Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

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 statement 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 estimated credit losses, contract assets, operating lease right-of-use assets, outsourcing assets, marketable software, goodwill, purchased intangibles and other long-lived assets, legal contingencies, 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 materially 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 assessed certain accounting matters that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information reasonably available to us and the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 as of September 30, 2021 and through the date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to the valuation of estimated credit losses, contract assets, outsourcing assets, marketable software, goodwill, purchased intangibles and other long-lived assets, and retirement and other post-employment benefits. While there was not a material impact to our consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2021 resulting from our assessments, our future assessment of our current expectations at that time of the magnitude and duration of COVID-19, as well as other factors, could result in material impacts to our consolidated financial position in future reporting 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, 2020 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.