SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Hardinge Inc. ("Hardinge" or "the Company") is a machine tool manufacturer, which designs and manufactures computer-numerically controlled cutting lathes, machining centers, grinding machines, collets, chucks, index fixtures, and other industrial products. Products are sold to customers in North America, Europe, and Asia. A substantial portion of sales are to small and medium-sized independent job shops, which in turn sell machined parts to their industrial customers. Industries directly and indirectly served by the Company include: aerospace, automotive, communications, computer, construction equipment, defense, energy, farm equipment, medical equipment, recreational equipment, and transportation.

The Company operates through two reportable segments, Metalcutting Machine Solutions ("MMS") and Aftermarket Tooling and Accessories ("ATA"). The MMS segment includes high precision computer controlled metalcutting turning machines, vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, grinding machines, and repair parts related to those machines. The ATA segment includes products, primarily collets and chucks, that are purchased by manufacturers throughout the lives of their Hardinge or other branded machines.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Unites States of America ("US GAAP"), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are highly liquid financial instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Restricted Cash

Occasionally, the Company is required to maintain cash deposits with certain banks with respect to contractual obligations as collateral for customer deposits. Additionally, restricted cash includes amounts due under mandatory principal reduction provisions associated with certain term debt agreements. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of restricted cash was approximately $2.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

Accounts Receivable

A review of the financial condition of the Company's customers is performed periodically through credit reviews. No collateral is required for sales made on open account terms. Letters of credit from major banks back the majority of sales in the Asian region. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited due to the large number of customers comprising the customer base. Trade accounts receivable are considered to be past due when in excess of 30 days past terms, and charge off of uncollectible balances occurs when all collection efforts have been exhausted.

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.8 million at both December 31, 2017 and 2016. If the financial condition of customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances would result in additional expense to the Company.

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist of prepaid insurance, prepaid real estate taxes, prepaid software license agreements, prepaid income taxes, and deposits on certain inventory purchases. When applicable, prepayments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the corresponding life of the underlying asset.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (computed in accordance with the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Elements of cost include raw materials, purchased components, labor, and overhead.

The Company assesses the valuation of inventory balances, and reduces the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete or in excess of forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable value. The net realizable value of such inventories is estimated based on analysis and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand, and market requirements. The carrying value of inventory is also compared to the estimated selling price less costs to sell and inventory carrying value will be adjusted accordingly. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of goods sold. If future demand for products is less favorable than forecasts, inventories may need to be reduced, which would result in additional expense.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Major additions, renewals, or improvements that extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line and accelerated methods, generally over the following estimated useful lives of the assets (in years):



Buildings	40
Machinery	12
Patterns, tools, jigs and furniture and fixtures	10
Office and computer equipment	3-5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth quarter, or when events indicate that an impairment could exist. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. The reporting units are determined based upon whether discrete financial information is available and reviewed regularly, whether those units constitute a business, and the extent of economic similarities between those reporting units for purposes of aggregation. The reporting units identified under ASC 350-20-35-33 are at the component level, or one level below the reporting segment level as defined under ASC 280-10-50-10 "Segment Reporting-Disclosure." The Company has two reporting units.

Goodwill is evaluated for potential impairment by assessing a range of qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for the Company's products and services, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategy and changes in key personnel and overall financial performance. If it is determined after completing this assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a step-two impairment test is performed.

The measurement of impairment of goodwill consists of two steps. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. As part of the impairment analysis, the fair value of each of its reporting units with goodwill is determined using the income approach and market approach. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the analysis is performed to determine the amount of the impairment.

The Company performed its qualitative assessment as of October 1, 2017 and there were no indicators of impairment. Accordingly, the Company did not perform the two-step goodwill impairment test for any of its reporting units. See Note 6: "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for more information.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. They are reviewed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Intangible assets that are determined to have a finite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are also subject to review for impairment, if indicators of impairment are identified.

Future impairment indicators, such as declines in forecasted cash flows, may cause additional significant impairment charges. Impairment charges could be based on such factors as the Company's stock price, forecasted cash flows, assumptions used, control premiums, or other variables.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To assess whether impairment exists, undiscounted cash flows are used to measure any impairment loss using discounted cash flows. Assets to be held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses include $12.8 million and $8.0 million in compensation related expenses at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as well as $8.2 million and $7.2 million of commissions payable for December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Income Tax

Income Taxes

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is generally recognized upon shipment, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Sales are recorded net of discounts, customer sales incentives, and returns. Discounts and customer sales incentives are typically negotiated as part of the sales terms at the time of sale and are recorded as a reduction of revenue. The Company does not routinely permit customers to return machines. In the rare case that a machine return is permitted, a restocking fee is typically charged. Returns of spare parts and workholding products are limited to a period of 90 days subsequent to purchase, excluding special orders, which are not eligible for return. An estimate of returns, which is not significant, is recorded as a reduction of revenue and is based on historical experience. Transfer of ownership and risk of loss are generally not contingent upon contractual customer acceptance. Prior to shipment, each machine is tested to ensure the machine's compliance with standard operating specifications as listed in the promotional literature. On an exception basis, where larger multiple machine installations are delivered which require run-offs and customer acceptance at their facility, revenue is recognized in the period of customer acceptance.

Sales Tax/VAT

Taxes assessed by different governmental authorities are collected and remitted that are both imposed on and concurrent with revenue producing transactions between the Company and its customers. These taxes may include sales, use, and value-added taxes. The collection of these taxes is reported on a net basis (excluded from revenues).

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are recorded as part of cost of goods sold.

Warranties

The Company offers warranties for products sold. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product sold and the country in which the product was sold. A basic limited warranty is generally provided for a period of one to two years. The costs that may be incurred are estimated under the basic limited warranty, based largely upon actual warranty repair cost history, and we record a liability for such costs when the related product revenue is recognized. The resulting accrual balance is reviewed during the year. Factors that affect the warranty liability include the number of installed units, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim.

Extended warranties for some of the Company's products are also sold. These extended warranties usually cover a one year to two year period that begins after the basic warranty expires. Revenue from extended warranties are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis across the term of the warranty contract.

These liabilities are reported in "Accrued expenses" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Research and Development Costs

The costs associated with research and development programs for new products and significant product improvements are expensed as incurred and reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Foreign Currency Translations and Re-measurement

Foreign Currency Translation and Re-measurement

The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. Net assets are translated at month end exchange rates while income, expense, and cash flow items are translated at average exchange rates for the applicable period. Translation adjustments are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency denominated transactions are included as a component of "Other (income) expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, long-term debt, and foreign currency forwards. See Note 2. "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for additional disclosure.

Derivative Financial Instruments

As a multinational company, the results of operations and financial condition are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage this risk, derivative instruments are entered into, namely in the form of foreign currency forwards. These derivative instruments are held to hedge economic exposures, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on balance sheet exposures of both trade and intercompany assets and liabilities. This exposure is hedged with contracts settling in less than one year. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Gains or losses resulting from the changes in the fair value of these hedging contracts are recognized immediately in earnings. There are some forward contracts to hedge certain customer orders and vendor firm commitments. These contracts are typically for less than one year, and have maturity dates in alignment with the recognition dates of the underlying financial transactions. These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting treatment and are designated as cash flow hedges. Unrealized gains or losses resulting from the changes in the fair value of these hedging contracts are charged to other comprehensive income (loss) until the underlying transaction is recognized through earnings. Gains or losses on any ineffective portion of the contracts are recognized in earnings.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the estimated fair value of the award as of the grant date and recognized as expense over the requisite service period.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive shares.

New Accounting Standards

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act (the “Act”) was passed. Due to the significant complexity of the Act, the Securities Exchange Commission has issued its Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide companies additional time to analyze and report the effects of tax reform. Under SAB 118, companies are required to record those items where analysis is complete, include reasonable estimates and label them as provisional where analysis is incomplete, and if reasonable estimates cannot be made, record items under the previous tax law. Companies are required to have their analysis completed within one year. We have not completed our analysis for the tax effects related to the Act; however, we have made a reasonable estimate and have recorded additional tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2017 of approximately $1.2 million. Future adjustments will be recorded through current tax expense in the quarter of 2018 in which the analysis is completed.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01 Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This guidance revises the definition of a business and may affect acquisitions, disposals, goodwill impairment, and consolidation. The new guidance specifies that when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the assets acquired would not represent a business. The changes to the definition of a business in this guidance will likely result in more acquisitions being accounted for as asset acquisitions and would also affect the accounting for disposal transactions. The new guidance is effective in 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment. This guidance simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating the need to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure the goodwill impairment. The revised guidance is effective for calendar year end 2020. The Company is evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory, which removes the prohibition against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The new guidance is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. The Company is evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - a Consensus of the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force, which provides guidance intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, which specifies that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. These standards are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect that this guidance will have a material effect on the financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation. The guidance simplifies several areas of accounting for share based compensation arrangements, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new guidance, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share based payment awards. Forfeitures can be estimated or recognized when they occur. If elected, the change to recognize forfeitures when they occur needs to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach, with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to opening retained earnings. The Company adopted this guidance as of March 31, 2017 and has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The adjustments recorded did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB ASU No. 2016-05, Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships. The new guidance clarifies that a change in counterparty to a derivative contract (i.e. a novation), in and of itself, does not require the dedesignation of a hedging relationship provided that all other hedging criteria continue to be met. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. ASU 2016-02 clarifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to current lease classifications, and requires lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset for leases with a lease-term of more than twelve months. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within the fiscal year, and requires modified retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on the financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends the guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments under the fair value option, as well as the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. Among other things, the new guidance 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. In addition, the guidance requires public companies to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, to separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and to eliminate the requirement to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The guidance is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the method to adopt this guidance and its impact on the financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. This guidance directs an entity to measure inventory at lower of cost or net realizable value, versus lower of cost or market. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. The Company uses estimated net realizable value as an approximation of fair value and therefore the adoption of this guidance did not have an effect on the Company's financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires management to assess a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. Under the new standard, disclosures are required when conditions give rise to substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the financial statement issuance date. The new standard is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. establishing a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This update provides a five-step analysis in determining when and how revenue is recognized. The new model will require revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. We have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt this guidance. Between August 2015 and May 2016, the FASB issued four additional updates, 1) ASU No. 2015-14, Deferral of the Effective Date, 2) ASU No. 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), 3) ASU No. 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, and 4) ASU No. 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients to provide further guidance and clarification in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. In 2017, the Company developed a project plan and timeline to complete a diagnostic assessment to begin developing solutions. This assessment included an initial training of key personnel, sampling of contracts, and revenue stream evaluation. In the second half of 2017, we completed a comprehensive review of all of our revenue streams, updated our accounting policies and completed training of sales and accounting staff world-wide. In the first quarter of 2018 the Company expects to implement and test any changes in policy, processes, systems and internal controls and compute required transition adjustments and disclosures. The Company expects to adopt the standard on a modified retrospective basis. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial statements.