SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Nature of Business

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 Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the income tax consequences attributable to operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be reversed.

A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that all, or a portion of deferred tax assets are not expected to be realized. The Company assesses all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether a valuation allowance is needed. Positive and negative evidence to be considered includes scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. Supporting a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not necessary is difficult when there is negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years.

A full valuation allowance is maintained on the tax benefits of the U.S. net deferred tax assets and it is expected that a full valuation allowance on future tax benefits will be recorded until an appropriate level of profitability in the U.S. is sustained. A valuation allowance is also maintained on the U.K., German, and Dutch deferred tax assets related to tax loss carryforwards in those jurisdictions, as well as all other deferred tax assets of those entities.

The calculation of the tax liabilities requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. The provision for income taxes reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the U.S. and the various states, as well as federal and provincial jurisdictions in Switzerland, U.K., Germany, France, the Netherlands, China, Taiwan, and India. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for tax contingencies or valuation allowances, and the change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a more likely than not recognition threshold. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense.

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 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.