Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes of Unisys Corporation have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The financial statements and footnotes are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the financial information furnished herein reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, cash flows and deficit for the interim periods specified. These adjustments consist only of normal recurring accruals except as disclosed herein. Because of seasonal and other factors, results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, contract assets, inventories, operating lease right-of-use assets, outsourcing assets, marketable software, goodwill and other long-lived assets, legal contingencies, indemnifications, assumptions used in the calculation for systems integration projects, income taxes and retirement and other post-employment benefits, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.

The company’s accounting policies are set forth in detail in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2018 Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such Annual Report also contains a discussion of the company’s critical accounting policies and estimates. The company believes that these critical accounting policies and estimates affect its more significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements.

As described in Note 3, effective January 1, 2019 the company adopted the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) using the effective date transition method. The company’s updated accounting policy on leases is described in Note 2 of this Form 10-Q.