Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020

Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. We adopted this standard using the modified retrospective transition approach with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The ASU applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including finance receivables, trade and other receivables and investments in debt securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. The ASU replaces the current incurred loss impairment model that recognizes losses when a probable threshold is met with a requirement to recognize lifetime expected credit losses immediately when a financial asset is originated or purchased. The models to estimate credit losses are required to be based on historical loss experience, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and current economic outlook. The adoption of the standard resulted in an increase in the opening reserve balance for accounts and other receivables of $15 million and the opening reserve balance for finance receivables of $10 million and a net reduction to retained earnings of $22 million. The impact of COVID-19 on global businesses and economies resulted in an increased probability of recessionary conditions, delinquency rates and business bankruptcy resulting in an additional $11 million provision in the first quarter of 2020. Through September 30, 2020, our credit loss provision was $35 million compared to $22 million through September 30, 2019.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles and also clarifies and amends existing guidance. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The transition to new reference interest rates will require certain contracts to be modified and the ASU is intended to mitigate the effects of this transition. The accommodations provided by the ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and may be applied at the beginning of any interim period within that time frame. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.