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Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2019
On January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842, Leases (ASC 842), using the modified retrospective transition approach of applying the standard at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We
recognized a cumulative effect adjustment at January 1, 2017 to reduce retained earnings by $137 million and recast prior period financial statements. See Notes 7 and 15 for more information.
From a lessor perspective, the standard simplifies the accounting for lease modifications and aligns accounting of lease contracts with revenue recognition guidance. We continue to classify leases as sales-type or operating, with the determination affecting both the pattern and classification of income recognition. There were changes in the timing and classification of revenue related to contract modifications. There were also changes related to the definition of a leased asset, which requires us to account for two lease components as a single lease component. Under prior guidance, one of the components was generally accounted for as a sales-type lease and the second as an operating lease. Under ASC 842, the two components are generally accounted for as sales-type leases and certain income and costs previously recognized over the life of the lease are now accelerated.
From a lessee perspective, the standard requires us to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for real estate and equipment operating leases and to provide new disclosures about our leasing activities. We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption and did not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term less than 12 months. We also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for our lessee portfolio.
Updates to significant accounting policies disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report due to the adoption of ASC 842 are discussed below.
Equipment sales: We sell and lease equipment directly to customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. The amount of revenue allocated to the equipment is based on a range of observable selling prices in standalone transactions. Revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases is recognized as equipment sales revenue when control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon shipment for self-installed products and upon installation or customer acceptance for other products. We do not typically offer any rights of return.

Rentals: Rentals revenue includes revenue from mailing equipment that does not meet the criteria to be accounted for as a sales-type lease. We may invoice in advance for rentals according to the terms of the agreement. We initially defer these advanced billings and recognize rentals revenue on a straight-line basis over the rental period. Revenue generated from financing clients for the continued use of equipment subsequent to the expiration of the original lease is recognized as rentals revenue.

Financing: We provide financing for our products primarily through sales-type leases. We also provide revolving lines of credit for the purchase of postage and supplies. We record financing income over the lease term using the effective interest method. Financing revenue also includes amounts related to sales-type leases that customers have extended or renewed for an additional term. Revenue for these contracts is recognized over the term of the modified lease using the effective interest method. We believe that our sales-type lease portfolio contains only normal collection risk.
Equipment residual values are determined at the inception of the lease using estimates of fair value at the end of the lease term. Fair value estimates are based primarily on historical experience. We also consider forecasted supply and demand for products, product retirement and launch plans, client behavior, regulatory changes, remanufacturing strategies, used equipment markets, competition and technological changes. We evaluate residual values on an annual basis or sooner if circumstances warrant. Declines in estimated residual values considered "other-than-temporary" are recognized immediately. Estimated increases in future residual values are not recognized until the equipment is remarketed.

Support services: Support services revenue includes revenue from equipment service contracts, subscriptions and meter services. Revenue is allocated to these services using selling prices charged in standalone replacement and renewal transactions. Since we have a stand-ready obligation to provide these services over the entire contract term, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

Business services: Business services revenue includes revenue from mail processing services and ecommerce solutions. These services represent a series of distinct services that are similar in nature and revenue is recognized as the services are provided. We review third party relationships and record revenue on a gross basis when we act as a principal in a transaction and on a net basis when we act as an agent between a client and vendor. In determining whether we are acting as principal or agent, we consider several factors such as whether we are the primary obligor to the client, have control over pricing or have inventory risk.

On January 1, 2019, we also adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium, requiring the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2019, we prospectively adopted ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software. The ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The early adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The ASU sets forth a current expected credit loss model, which requires companies to measure expected credit losses for all financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonably supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2020. We have completed the scoping of financial assets that will be impacted by the standard and are in the process of finalizing models to measure expected credit losses.