test must be performed whereby the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill must be estimated to determine if it is less than its net carrying amount. In its two-step test, the Company uses the discounted cash flow method and the guideline company method for determining the fair value of its reporting units. Under these methods, the determination of implied fair value of the goodwill for a particular reporting unit is the excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities in the same manner as the allocation in a business combination.

The techniques used in the Company's qualitative assessment and, if necessary, two-step impairment test incorporate a number of assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable and to reflect market conditions forecast at the assessment date. Assumptions in estimating future cash flows are subject to a high degree of judgment. The Company makes all efforts to forecast future cash flows as accurately as possible with the information available at the time the forecast is made. To this end, the Company evaluates the appropriateness of its assumptions as well as its overall forecasts by comparing projected results of upcoming years with actual results of preceding years and validating that differences therein are reasonable. Key assumptions, all of which are Level 3 inputs, relate to price trends, material costs, discount rate, customer demand and the long-term growth and foreign exchange rates. A number of benchmarks from independent industry and other economic publications were also used. Changes in assumptions and estimates after the assessment date may lead to an outcome where impairment charges would be required in future periods. Specifically, actual results may vary from the Company’s forecasts and such variations may be material and unfavorable, thereby triggering the need for future impairment tests where the conclusions may differ in reflection of prevailing market conditions.

Long-Lived Assets. Impairment of long-lived assets is recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized at that time to reduce the asset to the lower of its fair value or its net book value. The Company tests all existing indefinite-lived intangibles at least annually for impairment as of October 31. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $4.5 of indefinite-lived tangibles included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Contingencies. Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these matters is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits. Annual net periodic expense and benefit liabilities under the Company’s defined benefit plans are determined on an actuarial basis. Assumptions used in the actuarial calculations have a significant impact on plan obligations and expense. Members of the management investment committee periodically review the actual experience compared with the more significant assumptions used and make adjustments to the assumptions, if warranted. The healthcare trend rates are reviewed based upon the results of actual claims experience. The discount rate is determined by analyzing the average return of high-quality (i.e., AA-rated) fixed-income investments and the year-over-year comparison of certain widely used benchmark indices as of the measurement date. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined using the plans’ current asset allocation and their expected rates of return based on a geometric averaging over 20 years. The rate of compensation increase assumptions reflects the Company’s long-term actual experience and future and near-term outlook. Pension benefits are funded through deposits with trustees. Other post-retirement benefits are not funded and the Company’s policy is to pay these benefits as they become due.

The Company recognizes the funded status of each of its plans in the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of unrecognized net gain or loss resulting from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions (excluding asset gains and losses not yet reflected in market-related value) is included as a component of net periodic benefit cost for a year if, as of the beginning of the year, that unrecognized net gain or loss exceeds five percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If amortization is required, the amortization is that excess divided by the average remaining service period of participating employees expected to receive benefits under the plan.

The Company records a curtailment when an event occurs that significantly reduces the expected years of future service or eliminates the accrual of defined benefits for the future services of a significant number of employees. A curtailment gain is recorded when the employees who are entitled to the benefits terminate their employment; a curtailment loss is recorded when it becomes probable a loss will occur. Expense from curtailments is recorded in selling and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (ASU 2014-08), which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of discontinued operations. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company adopted ASU 2014-08. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Additionally, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest: Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (ASU 2015-15). The standards became effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 resulted in a reclassification of $6.9 and $2.5 from other assets to long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early application is permitted on the original adoption date of January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share or Its Equivalent (ASU 2015-07). The amendments in this update remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-12, Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Plan (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962), Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): (Part I) Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts, (Part II) Plan Investment Disclosures, (Part III) Measurement Date Practical Expedient (ASU 2015-12), which is a three-part update with the objective of simplifying benefit plan reporting to make the information presented more useful to the reader. Part I designates contract value as the only required measure for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts (FBRIC). A FBRIC is a guaranteed investment contract between the plan and an issuer in which the issuer agrees to pay a predetermined interest rate and principal for a set amount deposited with the issuer. Part II simplifies the investment disclosure requirements for employee benefits plans. Part III provides an alternative measurement date for fiscal periods that do not coincide with a month-end date. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments in Parts I and II of this standard are effective retrospectively. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (ASU 2015-16). The amendments in this update require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this update require that the acquirer record, in the same period's financial statements, 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, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date and presented separately on the face of the income statement or disclosed in the notes by line item. The standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-16 is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17). This amendment requires the presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities to be categorized as noncurrent on the balance sheet, instead of being classified as current or noncurrent. The standard is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01). This amendment requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendment simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. It eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. The amendment requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. Additionally, the update requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments and requires an entity to separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements. The standard is effective for the Company on December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The FASB issued the update to require the recognition of lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet of lessees. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The ASU requires a modified retrospective transition method with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.