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DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Consolidation
Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Griffon and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included from the dates of acquisitions.

Earnings per share
Earnings per share

Due to rounding, the sum of earnings per share may not equal earnings per share of Net income.
Discontinued operations – Installation Services
Discontinued operations

Installation Services

In 2008, as a result of the downturn in the residential housing market, Griffon exited substantially all operating activities of its Installation Services segment which sold, installed and serviced garage doors and openers, fireplaces, floor coverings, cabinetry and a range of related building products, primarily for the new residential housing market. Operating results of substantially all of this segment have been reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for all periods presented; Installation Services is excluded from segment reporting.

During 2017, Griffon recorded $5,700 of reserves in discontinued operations related to historical environmental remediation efforts and to increase the reserve for homeowner association claims related to the Clopay Services Corporation discontinued operations in 2008.

Reclassifications
Reclassifications

Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of estimates
Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 periods. These estimates may be adjusted due to changes in economic, industry or customer financial conditions, as well as changes in technology or demand. Significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returns, net realizable value of inventories, restructuring reserves, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, percentage of completion method of accounting, pension assumptions, useful lives associated with depreciation and amortization of intangible and fixed assets, warranty reserves, sales incentive accruals, stock based compensation assumptions, income taxes and tax valuation reserves, environmental reserves, legal reserves, insurance reserves, the valuation of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations, acquisition assumptions used and the accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions Griffon may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
Cash and equivalents
Cash and equivalents

Griffon considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents primarily consist of overnight commercial paper, highly-rated liquid money market funds backed by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Agency securities, as well as insured bank deposits. Griffon had cash in non-U.S. bank accounts of approximately $34,200 and $24,900 at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Substantially all U.S. cash and equivalents are in excess of FDIC insured limits. Griffon regularly evaluates the financial stability of all institutions and funds that hold its cash and equivalents.
Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts and notes payable and revolving credit debt approximate fair value due to either the short-term nature of such instruments or the fact that the interest rate of the revolving credit debt is based upon current market rates.

The fair value hierarchy, as outlined in the applicable accounting guidance, establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The accounting guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, as follows:

Level 1 inputs are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The fair value of Griffon’s 2022 senior notes approximated $1,010,000, on September 30, 2019. Fair values were based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).

Insurance contracts with a value of $3,408 at September 30, 2019 are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs) and are included in Other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

At September 30, 2019 and 2018, trading securities, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs), with a fair value of $2,754 ($2,233 cost basis) and $2,644 ($2,086 cost basis), respectively, were included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2018, the Company settled trading securities with proceeds totaling $4,126 and recognized a loss of $1,251 in Other income (expense). Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities and realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

In the normal course of business, Griffon’s operations are exposed to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage these risks, Griffon may enter into various derivative contracts such as foreign currency exchange contracts, including forwards and options. During 2019 and 2018, Griffon entered into several such contracts in order to lock into a foreign currency rate for planned settlements of trade and inter-company liabilities payable in USD.

At September 30, 2019 and 2018, Griffon had $14,000 and $12,000 of Australian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.48 and $1.38, respectively, which qualified for hedge accounting. These hedges were all deemed effective as cash flow hedges with gains and losses related to changes in fair value deferred and recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and Prepaid and other current assets, or Accrued liabilities, until settlement. Upon settlement, gains and losses were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Cost of goods and services. AOCI included deferred gains of $327 ($213, net of tax) and deferred gains of $443 ($288, net of tax) at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Upon
settlement, gains of $1,932 and $657 were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Cost of goods and services ("COGS") during 2019 and 2018, respectively. All contracts expire in 1 to 90 days.

At September 30, 2019 and 2018, Griffon had $3,500 and $700, respectively, of Canadian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.32 and $1.29. These contracts, which protect Canadian operations from currency fluctuations for U.S. dollar based purchases, do not qualify for hedge accounting and fair value gains (losses) of $14 and $(7) were recorded in Other assets and to Other income for the outstanding contracts, based on similar contract values (level 2 inputs), for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Realized gains and (losses) of $68 and $(161), were recorded in Other income during 2019 and 2018, respectively. All contracts expire in 30 to 360 days.

Pension plan assets with a fair value of $145,319 at September 30, 2019, are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (level 1 inputs), quoted market prices for similar assets (level 2 inputs) and fair value assumptions for unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists (level 3).
Non-U.S. currency translation
Non-U.S. currency translation

Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries, where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, have been translated at year-end exchange rates and profit and loss accounts have been translated using weighted average exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from currency translation have been recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet in AOCI as cumulative translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments were gains (losses) of ($8,460) and $9,403 for 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, the foreign currency translation components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss were $31,284 and $22,824, respectively. Assets and liabilities of an entity that are denominated in currencies other than that entity’s functional currency are re-measured into the functional currency using period end exchange rates, or historical rates where applicable to certain balances. Gains and losses arising on remeasurements are recorded within the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as a component of Other income (expense).

Revenue recognition
Revenue recognition

On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the requirements of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of October 1, 2018. The Company’s comparative consolidated results over the prior period have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under previously issued guidance, ASC 605 - Revenue Recognition, which required that revenue was accounted for when the earnings process was complete.

This accounting standard did not materially impact the Company’s revenue recognition practices in our CPP and HBP Segments, however, it impacted revenue recognition practices in our Defense Electronics Segment. The impact of adopting this accounting standard was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2019. Under the modified retrospective method, the Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying this accounting standard as an adjustment to the opening balance in retained earnings of approximately $5,618 as of October 1, 2018, primarily relating to certain contracts in the Defense Electronics Segment containing provisions for radar and communication products that have an alternative use and / or no right to payment. For these contracts, the Company now recognizes revenue at a point in time, rather than over time as this measure more accurately depicts the transfer of control to the customer relative to the goods or services promised under the contract.

The Company’s accounting policy has been updated to align with the new standard to recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: 1) Contract with the customer has been identified; 2) Performance obligations in the contract have been identified; 3) Transaction price has been determined; 4) Transaction price has been allocated to the performance obligations; and 5) Revenue is recognized when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied. Refer to Note 2, Revenue for a discussion of our revenue recognition practices for each business segment.

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service, or a bundle of goods or services, to the customer, and is the unit of accounting under ASC Topic 606. A contract with a customer is an agreement which both parties have approved, that creates enforceable rights and obligations, has commercial substance and with respect to which payment terms are identified and collectability is probable. Once the Company has entered a contract or purchase order, it is evaluated to identify performance obligations. For each performance obligation, revenue is recognized when control of the promised products is transferred to the customer, or services are satisfied under the contract or purchase order, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products or services (the transaction price).

A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. A majority of the Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation which represents, in most cases, the product being sold to the customer. To a lesser extent, some contracts include multiple performance obligations such as a product, the related installation, and extended warranty services. These contracts require judgment in determining the number of performance obligations.

Over 80% of the Company’s performance obligations are recognized at a point in time that relates to the manufacture and sale of a broad range of products and components within the CPP and HBP Segments, and revenue is recognized when title, and risk and rewards of ownership, have transferred to the customer. Less than 20% of the Company’s performance obligations are recognized over time or under the percentage-of-completion method that relate to prime or subcontractors from contract awards with the U.S. Government, as well as foreign governments and other commercial customers within our Defense Electronics Segment. Sales recognized over time are generally accounted for using an input measure to determine progress completed at the end of the period. We believe that cumulative costs incurred to date as a percentage of estimated total contract costs at completion is an appropriate measure of progress towards satisfaction of performance obligations, as it most accurately depicts the progress of our work and transfer of control to our customers. Refer to Note 2, Revenue for a discussion of our revenue recognition practices for each of our reportable segments.
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and concentrations of credit risk
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts and concentrations of credit risk

Accounts receivable is composed principally of trade accounts receivable, that arise from the sale of goods or services on account, and is stated at historical cost. A substantial portion of Griffon’s trade receivables are from customers within the CPP and HBP businesses, of which the largest customer is Home Depot, whose financial condition is dependent on the construction and related retail sectors of the economy. As a percentage of consolidated accounts receivable, U.S. Government related programs were 8% and Home Depot was 12%. Griffon performs continuing evaluations of the financial condition of its customers, and although Griffon generally does not require collateral, letters of credit may be required from customers in certain circumstances.

Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowance for doubtful accounts and, when appropriate, for customer program reserves and cash discounts. The allowance represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations (usually due to customers’ potential insolvency). The allowance for doubtful accounts includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified, as well as an amount for customer defaults based on a formula when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with specific customers. The provision related to the allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded in Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses. The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they are deemed to be uncollectible.
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed

Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed consists of amounts accounted for under the percentage of completion method of accounting, recoverable costs and accrued profit that cannot yet be invoiced under the terms of certain long-term contracts. Amounts will be invoiced when applicable contract terms, such as the achievement of specified milestones or product delivery, are met.
Inventories
Inventories

Inventories, stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out or average) or market, include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs.

Griffon’s businesses typically do not require inventory that is susceptible to becoming obsolete or dated. In general, Telephonics sells products in connection with programs authorized and approved under contracts awarded by the U.S. Government or agencies thereof and in accordance with customer specifications. HBP produces residential and commercial sectional garage doors, commercial rolling steel door and grille products, and CPP produces long-handled tools and landscaping products, and storage and organizational products, both in response to orders from customers of retailers and dealers or based on expected orders, as applicable.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment includes the historical cost of land, buildings, equipment and significant improvements to existing plant and equipment or, in the case of acquisitions, a fair market value appraisal of such assets completed at the time of acquisition. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the respective accounts and the gain or loss is recognized. No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the three years ended September 30, 2019, which would require additional impairment testing of property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation expense, which includes amortization of assets under capital leases, was $51,926, $46,733 and $41,220 in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and was calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation included in SG&A expenses was $19,026, $16,306 and $12,995 in 2019, 2018 and 2017. The remaining components of depreciation, attributable to manufacturing operations, are included in Cost of goods and services. Estimated useful lives for property, plant and equipment are as follows: buildings and building improvements, 25 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 2 to 15 years; and leasehold improvements, over the term of the lease or life of the improvement, whichever is shorter.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles

Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of a business over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test unless during an interim period, impairment indicators such as a significant change in the business climate exist.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, Griffon modified its reportable segment structure to provide investors with improved visibility after a series of portfolio repositioning actions which included the divestiture of the Plastics business, the acquisition of ClosetMaid and its subsequent integration into AMES, and the acquisition of CornellCookson by Clopay. Griffon now defines its reporting units as three reportable segments: the newly formed Consumer and Professional Products segment, which consists of AMES, Home and Building Products segment, which consists of Clopay, and Defense Electronics segment, which consists of Telephonics Corporation.


Before changing its reportable segment structure, the Company completed its annual impairment review of its legacy HBP reporting unit, which also was its legacy reportable segment, and determined that the fair value of the legacy HBP reporting unit substantially exceeded the carrying value of the assets, as performed under step one, and no impairment existed.

Griffon also performed an impairment test of goodwill at Griffon's new reporting unit level as of September 30, 2019. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step involves comparing the fair value of Griffon’s reporting units with the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. Griffon generally determines the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the present value of expected future cash flows. This method uses market assumptions specific to Griffon’s reporting units. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, Griffon performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.

Griffon used 5 year projections and a 3.0% terminal value to which discount rates between 7% and 9.5% were applied to calculate each unit’s fair value. To substantiate fair values derived from the income approach methodology of valuation, the implied fair value was compared to the marketplace fair value of a comparable industry grouping for reasonableness. Further, the fair values were reconciled to Griffon’s market capitalization. Both market comparisons supported the implied fair values. Any changes in key assumptions or management judgment with respect to a reporting unit or its prospects, which may result from a decline in Griffon’s stock price, a change in market conditions, market trends, interest rates or other factors outside Griffon’s control, or significant underperformance relative to historical or project future operating results, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units, which could result in a future impairment charge (level 3 inputs).

Based upon the results of the annual impairment review, it was determined that the fair value of each reporting unit substantially exceeded the carrying value of the assets, as performed under step one, and no impairment existed.
   
Similar to goodwill, Griffon tests indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually and when indicators of impairment exist. Griffon uses a relief from royalty method to calculate and compare the fair value of the intangible to its book value. This method uses market assumptions specific to Griffon’s reporting units, which are reasonable and supportable. If the fair value is less than the book value of the indefinite-lived intangibles, an impairment charge would be recognized.
Definite-lived long-lived assets
Definite-lived long-lived assets

Amortizable intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. For financial reporting purposes, definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, generally eight to twenty-five years. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition.

Income taxes
Income taxes
 
Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. The carrying value of Griffon’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon Griffon’s ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions. Should Griffon determine that it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets would be established in the period such determination was made.
 
Griffon provides for uncertain tax positions and any related interest and penalties based upon Management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At September 30, 2019 Griffon believes that it has appropriately accounted for all unrecognized tax benefits. As of September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Griffon has recorded unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of $4,061, $4,519 and $4,825, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties related to income tax matters are recorded in the provision for income taxes.

Research and development costs, shipping and handling costs and advertising costs
Research and development costs, shipping and handling costs and advertising costs
 
Research and development costs not recoverable under contractual arrangements are charged to SG&A expense as incurred and amounted to approximately $15,400 in both 2019 and 2018, and $17,700 in 2017.
 
SG&A expenses include shipping and handling costs of $66,400 in 2019, $59,600 in 2018 and $32,500 in 2017 and advertising costs, which are expensed as incurred, of $20,000 in 2019, $21,000 in 2018 and $22,000 in 2017.
Risk, retention and insurance
Risk, retention and insurance

Griffon’s property and casualty insurance programs contain various deductibles that, based on Griffon’s experience, are reasonable and customary for a company of its size and risk profile. Griffon generally maintains deductibles for claims and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, general, product and automobile liability as well as property damage and business interruption losses resulting from certain events. Griffon does not consider any of the deductibles to represent a material risk to Griffon. Griffon accrues for claim exposures that are probable of occurrence and can be reasonably estimated. Insurance is maintained to transfer risk beyond the level of self-retention and provides protection on both an individual claim and annual aggregate basis.

Pension benefits
Pension benefits

Griffon sponsors defined and supplemental benefit pension plans for certain retired employees. Annual amounts relating to these plans are recorded based on actuarial projections, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases and turnover rates. Actuarial assumptions used to determine pension liabilities, assets and expense are reviewed annually and modified based on current economic conditions and trends. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the nature of the plan's investments and expectations for long-term rates of return. The discount rate used to measure obligations is based on a corporate bond spot-rate yield curve that matches projected future benefit payments, with the appropriate spot rate applicable to the timing of the projected future benefit payments. Assumptions used in determining Griffon’s obligations under the defined benefit pension plans are believed to be reasonable, based on experience and advice from independent actuaries; however, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially impact Griffon’s financial position or results of operations.

All of the defined benefit plans are frozen and have ceased accruing benefits.
Recently issued effective accounting pronouncements
Newly issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements

In April 2019, the FASB issued guidance relating to accounting for credit losses on  financial instruments, including trade receivables, and derivatives and hedging. This guidance is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, and will be effective for the Company beginning in 2020. We are currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures.

In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that allows companies to reclassify stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. This guidance is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, and will be effective for the Company beginning in 2020. We are currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance which modifies the disclosures on fair value measurements by removing the requirement to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the policy for timing of such transfers. This guidance expands the disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements, primarily focused on changes in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (loss). This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and will be effective for the Company beginning in 2021. We are currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and will be effective for the Company beginning in 2022. We are currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those periods and will be effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Codification 842 ("ASC 842") on lease accounting requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for long-term leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The Company adopted this new guidance on October 1, 2019, using the optional modified retrospective transition method and will not recast comparative periods in transition to the new standard. During the year the Company developed a project plan to guide the implementation of ASC 842. The Company completed this plan including surveying the Company’s businesses,
assessing the Company’s portfolio of leases and compiling a central repository of active leases. The Company also implemented a lease accounting software solution to support the new reporting requirements and established a future lease process to keep the lease accounting portfolio up to date. The Company evaluated key policy elections and considerations under the standard and completed an internal policy as well as training to address the new standard requirements. The Company plans to elect the package of practical expedients and will not apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases. Although management continues to evaluate the effect to the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and disclosures, management currently estimates total assets and liabilities will increase approximately $160,000 to $170,000 upon adoption, before considering deferred taxes. Management does not expect a material impact to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings or Cash Flows.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance to address the situation when a company modifies the terms of a stock compensation award previously granted to an employee. This guidance is effective, and should be applied prospectively, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company adopted this guidance as of October 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.
In March 2017, the FASB issued amendments to the Compensation - Retirement Benefits guidance which requires companies to retrospectively present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost for pension and retiree medical plans along with other compensation costs in operating income and present the other components of net periodic benefit cost below operating income in the income statement. The guidance also allows only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization within inventory or fixed assets on a prospective basis. This guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the requirements of the standard in the first quarter of 2019 on a retrospective basis reclassifying the other components of the net periodic benefit costs from Selling, general and administrative expenses to a non-service expense within Other (income) expense, net. This guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations. See Note 11 - Employee Benefit Plans for further information on the implementation of this guidance.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the definition of a business, which will impact many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The new standard is intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods and was effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of the standard in the first quarter of 2019 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the Statement of Cash Flows Classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This guidance addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company adopted the requirements of the standard in the first quarter of 2019 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. Subsequent to the issuance of Topic 606, the FASB clarified the guidance through several ASUs; hereinafter the collection of revenue guidance is referred to as “ASC 606”. The core principle of ASC 606 is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method for all contracts. Results for reporting periods beginning October 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The Company recorded a net increase to beginning retained earnings of approximately $5,618 as of October 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC 606. The impact to beginning
retained earnings primarily related to certain contracts in the Defense Electronics Segment containing provisions for radar and communication products that have an alternative use and/or no right to payment.
The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2019. See Note 2 - Revenue for additional disclosures required by ASC 606.
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements.