SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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 certain financial results from Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, Singapore and Switzerland, which have a functional currency other than local currency. These operations used either USD or euro as their functional currency depending on the concentration of USD or euro transactions and distinct financial information. 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. In 2015, the Company's Venezuelan operations consisted of a fifty-percent owned subsidiary, which was consolidated. Venezuela financial results were measured using the USD 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. 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 a 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 gain (loss), 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 impairment charges of $18.6 and an additional $0.4 related to uncollectible accounts receivable which is included in selling and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations during 2015.

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 a 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 its NA 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 divestiture of its NA 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. 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 (refer to note 23).

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 August 2016, in connection with the business combination agreement related to the Acquisition, the Company announced the realignment of its lines of business to drive greater efficiency and further improve customer service. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company reorganized the management team reporting to the CODM and evaluated and assessed the LOB reporting structure. The Company's reportable operating segments are based on the following three LOBs: Services, Systems, and Software. As a result, the Company reclassified comparative periods for consistency. The presentation of comparative periods also reflects the reclassification of certain global manufacturing administration expenses from corporate charges not allocated to segments to segment operating profit.

Reclassification. The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior-year information to conform to the current presentation. The Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, Compensation, - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, at the beginning of 2017 and accordingly, retrospectively reclassified excess tax benefits from share-based compensation from financing activities to operating activities included in the consolidated statements of cash flows all comparable periods presented.

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s revenue recognition policy is consistent with the requirements of 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. Generally, 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 VSOE (price when sold on a stand-alone basis), if available, or TPE, if VSOE is not available, or 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.

The Company recognizes financing lease income on the interest method to produce a level yield on funds not yet recovered. Estimated unguaranteed residual values are based upon management’s best estimate and value of the leased asset at the end of the lease term. We use various sources of data in determining this estimate, including information obtained from third parties which is adjusted for the attributes of the specific asset under lease.

Revenue from certain long-term contracts is accounted for under the percentage of completion method, and recognizes revenue and gross profit as work on certain long-term contracts progresses, which relies on estimates of total expected contract revenues and costs. The Company follows this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenue and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. Since the financial reporting of these contracts depends on estimates, which are assessed continually during the term of the contract, recognized revenues and profit are subject to revisions as the contract progresses toward completion. Revisions in profit estimates are reflected in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Accordingly, favorable changes in estimates result in additional profit recognition, and unfavorable changes will result in the reversal of previously recognized revenue and profits. When estimates indicate a loss is expected to be incurred under a contract, cost of sales is charged with a provision for the full loss immediately. As work progresses under a loss contract, revenue and cost of sales continue to be recognized in equal amounts, and the excess of costs over revenues is charged to the contract loss reserve. Change orders resulting in additional revenue and profit are recognized upon approval by the customer based on the percentage that incurred costs to date bear to total estimated costs at completion. Pre-contract costs relate primarily to salaries and benefits incurred to support the selling effort and, accordingly, are expensed as incurred. Certain contracts include incentive-fee arrangements clearly defined in the agreement and are not recognized until earned. The percentage of completion method of accounting is primarily used in software arrangements that include professional services. The total amount of revenue accounted for by the percentage of completion method is de minimus.

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:

Services Product-related services provided by the Company include proactive monitoring and rapid resolution of incidents through remote service capabilities or an on-site visit. First and second line maintenance, preventive maintenance and on-demand services keep the distributed assets of the Company's customers up and running through a standardized incident management process. Managed services and outsourcing consists of the end-to-end business processes, solution management, upgrades and transaction processing. The global service supply chain optimizes the process for obtaining replacement parts, making repairs, and implementing new features and functionality. The Company also provides a full array of cash management services, which optimizes the availability and cost of physical currency across the enterprise through efficient forecasting, inventory and replenishment processes.

Software The Company provides front end applications for consumer connection points and back end platforms that manage channel transactions, operations and integration. The Company’s hardware-agnostic software applications facilitate millions of transactions via ATMs, POS terminals, kiosks and a host of other self-service devices. The Company’s platform software facilitates omni-channel transactions, endpoint monitoring, remote asset management, marketing, merchandise management and analytics.

The professional services team provides systems integration, customization, consulting and project management. The Company’s advisory services team collaborates with its customers to help define optimal user experience, improve business processes, refine existing staffing models and deploy technology to meet branch automation objectives.

Systems The systems portfolio consists of cash recyclers and dispensers, intelligent deposit terminals, teller automation tools, physical security devices, integrated and mobile POS systems. Supplementing the POS system is a broad range of peripherals, including printers, scales and mobile scanners, as well as the cash management portfolio which offers a wide range of banknote and coin processing systems. Also in the portfolio, the Company provides self-checkout terminals and ordering kiosks.

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.

Property, plant and equipment and long-lived assets. Property, plant and equipment and long-lived assets are recorded at historical cost, including interest where applicable.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and 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.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life for each asset class. 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. Generally. 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. Certain technology assets related to the Acquisition utilize a double-declining method.

Fully depreciated assets are retained until disposal. Upon disposal, assets and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less proceeds from disposal, is charged or credited to operations.

Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $11.0, $14.0 and $11.6 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Research, Development and Engineering. Research, development and engineering costs are expensed as incurred and were $155.5, $110.2 and $86.9 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $8.0 of restricted cash in connection with the realigning its operations in China which has been included in other current assets.

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 note 8 and 15) 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. 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.

Interest Rate Swaps The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

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 13.

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.

Refer to note 20 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 using average or standard costing utilizing lower of cost or net realizable value. 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 13). The Company tests all existing goodwill at least annually for impairment on a reporting unit basis. In 2017 and 2016, the annual goodwill impairment test was performed as of October 31.

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. Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, the Company’s reportable operating segments are based on the conclusion of the assessment on the following LOBs: Software, Systems, and Services with comparative period reclassified for consistency. 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.

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 or directly by the plan administrator. 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. Upon a settlement, we recognize the proportionate amount of the unamortized gains and losses if the cost of all settlements during the year exceeds the interest component of net periodic cost for the affected plan. Expense from curtailments and settlements is recorded in selling and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of profit or loss, net assets and comprehensive income that is not allocable to the Company. During 2017 and 2016, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily represents guaranteed dividends that the Company is obligated to pay to the noncontrolling shareholders of Diebold Nixdorf AG.

Noncontrolling interests with redemption features, such as put rights, that are not solely within the Company’s control are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented outside of equity on our consolidated balance sheets. The balance of redeemable noncontrolling interests is reported at the greater of its carrying value or its maximum redemption value at each reporting date. Refer to note 3 for more information.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

The effects of the adoption of the ASUs listed below did not significantly impact the Company's financial statements:



Standards Adopted	Description	Effective Date
ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory	The standard requires the measurement of inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value rather than at the lower of cost or market.	January 1, 2017
ASU 2016-05, Effects of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships and ASU 2016-06, Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments.	The standards provide clarification when there is a change in a counterparty to a derivative hedging instrument and the steps required when assessing the economic characteristics of embedded put or call options.	January 1, 2017
ASU 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to Equity Method of Accounting	The standard eliminates the requirement to retroactively apply the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence.	January 1, 2017
ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory	This standard requires the recognition of the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets, other than inventory, in the period in which the transfer occurs rather than deferring recognition until the asset is sold to an external party.	January 1, 2017
ASU 2016-17, Interests Held through Related Parties that Are under Common Control	The standard changes the evaluation of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity in certain instances involving entities under common control.	January 1, 2017

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

The Company has considered the recent ASUs issued by the FASB summarized below, which could significantly impact its financial statements:



Standards Pending Adoption	Description	Effective/Adoption Date	Anticipated Impact
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers	The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and requires additional financial statement disclosures. The standard requires revenue to be recognized when it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard can be adopted using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. The standard is intended to reduce potential for diversity in practice at initial application and reducing the cost and complexity of applying Topic 606 both at transition and prospectively.	January 1, 2018	The Company has drafted its accounting policy with respect to the standard based on a detailed review of its business and contracts. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard, including business processes, systems and controls, it does not currently expect that the adoption will have a material impact on its recognition of revenues, results of operations or financial position. As required by the standard, the Company expects to make additional disclosures related to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition method, pursuant to which the cumulative effect of adoption will be reflected in the opening balance of retained earnings.
ASU 2016-02, Leases	The standard requires that a lessee recognize on its balance sheet right-of-use assets and corresponding liabilities resulting from leasing transactions, as well as additional financial statement disclosures. Currently, U.S. GAAP only requires balance sheet recognition for leases classified as capital leases. The provisions of this update apply to substantially all leased assets.	January 1, 2019	The Company is currently evaluating the impact of that the standard will have on its financial information and related disclosures. The standard requires a modified retrospective transition method with the option to elect a package of practical expedients, which the Company anticipates utilizing and will continue to evaluate. The Company anticipates a significant balance sheet gross-up for the right-of-use assets and corresponding liabilities, with no anticipated impact to debt covenants. For additional information on the Company’s operating lease commitments, see Note 16, Leases.
ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	The standard simplifies the measurement of goodwill by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Early adoption is permitted.	January 1, 2020	The Company is currently evaluating the impact of that the standard will have on its financial statements, related disclosures and whether or not we will early adopt the standard. For additional information on the Company’s goodwill, see Note 13, Goodwill and Other Assets.
ASU 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost	The standard was issued to address the net presentation of the components of net benefit cost. The standard requires that service cost be presented in the same line item as other current employee compensation costs and that the remaining components of net benefit cost be presented in a separate line item outside of any subtotal for income from operations.	January 1, 2018	The update will result in the retrospective reclassification of the non-service cost components of net benefit cost from cost of sales, selling, general and administrative, and research and development expenses to other (income) expense, net. There will be no impact on consolidated net income.
ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Target Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities	The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities.	January 1, 2019 / January 1, 2018	ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the statement of financial position as of the date of adoption. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we currently expect adoption to have an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements.