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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Leggett & Platt, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“we” or “our”). Management does not expect foreign exchange restrictions to significantly impact the ultimate realization of amounts consolidated in the accompanying financial statements for subsidiaries located outside the United States. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the accrual and disclosure of loss contingencies.
CASH EQUIVALENTS: Cash equivalents include cash in excess of daily requirements, which is invested in various financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash was less than $7.5 in the years presented and was primarily related to restricted deposits against a short-term borrowing arrangement of a foreign entity.
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS: Trade receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. Credit is also occasionally extended in the form of a note receivable to facilitate our customers’ operating cycles. Other notes receivable are established in special circumstances, such as in partial payment for the sale of a business or to support other business opportunities. Other notes receivable generally bear interest at market rates commensurate with the corresponding credit risk on the date of origination.
We participate in trade receivables sales programs in combination with third-party banking institutions and certain customers. Under each of these programs, we sell our entire interest in the trade receivable for 100% of face value, less a discount. Because control of the sold receivable is transferred to the buyer at the time of sale, accounts receivable balances sold are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related proceeds are reported as cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We had approximately $60.0 and $65.0 of trade receivables that were sold and removed from our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The above items encompass multiple individual programs that are are utilized as tools in our cash flow management, and we offer them as options to facilitate customer operating cycles. Because many of these programs operate independently, and a cessation of all these programs at the same time is not reasonably likely, we do not expect changes in these programs to have a material impact on our operating cash flows or liquidity.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is an estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. Allowances and nonaccrual status designations are determined by individual account reviews by management and are based on several factors, such as the length of time that receivables were past due, the financial health of the companies involved, industry and macroeconomic considerations, and historical loss experience. We also utilize a pool approach to group our receivables with similar risk characteristics. Our pools correspond with our business units, which generally have similar terms, industry-specific conditions, and historical or expected loss patterns. Reserves are established for each pool based on their level of risk exposure. When credit deterioration occurs on a specific customer within a pool, we evaluate the receivable separately to estimate the expected credit loss, based on the specific risk characteristics. A qualitative reserve is also established for any current macroeconomic conditions or reasonable and supportable forecasts that could impact the expected collectability of all or a portion of our receivables portfolio.
Account balances are charged against the allowance when it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. Interest income is not recognized for nonperforming accounts that are placed on nonaccrual status. For accounts on nonaccrual status, any interest payments received are applied against the balance of the nonaccrual account.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Accounts payable are recorded at the invoiced amount for services at the time they are rendered and for inventory based on the delivery terms of the purchase. We sometimes utilize third-party programs that allow our suppliers to be paid earlier at a discount. While these programs assist us in negotiating payment terms with our suppliers, we continue to make payments based on our customary terms. A supplier can elect to take payment from a third party earlier with a discount, and in that case, we pay the third party on the original due date of the invoice. Contracts with
our suppliers are negotiated independently of supplier participation in the programs, and we cannot increase payment terms pursuant to the programs. The accounts payable settled through the third-party programs, which remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, were approximately $105.0 and $80.0 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
While we utilize the above programs as tools in our cash flow management and offer them as options to facilitate vendor operating cycles, if there were to be a cessation of these programs, we do not expect it would materially impact our operating cash flows or liquidity.
INVENTORIES:
The following table recaps the components of inventory for each period presented:
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Finished goods$361.3 $389.9 
Work in process73.5 71.1 
Raw materials and supplies384.9 446.5 
Inventories$819.7 $907.5 
All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For the majority of our inventories, we use the first-in, first-out method which is representative of our standard costs (includes materials, labor, and production overhead at normal production capacity). Remaining inventories are valued using an average-cost method. Inventories are reviewed at least quarterly for slow-moving and potentially obsolete items using actual inventory turnover and, if necessary, are written down to estimated net realizable value.
LOSS CONTINGENCIES: Loss contingencies are accrued when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. If a range of outcomes is possible, the most likely outcome is used to accrue these costs. If no outcome is more likely, we accrue at the minimum amount of the range. Any insurance recovery is recorded separately if it is determined that a recovery is probable. Legal fees are accrued when incurred.
ACQUISITIONS: When acquisitions occur, we value the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in acquired companies at estimated acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill is measured as the excess amount of consideration transferred, compared to fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value these items at the acquisition date (as well as contingent consideration, where applicable), our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date.
We utilize the following methodologies in determining fair value:

Inventory is valued at current replacement cost for raw materials, with a step-up for work in process and finished goods items that reflects the amount of ultimate profit earned as of the valuation date.
Other working capital items are generally recorded at carrying value, unless there are known conditions that would impact the ultimate settlement amount of the particular item.
Buildings and machinery are valued at an estimated replacement cost for an asset of comparable age and condition. Market pricing of comparable assets is used to estimate replacement cost where available.
The most common identified intangible assets are customer relationships, technology, trademarks, and trade names. Discount rates discussed below are typically derived from a weighted-average cost of capital analysis and adjusted to reflect inherent risks.
Customer relationships are valued using an excess earnings method with various inputs, such as the estimated customer attrition rate, revenue growth rate, operating margins, the amount of contributory asset charges, and an appropriate discount rate. The economic useful life is determined based on historical customer turnover rates.
Technology, trademarks, and trade names are typically valued using a relief-from-royalty method with various inputs, such as comparable market royalty rates for items of similar value, future earnings forecast, an appropriate discount rate, and a replacement rate for technology. The economic useful life is determined based on the expected life of the technology, trademarks, and trade names.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Salvage value, if any, is assumed to be minimal. Accelerated methods are used for tax purposes. These assets are reviewed for recoverability as discussed below in Long-Lived Assets Impairment Evaluation.
 Useful Life RangeWeighted Average Life
Machinery and equipment
5-30 years
 13 years
Buildings
4-40 years
 26 years
Other items
5-15 years
 11 years
 
LEASES: At the inception of a contract, we assess whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. Our assessment is based on whether the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, whether we obtain the right to substantially all the economic benefit of the asset, and whether we have the right to direct the use of the asset.
Where renewal or termination options are reasonably likely to be exercised, we recognize the option as part of the right-of-use asset and lease liability. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of the lease payments. We apply a portfolio approach for determining the incremental borrowing rate based on the applicable lease terms and the economic environment in the various regions where our operations are located.
Right-of-use assets are reviewed for recoverability as discussed below in Long-Lived Assets Impairment Evaluation.
GOODWILL: Goodwill results from the acquisition of existing businesses. It is assessed for impairment annually and as triggering events may occur. Our seven reporting units are the business groups one level below the operating segment level for which discrete financial information is available. We perform our annual review in the second quarter of each year using a quantitative analysis, comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill for the reporting unit.
Fair value of reporting units is determined using a combination of two valuation methods: a market approach and an income approach. Absent an indication of fair value from a potential buyer or similar specific transaction, we believe that the use of these two methods provides a reasonable estimate of a reporting unit’s fair value. Assumptions common to both methods are operating plans and economic projections, which are used to project future revenues, earnings, and after-tax cash flows for each reporting unit. These assumptions are applied consistently for both methods.
The market approach estimates fair value by first determining price-to-earnings ratios for comparable publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics of the reporting unit. The price-to-earnings ratio for comparable companies is based upon current enterprise value compared to the projected earnings for the next two years. The enterprise value is based upon current market capitalization and includes a control premium. Projected earnings are based upon market analysts’ projections. The earnings ratios are applied to the projected earnings of the comparable reporting unit to estimate fair value. Management believes this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate using multiples from entities with operations and economic characteristics comparable to our reporting units.
The income approach is based on projected future (debt-free) cash flow that is discounted to present value using factors that consider the timing and risk of future cash flows. Management believes that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long-term operating cash flow performance. Discounted cash flow projections are based on 5-year financial forecasts developed from operating plans and economic projections noted above, sales growth, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins, an appropriate discount rate, terminal value growth rates, future capital expenditures, and changes in working capital requirements. There are inherent assumptions and judgments required in the analysis of goodwill impairment. It is possible that assumptions underlying the impairment analysis will change in such a manner that impairment in value may occur in the future.
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Other intangibles are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization, and substantially all are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. These assets are evaluated for impairment as discussed below in Long-Lived Assets Impairment Evaluation.
 Useful Life Range  Weighted Average Life
Other intangible assets
7-20 years
 15 years
LONG-LIVED ASSETS IMPAIRMENT EVALUATION: Long-lived assets are reviewed for recoverability at year end and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate carrying values may not be recoverable. Fair value is calculated using similar methodologies as discussed above in Acquisitions.
Assets Held and Used—Assets are tested for recoverability at the asset group level. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds its undiscounted expected cash flows, then a fair value analysis is performed. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value exceeds the fair value.
Assets Held for Sale—An asset or business is classified as held for sale when (i) management commits to a plan to sell and it is actively marketed; (ii) it is available for immediate sale and the sale is expected to be completed within one year; and (iii) it is unlikely significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Upon being classified as held for sale, a recoverability test is performed, and an impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value exceeds the fair value less cost to sell. These assets are no longer depreciated or amortized. Assets held for sale were not material for the years presented.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: The cost of employee services received in exchange for all equity awards granted is based on the fair market value of the award as of the grant date. Expense is recognized net of an estimated forfeiture rate using the straight-line method over the vesting period of the award.
REVENUE RECOGNITION: We recognize revenue when performance obligations, under the terms of a contract with our customers, are satisfied. Substantially all of our revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of our products to our customers, which is generally upon shipment from our facilities or upon delivery to our customers' facilities, and is dependent on the terms of the specific contract. This conclusion considers the point at which our customers have the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits of the products that were transferred. Substantially all performance obligations are satisfied within one year or less.
The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize varies with changes in various sales allowances, discounts, and rebates (variable consideration) that we offer to our customers. We reduce revenue by our estimates of variable consideration, based on contract terms and historical experience. Changes in estimates of variable consideration for the periods presented were not material.
Some of our customers have the right to return products after transfer. For this right, we recognize an estimated refund liability and a corresponding reduction to revenue, based on historical returns experience. We also record an asset and a corresponding reduction to cost of sales for our right to recover products from customers upon settling the refund liability. We reduce the carrying amount of these assets by estimates of costs associated with the recovery and any additional expected reduction in value. Our refund liability and the corresponding asset associated with our right to recover products from our customers were immaterial for the periods presented.
We expect that at contract inception, the time period between when we transfer a promised good to our customer and our receipt of payment from that customer for that good will be one year or less (our typical trade terms are 30 to 60 days for U.S. customers and up to 90 days for our international customers). We generally expense costs of obtaining a contract because the amortization period would be one year or less. Sales, value added, and other taxes collected in connection with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.
SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS: Shipping and handling costs are included as a component of “Cost of goods sold.”
RESTRUCTURING COSTS: Restructuring costs are items such as employee termination, contract termination, plant closure, and asset relocation costs related to exit activities or workforce reductions. Restructuring-related items are primarily inventory writedowns. We recognize a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity when the liability is incurred. Certain termination benefits for which employees are required to render service are recognized ratably over the respective future service periods.
INCOME TAXES: The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax basis of our assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and laws, as appropriate. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets when management cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be realized. A provision is also made for incremental withholding taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and related companies to the extent that such earnings are not deemed to be indefinitely invested.
The calculation of our U.S., state, and foreign tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex global tax laws. We recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax issues which might arise in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions based on management’s estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. Conversely, if the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate tax assessment, a further charge to tax expense would result.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKS, EXPOSURES, AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: We manufacture, market, and distribute products for the various end markets described in Note E. Our operations are principally located in the United States, although we also have operations in Europe, China, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
We maintain allowances for potential credit losses. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions and generally require no collateral from our customers, some of which are highly leveraged. Management also monitors the financial condition and status of other notes receivable. Other notes receivable have historically primarily consisted of notes accepted as partial payment for the divestiture of a business or to support other business opportunities. Some of these companies are highly leveraged and the notes are not fully collateralized.
We have no material guarantees or liabilities for product warranties which require disclosure.
From time to time, we will enter into contracts to hedge foreign currency denominated transactions and interest rates related to our debt. To minimize the risk of counterparty default, only highly-rated financial institutions that meet certain requirements are used. We do not anticipate that any of the financial institution counterparties will default on their obligations.
The carrying value of cash and short-term financial instruments approximates fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments
OTHER RISKS: Although we obtain insurance for workers’ compensation, automobile, product and general liability, property loss, and medical claims, we have elected to retain a significant portion of expected losses through the use of deductibles. Accrued liabilities include estimates for unpaid reported claims and for claims incurred but not yet reported. Provisions for losses are recorded based upon reasonable estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred utilizing our prior experience and information provided by our third-party administrators and insurance carriers.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage market and financial risks related to foreign currency and interest rates. We seek to use derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment; however, some instruments that economically manage currency risk may not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. It is our policy not to speculate using derivative instruments.
Under hedge accounting, we formally document our hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for entering into the hedge transaction. The process includes designating derivative instruments as hedges of specific assets, liabilities, firm commitments, or forecasted transactions. We also formally assess, both at inception and on a quarterly basis thereafter, whether the underlying transactions are probable of occurring. If it is determined that an underlying transaction is probable of not occurring, deferred gains or losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on the same line item as the hedged item.
On the date the contract is entered into, we designate the derivative as one of the following types of hedging instruments and account for it as follows:
Cash Flow Hedge—The hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid, related to a recognized asset or liability or anticipated transaction, is designated as a cash flow hedge. The change in fair value is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. When the hedged item impacts the income statement, the gain or loss included in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" is reported on the same line of the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the hedged item, to match the gain or loss on the derivative to the gain or loss on the hedged item. Specifically, we regularly use currency cash flow hedges to manage risk associated with exchange rate volatility of various currencies and occasionally use interest rate cash flow hedges to manage interest rate risks. Settlements associated with the sale or production of product are presented in operating cash flows, and settlements associated with debt issuance are presented in financing cash flows.
Fair Value Hedge and Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments—These derivatives typically manage foreign currency risk associated with subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments. The changes in fair value of the derivative, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in earnings and reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and in the case of fair value
hedges, on the same line as the hedged item. Cash flows from settled contracts are presented in the category consistent with the nature of the item being hedged.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION: The functional currency for most foreign operations is the local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for income and expense accounts using monthly average exchange rates. The cumulative effects of translating the functional currencies into the U.S. dollar are included in comprehensive income.
RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ information in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes to conform to the 2023 presentation.
NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) regularly issues updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification that are communicated through issuance of an Accounting Standards Update (ASU). Below is a summary of the ASUs effective for future periods that are most relevant to our financial statements:
To be adopted in future years
ASU 2023-07 "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures": This ASU requires additional disclosures about reportable segments' expenses and other items on an interim and annual basis. This guidance will be effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2024, and interim periods beginning January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
ASU 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures": This ASU requires disclosure of specific categories in the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. This guidance will be effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2025. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
The FASB has issued accounting guidance, in addition to the issuance discussed above, effective for current and future periods. This guidance did not have a material impact on our current financial statements, and we do not believe it will have a material impact on our future financial statements.