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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Pitney Bowes Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (we, us, our, or the company) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Effective October 1, 2021, we elected to adopt the FIFO inventory valuation methodology where we had previously valued inventory on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. We believe that the FIFO basis provides a better matching of revenues and expenses, more closely resembles the physical flow of inventory, provides a consistent valuation methodology throughout our locations and improves comparability with industry peers. We retrospectively applied this change in accounting principle and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to increase the 2019 opening inventory balance by $4 million and retained earnings by $3 million (net of tax). Financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and at December 31, 2020 have been recast and the impact on our previously issued financial statements is presented in the following tables. Had we not elected to adopt the FIFO inventory valuation methodology, 2021 cost of equipment sales would have been approximately $2 million higher and inventory would have been approximately $2 million lower.
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss)As Previously ReportedAdjustmentsAs Revised
Cost of equipment sales$236,716 $(1,563)$235,153 
Total costs and expenses$3,739,007 $(1,563)$3,737,444 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes$(184,932)$1,563 $(183,369)
(Benefit) provision for income taxes$6,727 $395 $7,122 
Income (loss) from continuing operations$(191,659)$1,168 $(190,491)
Net (loss) income$(181,544)$1,168 $(180,376)
Basic (loss) earnings per share - continuing operations$(1.12)$0.01 $(1.11)
Basic (loss) earnings per share $(1.06)$0.01 $(1.05)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share - continuing operations$(1.12)$0.01 $(1.11)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share $(1.06)$0.01 $(1.05)
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss)As Previously ReportedAdjustmentsAs Revised
Cost of equipment sales$244,210 $410 $244,620 
Total costs and expenses$3,177,983 $410 $3,178,393 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes$27,142 $(410)$26,732 
(Benefit) provision for income taxes$(13,007)$(120)$(13,127)
Income (loss) from continuing operations$40,149 $(290)$39,859 
Net (loss) income$194,609 $(290)$194,319 
Basic (loss) earnings per share - continuing operations$0.23 $— $0.23 
Basic (loss) earnings per share $1.10 $— $1.10 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share - continuing operations$0.23 $(0.01)$0.22 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share $1.10 $— $1.10 
December 31, 2020
Consolidated Balance SheetAs Previously ReportedAdjustmentsAs Revised
Inventories$65,845 $5,635 $71,480 
Total current assets$2,106,923 $5,635 $2,112,558 
Noncurrent income taxes$72,653 $(1,409)$71,244 
Total assets$5,220,137 $4,226 $5,224,363 
Retained earnings$5,201,195 $4,226 $5,205,421 
Total stockholders' equity$66,395 $4,226 $70,621 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$5,220,137 $4,226 $5,224,363 
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowsAs Previously ReportedAdjustmentsAs Revised
Net (loss) income$(181,544)$1,168 $(180,376)
Deferred tax (benefit) provision$14,885 $395 $15,280 
(Increase) decrease in inventories$3,145 $(1,563)$1,582 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowsAs Previously ReportedAdjustmentsAs Revised
Net (loss) income$194,609 $(290)$194,319 
Deferred tax (benefit) provision$4,931 $(120)$4,811 
(Increase) decrease in inventories$(5,588)$410 $(5,178)

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and accompanying disclosures, including the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best knowledge of current events, historical experience and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. These estimates include, but are not limited to, goodwill and intangible asset impairment review, deferred tax asset valuation allowance, income tax reserves, revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements, pension and other postretirement costs, allowance for credit losses, residual values of leased assets, useful lives of long-lived and intangible assets, restructuring costs, the allocation of purchase price to assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, stock-based compensation expense and loss contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include interest-earning investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Marketable Securities
Marketable investment securities are classified as available-for-sale or hold-to-maturity. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value due to market conditions (i.e., interest rates) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL), and changes in fair value due to credit conditions recorded in earnings. Purchase premiums and discounts are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the security. Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are recorded on the trade date using the specific identification method. There were no unrealized losses due to credit losses charged to earnings in 2021, 2020, or 2019.
Investment securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost.
Accounts and Other Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses
Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days after the invoice date. We provide an allowance for credit losses based on historical loss experience, the age of the receivables, specific troubled accounts and other currently available information.
Accounts receivable are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible, or when they are 365 days past due, if sooner. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and adjust as necessary.

Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses
Finance receivables are comprised of sales-type leases, secured loans and unsecured loans. Sales-type leases and secured loans are from financing options provided to clients for Pitney Bowes equipment or leasing of other manufacturers' equipment and are generally due in installments over periods ranging from three to five years. Unsecured loans comprise revolving credit lines offered to our clients for postage and supplies and working capital purposes. These revolving credit lines are generally due monthly; however, clients may rollover outstanding balances. Interest is recognized on finance receivables using the effective interest method. Annual fees are recognized ratably over the annual period covered and client acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.
We provide an allowance for credit losses based on historical loss experience, the nature of our portfolios, adverse situations that may affect a client's ability to pay and current economic conditions and outlook based on reasonable and supportable forecasts. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and adjust as necessary.
Credit approval limits are established based on the credit quality of the client and the type of equipment financed. We cease financing revenue recognition for lease receivables that are more than 120 days past due and for unsecured loan receivables that are more than 90 days past due. Revenue recognition is resumed when the client's payments reduce the account aging to less than 60 days past due. Finance receivables are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible. We believe that our finance receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis or net realizable value.

Fixed Assets
Property, plant and equipment and rental equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are 50 years for buildings, 10 to 20 years for building improvements, up to 3 years for internal use software development costs, 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment and 4 to 6 years for rental equipment. Major improvements that add to the productive capacity or extend the life of an asset are capitalized while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining lease term. Fully depreciated assets are retained in fixed assets and accumulated depreciation until they are removed from service.

Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of up to 10 years.

Deferred Costs
Certain incremental costs to obtain a contract are capitalized if we expect the benefit of those costs to be realized over a period greater than one year. These costs primarily relate to sales commissions on multi-year equipment and Global Ecommerce contracts and are amortized in a manner consistent with the timing of the related revenue over the contract performance period or longer, if renewals are expected and the renewal commission is not commensurate with the initial commission. Unamortized deferred costs at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, included in other assets, were $48 million and $40 million, respectively. Amortization expense for these costs for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $18 million, $10 million and $7 million, respectively.

Revenue Recognition
We derive revenue from multiple sources including sales, rentals, financing and services. Certain transactions are consummated at the same time and can therefore generate revenue from multiple sources. The most common form of these transactions involves a sale or noncancelable lease of equipment, meter services and an equipment maintenance agreement. We determine whether each product and service within the contract should be treated as a separate performance obligation (unit of accounting) for revenue recognition purposes. For contracts that include multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated based on relative standalone selling prices (SSP), which are a range of selling prices that we would sell a product or service to a customer on a separate basis. SSP are established for each performance obligation at the inception of the contract and can be observable prices or estimated. The
allocation of the transaction price to the various performance obligations impacts the timing of revenue recognition, but does not change the total revenue recognized. More specifically, revenue related to our offerings is recognized as follows:

Business services
Business services includes fulfillment, delivery and return services, cross-border solutions, mail processing services and shipping subscription solutions, Revenue for fulfillment, delivery and return services, cross-border solutions and mail processing services is recognized over time using an output method based on the number of parcels or mail pieces either processed or delivered, depending on the service type, since that measure best depicts the value of goods and services transferred to the client over the contract period. Revenue for shipping subscription solutions is recognized ratably over the contract period as the client obtains equal benefit from these services through the period. 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 or have control over pricing.

Support services
Support services revenue includes revenue from maintenance, professional and subscription services for our mailing equipment and professional services for our digital delivery services. Revenue is allocated to these services using selling prices charged in standalone replacement and renewal transactions. Revenue for maintenance and subscription services is recognized ratably over the contract period and revenue for professional services is recognized when services are provided.

Financing
We provide financing for our products primarily through sales-type leases and revolving lines of credit for the purchase of postage and supplies. Financing revenue also includes finance income, late fees and investment income, gains and losses at the Bank. 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 management's best estimate of fair value at the end of the lease term. Fair value estimates are determined based on historical renewal experience, 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. Increases in estimated future residual values are not recognized until the equipment is remarketed.

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 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. Revenue from the direct sale of equipment is recognized as control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon delivery for self-installed products and upon installation or customer acceptance for other products. We do not typically offer any rights of return.

Supplies
Supplies revenue includes revenue from supplies for our mailing equipment and is recognized upon delivery.

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. Advanced billings are initially deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the billing 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.

Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs are recognized as costs of revenue as incurred.

Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Costs include research, development and engineering activities relating to the development of new products and solutions and enhancements of existing products and solutions. Costs primarily
include salaries, benefits and other employee-related expenses, materials, contract services, information systems and facilities and equipment costs.

Restructuring Charges
Costs associated with restructuring actions primarily include employee severance and related separation costs and contract termination costs, primarily real estate leases. Employee severance and related costs are recognized when a liability is incurred, which is generally upon communication to the affected employees, and the amount to be paid is both probable and reasonably estimable. Severance accruals are based on company policy, historical experience and negotiated settlements. Contract termination costs for real estate leases are recognized as incurred.

Stock-based Compensation
We primarily issue restricted stock units and non-qualified stock options under our stock award plans. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is measured based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest and recognized ratably over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted stock units is estimated based on the fair value of our common stock on the grant date, less the present value of expected dividends. The fair value of non-qualified stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. We believe that these valuation techniques and the underlying assumptions are appropriate in estimating the fair value of stock awards. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant to recognize expense for those awards that are expected to vest and are based on our historical forfeiture rates. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized primarily in selling, general and administrative expense.

Retirement Plans
Net periodic benefit cost includes current service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. Actuarial gains and losses arise from actual results that differ from previous assumptions and changes in assumptions. The expected return on plan assets is based on a market-related valuation of plan assets where differences between the actual and expected return on plan assets are recognized over a five-year period. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and amortized to benefit cost primarily over the life expectancy of plan participants. The funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

Impairment Review
Long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset is compared to the asset's carrying value. The fair value of the asset is determined using probability weighted expected cash flow estimates, derived from our long-term business plans and historical experience, quoted market prices when available and appraisals, as appropriate.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level during the fourth quarter or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment test for goodwill determines the fair value of each reporting unit and compares it to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the goodwill impairment loss is calculated as the difference between these amounts, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
During the fourth quarter of 2021, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test to assess the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill and determined that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and no impairment was recorded.

Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivatives. We use derivative instruments to limit the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on financial results and manage the related cost of debt. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
Derivative instruments are measured at fair value and reported as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, as applicable. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative, the resulting designation and the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk exposure it is designed to hedge. To qualify as a hedge, a derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated for hedging purposes. The hedge relationship must be formally documented at inception, detailing the particular risk management objective and strategy for the hedge. The effectiveness of the hedge relationship is evaluated on a retrospective and prospective basis.
The use of derivative instruments exposes us to counterparty credit risk. To mitigate such risks, we only enter into agreements with financial institutions that meet stringent credit requirements. We regularly review our credit exposure and the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We have not seen a material change in the creditworthiness of our derivative counterparties.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of such change. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In estimating the necessity and amount of a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence for each jurisdiction, including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. We adjust the valuation allowance through income tax expense when new information becomes available that would alter our determination of the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents.

Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts
In general, the functional currency of our foreign operations is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. are translated at rates in effect at the end of the period and revenue and expenses are translated at average monthly rates during the period. Net deferred translation gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Loss Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each significant matter and assess the potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal action is considered probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish a liability for the estimated loss. The assessment of the ultimate outcome of each claim or legal action and the determination of the potential financial exposure requires significant judgment. Estimates of potential liabilities for claims or legal actions are based only on information that is available at that time. As additional information becomes available, we may revise our estimates, and these revisions could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.

New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Adopted in 2021
In January 2021, we adopted 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. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2021, we adopted ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The ASU requires that an entity (the acquirer) recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC 606. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Not Yet Adopted
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 transition to new reference interest rates will require certain contracts to be modified and 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 accommodations provided by the ASU are effective through December 31, 2022 and may be applied at the beginning of any interim period within that time frame.
We have matched LIBOR-based debt with LIBOR based interest rate swaps and have elected to apply the practical expedient related to probability and the assessment of the effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows, which assumes that the debt instrument will use the same index rate as its corresponding interest rate swap once a new reference rate is established to replace LIBOR. We may apply other expedients as additional reference rate changes occur. We continue to assess the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.