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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“Historical DuPont” or “the company”) were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The significant accounting policies described below, together with the other notes that follow, are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Pushdown Accounting

DowDuPont Inc. ("DowDuPont") was formed on December 9, 2015 to effect an all-stock, merger of equals strategic combination between The Dow Chemical Company ("Historical Dow") and Historical DuPont (the "Merger Transaction"). On August 31, 2017 at 11:59 pm ET, (the "Merger Effectiveness Time") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 11, 2015, as amended on March 31, 2017 (the "Merger Agreement"), Historical Dow and Historical DuPont each merged with wholly owned subsidiaries of DowDuPont ("Mergers") and, as a result of the Mergers, Historical Dow and Historical DuPont became subsidiaries of DowDuPont (collectively, the "Merger"). Prior to the Merger, DowDuPont did not conduct any business activities other than those required for its formation and matters contemplated by the Merger Agreement. DowDuPont intends to pursue, subject to certain customary conditions, including, among others, the effectiveness of registration statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and approval by the Board of Directors of DowDuPont, the separation of the combined company's agriculture business, specialty products business and materials science business through a series of tax-efficient transactions (collectively, the "Intended Business Separations" and the transactions to accomplish the Intended Business Separations, the "separations").

On February 26, 2018, DowDuPont announced the corporate brand names that each company plans to assume once the Intended Business Separations occur. Materials science will be called Dow, agriculture will be called Corteva^TM Agriscience, and specialty products will be called DuPont.

For purposes of DowDuPont's financial statement presentation, Historical Dow was determined to be the accounting acquirer in the Merger and Historical DuPont's assets and liabilities are reflected at fair value as of the Merger Effectiveness Time. In connection with the Merger and the related accounting determination, Historical DuPont has elected to apply push-down accounting and reflect in its financial statements the fair value of its assets and liabilities. Historical DuPont's Consolidated Financial Statements for periods following the close of the Merger are labeled “Successor” and reflect DowDuPont’s basis in the fair values of the assets and liabilities of Historical DuPont. All periods prior to the closing of the Merger reflect the historical accounting basis in Historical DuPont's assets and liabilities and are labeled “Predecessor.” The Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes include a black line division between the columns titled "Predecessor" and "Successor" to signify that the amounts shown for the periods prior to and following the Merger are not comparable. See Note 3 for additional information on the Merger.

Transactions between DowDuPont, Historical DuPont, Historical Dow and their affiliates and other associated companies are reflected in the Successor consolidated financial statements and disclosed as related party transactions when material. Related party transactions with DowDuPont are included in Note 7.

Discontinued Operations, Policy

As a condition of the regulatory approval for the Merger Transaction, the company was required to divest certain assets related to its crop protection business and research and development ("R&D") organization, specifically the company’s Cereal Broadleaf Herbicides and Chewing Insecticides portfolios, including Rynaxypyr^®, Cyazypyr^® and Indoxacarb as well as the crop protection R&D pipeline and organization, excluding seed treatment, nematicides, and late-stage R&D programs. On March 31, 2017, the company entered into a definitive agreement (the "FMC Transaction Agreement") with FMC Corporation ("FMC"). Under the FMC Transaction Agreement, FMC would acquire the crop protection business and R&D assets that Historical DuPont was required to divest in order to obtain European Commission ("EC") approval of the Merger Transaction as described above, (the "Divested Ag Business") and Historical DuPont agreed to acquire certain assets relating to FMC’s Health and Nutrition segment, excluding its Omega-3 products (the "H&N Business") (collectively, the "FMC Transactions").

On November 1, 2017, the company completed the FMC Transactions through the disposition of the Divested Ag Business and the acquisition of the H&N Business. The sale of the Divested Ag Business meets the criteria for discontinued operations and as such, results of operations are presented as discontinued operations and have been excluded from continuing operations for all periods presented. The sum of the individual earnings per share amounts from continuing operations and discontinued operations may not equal the total company earnings per share amounts due to rounding. The comprehensive income and cash flows related to the Divested Ag Business have not been segregated and are included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, respectively, for all periods presented. Amounts related to the Divested Ag Business are consistently included or excluded from the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements based on the respective financial statement line item. See Note 4 for additional information.

On July 1, 2015, the company completed the separation of its Performance Chemicals segment through the spin-off of all of the issued and outstanding stock of The Chemours Company ("Chemours"). In accordance with GAAP, the results of operations of the Performance Chemicals segment are presented as discontinued operations and, as such, have been excluded from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented. See Note 4 for additional information.

Basis of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the company and subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which the company's ownership is less than 100 percent, the outside stockholders' interests are shown as noncontrolling interests. Investments in affiliates over which the company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling interest are accounted for under the equity method.

The company is also involved with certain joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting that are variable interest entities ("VIEs"). The company is not the primary beneficiary, as the nature of the company's involvement with the VIEs does not provide it the power to direct the VIEs significant activities. Future events may require these VIEs to be consolidated if the company becomes the primary beneficiary. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the maximum exposure to loss related to the nonconsolidated VIEs is not considered material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The company’s consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Changes in Accounting and Reporting

Within the Successor periods, Historical DuPont made the following changes in accounting and reporting to harmonize its accounting and reporting with DowDuPont.

Within the Successor periods of the Consolidated Statements of Operations:


•	Included royalty income within net sales. In the Predecessor periods, royalty income is included within sundry income (expense) - net.


•	Eliminated the other operating charges line item. In the Successor periods, a majority of these costs are included within cost of goods sold. These costs are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses and amortization of intangibles in the Successor periods.


•	Presented amortization of intangibles as a separate line item. In the Predecessor periods, amortization is included within cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, other operating charges, and research and development expenses.


•	Presented integration and separation costs as a separate line item. In the Predecessor periods, these costs are included within selling, general and administrative expenses.


•	Included interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits within the (benefit from) provision for income taxes on continuing operations. In the Predecessor periods, interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits is included within sundry income (expense) - net.

Within the Successor periods of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

•

Included foreign currency exchange contract settlements within cash flows from operating activities, regardless of hedge accounting qualification. In the Predecessor periods, Historical DuPont reflected non-qualified hedge programs, specifically forward contracts, options and cash collateral activity, within cash flows from investing activities. In the Predecessor periods, Historical DuPont reflected cash flows from qualified programs within the line item it related to (i.e., revenue hedge cash flows presented within changes from accounts receivable).

•

Aligned the line items within "changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquired and divested companies" to the DowDuPont presentation, including accounts and notes receivable, inventories, accounts payable, and other assets and liabilities. In the Predecessor periods, the line item "changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquired and divested companies" includes accounts and notes receivable, inventories and other operating assets, accounts payable and other operating liabilities, and accrued interest and income taxes.

Certain reclassifications of prior year's data have been made to conform to current year's presentation. Effective January 1, 2018, the company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. In conjunction with the adoption of this ASU, the company retrospectively reclassified the non-service components of net periodic benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Effective January 1, 2018, the company adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). In conjunction with the adoption of this ASU, the company retrospectively adjusted the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to include the presentation of restricted cash. See Note 2 for more information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents represent investments with maturities of three months or less from time of purchase. They are carried at cost plus accrued interest.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents trust assets of $500 million and $558 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is included within other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 8 for further information.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities represent investments in fixed and floating rate financial instruments with maturities greater than three months and up to twelve months at time of purchase. Investments classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost. The carrying value approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the investments. Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The cost of investments sold is determined by specific identification.

Fair Value Measurements

Under the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, a fair value hierarchy was established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The company uses the following valuation techniques to measure fair value for its assets and liabilities:



Level 1	–	Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2	–	Significant other observable inputs (e.g. quoted prices for similar items in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar items in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rate and yield curves, and market-corroborated inputs);

Level 3	–	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are valued based on management's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Foreign Currency Translation

The company's worldwide operations utilize the U.S. dollar ("USD") or local currency as the functional currency, where applicable. The company identifies its separate and distinct foreign entities and groups the foreign entities into two categories: 1) extension of the parent or foreign subsidiaries operating in a hyper-inflationary environment (USD functional currency) and 2) self-contained (local functional currency). If a foreign entity does not align with either category, factors are evaluated and a judgment is made to determine the functional currency.

For foreign entities where the USD is the functional currency, all foreign currency-denominated asset and liability amounts are re-measured into USD at end-of-period exchange rates, except for inventories, prepaid expenses, property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, which are re-measured at historical rates. Foreign currency income and expenses are re-measured at average exchange rates in effect during the year, except for expenses related to balance sheet amounts re-measured at historical exchange rates. Exchange gains and losses arising from re-measurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in income in the period in which they occur.

For foreign entities where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies are translated into USD at end-of-period exchange rates and the resultant translation adjustments are reported, net of their related tax effects, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in equity. Assets and liabilities denominated in other than the local currency are re-measured into the local currency prior to translation into USD and the resultant exchange gains or losses are included in income in the period in which they occur. Income and expenses are translated into USD at average exchange rates in effect during the period.

The company changes the functional currency of its separate and distinct foreign entities only when significant changes in economic facts and circumstances indicate clearly that the functional currency has changed.

Inventories

The company's inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Elements of cost in inventories include raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Stores and supplies are valued at cost or net realizable value, whichever is lower; cost is generally determined by the average cost method.

As of December 31, 2018 approximately 50 percent, 35 percent, and 15 percent of the company's inventories were accounted for under the first-in, first-out ("FIFO"), average cost and the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") methods, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 approximately 60 percent, 30 percent, and 10 percent of the company's inventories were accounted for under the FIFO, average cost and LIFO methods, respectively. Inventories accounted for under the FIFO method are primarily comprised of products with shorter shelf lives such as seeds, certain food-ingredients and enzymes.

The company establishes allowances for obsolescence of inventory based upon quality considerations and assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. In connection with the Merger, the fair value of property, plant and equipment was determined using a market approach and a replacement cost approach. Refer to Note 3 for further information. Depreciation is based on the estimated service lives of depreciable assets and is calculated using the straight-line method. Fully depreciated assets are retained in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. When assets are surrendered, retired, sold, or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying values and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and included in determining gain or loss on such disposals.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The company records goodwill when the purchase price of a business acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit has more likely than not declined below its carrying value. In connection with the Merger Transaction, the company adopted the policy of DowDuPont and performs an annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter.

When testing goodwill for impairment, the company has the option to first perform qualitative testing to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the company chooses not to complete a qualitative assessment for a given reporting unit or if the initial assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, additional quantitative testing is required. The company determined fair values for each of the reporting units using the income approach. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. See Note 14 for further information on goodwill.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually; however, these tests are performed more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Impairment exists when carrying value exceeds fair value. The company's fair value methodology is primarily based on discounted cash flow techniques.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally on a straight-line basis for periods ranging primarily from 1 to 23 years. The company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. Once these assets are fully amortized, they are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from the assets are separately identifiable and are less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. The company's fair value methodology is an estimate of fair market value which is made based on prices of similar assets or other valuation methodologies including present value techniques. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, if material, are classified as held for sale and reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, and depreciation is ceased. Long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale are classified as held and used until they are disposed of and reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value. Depreciation is recognized over the remaining useful life of the assets.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. The company utilizes derivatives to manage exposures to foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges are recorded in current period earnings. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the (loss) gain is reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss until it is cleared to earnings during the same period in which the hedged item affects earnings.

In the event that a derivative designated as a hedge of a firm commitment or an anticipated transaction is terminated prior to the maturation of the hedged transaction, the net gain or loss in AOCI generally remains in AOCI until the item that was hedged affects earnings. If a hedged transaction matures, or is sold, extinguished, or terminated prior to the maturity of a derivative designated as a hedge of such transaction, gains or losses associated with the derivative through the date the transaction matured are included in the measurement of the hedged transaction and the derivative is reclassified as for trading purposes. Derivatives designated as hedges of anticipated transactions are reclassified as for trading purposes if the anticipated transaction is no longer probable.

In the Predecessor periods, the company reflected non-qualified hedge programs, specifically forward contracts, options and cash collateral activity, within cash flows from investing activities. In the Predecessor periods, the company reflected cash flows from qualified programs within the line item it related to (i.e., revenue hedge cash flows presented within changes from accounts receivable). In the Successor periods, the company included foreign currency exchange contract settlements within cash flows from operating activities, regardless of hedge accounting qualification. See Note 20 for additional discussion regarding the company's objectives and strategies for derivative instruments.

Environmental Matters

Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accrued and other current liabilities and other noncurrent obligations at undiscounted amounts. Accruals for related insurance or other third-party recoveries for environmental liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a recovery will be realized and are included in the consolidated balance sheets as accounts and notes receivable - net.

Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the property, increase its capacity, and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Environmental costs are also capitalized in recognition of legal asset retirement obligations resulting from the acquisition, construction and/or normal operation of a long-lived asset. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are charged to expense. Estimated future incremental operations, maintenance and management costs directly related to remediation are accrued when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable.

Revenue Recognition

The company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for the arrangements that the company determines are within the scope of FASB ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), the company performs the following five steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. See Note 5 for additional information on revenue recognition.

Royalty Expense

Prepaid Royalties

The company’s agriculture product line currently has certain third party biotechnology trait license agreements, which require up-front and variable payments subject to the licensor meeting certain conditions. These payments are reflected as other current assets and other assets and are amortized to cost of goods sold as seeds containing the respective trait technology are utilized over the life of the license. At December 31, 2018, the balance of prepaid royalties reflected in other current assets and other assets was $239 million and $1,139 million, respectively. The company evaluates the carrying value of the prepaid royalties when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Cost of Goods Sold

Successor periods - Cost of goods sold primarily includes the cost of manufacture and delivery, ingredients or raw materials, direct salaries, wages and benefits and overhead, non-capitalizable costs associated with capital projects and other operational expenses. No amortization of intangibles is included within costs of goods sold.

Predecessor periods - Cost of goods sold primarily includes the cost of manufacture and delivery, ingredients or raw materials, direct salaries, wages and benefits and overhead.

Other Operating Charges

Predecessor periods - Other operating charges includes product claim charges and recoveries, non-capitalizable costs associated with capital projects and other operational expenses.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense includes costs (primarily consisting of employee costs, materials, contract services, research agreements, and other external spend) relating to the discovery and development of new products, enhancement of existing products and regulatory approval of new and existing products.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Successor periods - Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily include selling and marketing expenses, commissions, functional costs, and business management expenses.

Predecessor periods - Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily include selling and marketing expenses, commissions, functional costs, business management expenses and integration and separation costs.

Integration and Separation Costs

Successor periods - Integration and separation costs includes costs incurred to prepare for and close the Merger, post-Merger integration expenses and costs incurred to prepare for the Intended Business Separations. These costs primarily consist of financial advisory, information technology, legal, accounting, consulting and other professional advisory fees associated with preparation and execution of these activities.

Litigation

Accruals for legal matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs, such as outside counsel fees and expenses, are charged to expense in the period incurred.

Severance Costs

Severance benefits are provided to employees under the company's ongoing benefit arrangements. Severance costs are accrued when management commits to a plan of termination and it becomes probable that employees will be entitled to benefits at amounts that can be reasonably estimated.

Insurance and Self Insurance

Insurance/Self-Insurance

The company self-insures certain risks where permitted by law or regulation, including workers' compensation, vehicle liability and employee related benefits. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions. For other risks, the company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance, reflecting comprehensive reviews of relevant risks. A receivable for an insurance recovery is generally recognized when the loss has occurred and collection is considered probable.

Income Taxes

The company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets or liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date (see Note 9 for further information relating to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Job Act).

The company recognizes the financial statement effects of an uncertain income tax position when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. The company accrues for other tax contingencies when it is probable that a liability to a taxing authority has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated. The current portion of uncertain income tax positions is included in income taxes payable and the long-term portion is included in other noncurrent obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income tax related penalties are included in the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits is included within the (benefit from) provision for income taxes from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the Successor periods. In the Predecessor period, interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits is included within sundry income (expense) - net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Segment Reporting

Segments

Effective with the Merger, Historical DuPont’s business activities are components of its parent company’s business operations. Historical DuPont’s business activities, including the assessment of performance and allocation of resources, are reviewed and managed by DowDuPont. Information used by the chief operating decision maker of Historical DuPont relates to the company in its entirety. Accordingly, there are no separate reportable business segments for Historical DuPont under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 280 “Segment Reporting” and Historical DuPont's business results are reported in this Form 10-K as a single operating segment. Prior year's segment information has been made to conform to the current presentation.