XML 120 R11.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3.a.u2
Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Description Of The Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies  
Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business
When used in these notes, the terms "Avon," "Company," "we," "our" or "us" mean Avon Products, Inc.
We are a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products. Our business is conducted primarily in one channel, direct selling. Our reportable segments are based on geographic operations in four regions: Europe, Middle East & Africa; South Latin America; North Latin America; and Asia Pacific. Our product categories are Beauty and Fashion & Home. Beauty consists of skincare, fragrance and color (cosmetics). Fashion & Home consists of fashion jewelry, watches, apparel, footwear, accessories, gift and decorative products, housewares, entertainment and leisure products, children’s products and nutritional products. Sales are made to the ultimate consumer principally by independent Representatives.
In December 2015, we entered into definitive agreements with affiliates of Cerberus Capital Management L.P. ("Cerberus"), which included a $435 investment in Avon by an affiliate of Cerberus through the purchase of our convertible preferred stock and the separation of the North America business (including approximately $100 of cash, subject to certain adjustments) from Avon into New Avon LLC ("New Avon"), a privately-held company that is majority-owned and managed by an affiliate of Cerberus. These transactions closed in March 2016 and Avon retained approximately 20% ownership in New Avon. In April 2019, Avon and Cerberus signed an agreement with LG Household & Health Care Ltd. for the sale of New Avon, including our 20% ownership interest. This transaction closed on August 14, 2019. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations and Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale, for additional information. The North American business, which represented the Company's operations in the United States ("U.S."), Canada and Puerto Rico, was previously its own reportable segment and has been presented as discontinued operations for all periods. As a result of this transaction, all of our consolidated revenue is derived from operations of subsidiaries outside of the U.S.
On May 22, 2019, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Mergers with Natura Cosméticos S.A., a Brazilian corporation (sociedade anônima) ("Natura Cosméticos"), Natura &Co Holding S.A., a Brazilian corporation (sociedade anônima) ("Natura &Co Holding"), and two subsidiaries of Natura &Co Holding ("Natura &Co") pursuant to which, in a series of transactions, Avon and Natura Cosméticos will become direct wholly owned subsidiaries of Natura &Co (the "Transaction"). For additional information, see Note 23, Agreement and Plan of Mergers with Natura Cosméticos S.A., to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. On January 3, 2020, the Company consummated the Transaction and became a fully owned subsidiary of Natura &Co Holding. In connection with the consummation of the Transaction, the Company notified the NYSE that trading of their stock should be suspended, the Company's common stock was subsequently delisted and deregistered. The Company files these financial statements with the SEC, as a voluntary filer, to comply with the terms of certain debt instruments.
In December 2019, the Company declared a dividend of $0.016 per share equating to $9, this dividend was subsequently paid in January 2020 by the Company.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Avon and our majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
Use of Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. In preparing these statements, we are required to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions. On an ongoing basis, we review our estimates, including those related to stand-alone selling prices ("SSP") of promised goods or services delivered under sales incentives, allowances for sales returns, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, provisions for inventory obsolescence, the determination of discount rates and other actuarial assumptions for pension and postretirement benefit expenses, restructuring expense, income taxes and tax valuation allowances, share-based compensation, loss contingencies and the evaluation of goodwill, property, plant and equipment and capitalized software for potential impairment.
Foreign Currency
Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries operating in other than highly inflationary economies are translated at year-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the year for income and expense accounts. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Gains or losses resulting from the impact of changes in foreign currency rates on assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded in other expense, net.
For financial statements of Avon subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, the U.S. dollar is required to be used as the functional currency. At December 31, 2019, only our Argentinian subsidiary is considered to be operating in a highly inflationary economy. Highly inflationary accounting requires monetary assets and liabilities, such as cash, receivables and payables, to be remeasured into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate at the end of each period with the impact of any changes in exchange rates being recorded in income. We record the impact of changes in exchange rates on monetary assets and liabilities in other expense, net. Similarly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rates; however, the impact of changes in exchange rates is recorded in income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Non-monetary assets and liabilities, such as inventory, property, plant and equipment and prepaid expenses are carried forward at their historical dollar cost, which was calculated using the exchange rate at the date which hyperinflationary accounting is implemented.
Argentina Currency
During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, based on published official exchange rates which indicate that Argentina's three-year cumulative inflation rate has exceeded 100%, we concluded that Argentina had become a highly inflationary economy. From July 1, 2018, we have applied highly inflationary accounting for our Argentinian subsidiary. As such, the functional currency for Argentina has changed to the U.S. dollar, which is the consolidated group's reporting currency. When an entity operates in a highly inflationary economy, exchange gains and losses associated with monetary assets and liabilities resulting from changes in the exchange rate are recorded in income. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities, which include inventories, property, plant and equipment and contract liabilities, are carried forward at their historical dollar cost, which was calculated using the exchange rate at June 30, 2018.
As a result of the devaluation of the Argentinian peso of approximately 36% during the year end December 31, 2019, operating profit was negatively impacted by approximately $11, largely in cost of sales in our Consolidated Income Statements, primarily due to inventory being accounted for at its historical dollar cost. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we also recorded a benefit during the period of approximately $7 in other expense, net primarily associated with the net monetary liability position of Argentina, and an approximate $3 positive impact on income taxes, both in our Consolidated Income Statements. As of December 31, 2019, the net Argentine peso-denominated monetary liability position of Argentina was $8 and the net Argentine peso-denominated non-monetary asset position was $45, primarily consisting of inventory balances of $23.
As a result of the devaluation of the Argentinian peso of approximately 25% from June 30, 2018 to December 31, 2018, operating profit was negatively impacted by approximately $8, largely in cost of sales in our Consolidated Income Statements, primarily due to inventory being accounted for at its historical dollar cost. During the six months ended December 31, 2018, we also recorded a benefit during the period of approximately $6 in other expense, net primarily associated with the net monetary liability position of Argentina, and an approximate $2 positive impact on income taxes, both in our Consolidated Income Statements. As of December 31, 2018, the net Argentine peso-denominated monetary liability position of Argentina was $33 and the net Argentine peso-denominated non-monetary asset position was $50, primarily consisting of inventory balances of $32.
Revenue Recognition
Nature of goods and services
We are a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and related products. Our product categories are Beauty and Fashion & Home. Beauty consists of skincare, fragrance and color (cosmetics). Fashion & Home consists of fashion jewelry, watches, apparel, footwear, accessories, gift and decorative products, housewares, entertainment and leisure products, children’s products and nutritional products.
Our business is conducted primarily in one channel, direct selling. Our reportable segments are based on geographic operations in four regions: Europe, Middle East & Africa; South Latin America; North Latin America; and Asia Pacific. We primarily sell our products to the ultimate consumer through the direct selling channel principally through Representatives, who are independent contractors and not our employees.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when control of a product or service is transferred to a customer, which is generally the Representative. Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties, such as Value Added Taxes ("VAT") collected for taxing authorities.
Principal revenue streams and significant judgments
Our principal revenue streams can be distinguished into: i) the sale of Beauty and Fashion & Home products to Representatives (recorded in net sales); ii) Representative fees, primarily for the sale of brochures to Representatives and fulfillment activities related to the contract, which include fees for shipping and handling (recorded in other revenue); and iii) other, which includes the sale of products to New Avon LLC ("New Avon") and royalties from the licensing of our name and products (recorded in other revenue).
i) Sale of Beauty and Fashion & Home products to Representatives
We generate the majority of our revenue through the sale of Beauty and Fashion & Home products. A Representative contacts her customers directly, selling primarily through our brochure (whether paper or online), which highlights new products and special promotions (or incentives) for each sales campaign. In this sense, the Representative, together with the brochure, are the "store" through which our products are sold. A brochure introducing a new sales campaign is typically generated every three to four weeks. A purchase order is processed, and the products are picked at a distribution center and delivered to the Representative usually through a combination of local and national delivery companies. Generally, the Representative then delivers the merchandise and collects payment from the customer for her or his own account. A Representative generally receives a refund of the price the Representative paid for a product if the Representative chooses to return it.
A Representative Agreement, which outlines the basic terms of the agreement between Avon and the Representative, combined with a purchase order, constitutes a contract for the purposes of Accounting Standards Codification Topic ("ASC"), Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606").
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
We account for individual products and services separately in the contract if they are distinct (i.e., if a product or service is separately identifiable from the other items in the contract and if a Representative can benefit from the product or service on its own or with other resources that are readily available), which is recognized at a point in time, when control of a product is transferred to a Representative. In addition, we offer incentives to Representatives to support sales growth. Certain of these sales incentives are distinct promises to a Representative, and therefore are a separate performance obligation. As a result, revenue is allocated to the performance obligation for sales incentives and is deferred on the balance sheet until the associated performance obligations are satisfied.
Typically included within a contract is variable consideration, such as sales returns and late payment fees. Revenue is only recorded to the extent it is probable that it will not be reversed, and therefore revenue is adjusted for variable consideration. Variable consideration is generally estimated using the expected value method, which considers possible outcomes weighted by their probability. Specifically for sales returns, a refund liability will be recorded for the estimated cash to be refunded for the products expected to be returned, and a returns asset will be recorded for the products which we expect to be returned and re-sold, each of these based on historical experience. The estimate of sales returns as well as the measurement of the returns asset and the refund liability is updated at the end of each month for changes in expectations regarding the amount of salvageable returns, reconditioning costs and any additional decreases in the value of the returned products. Late payment fees are recorded when the uncertainty associated with collecting such fees are resolved (i.e., when collected).
The Representative generally receives a credit period of one sales campaign if they meet certain criteria; however, the specific credit terms are outlined in the Representative Agreement. Generally, the Representative remits payment during each sales campaign, which relates to the prior campaign cycle. The Representative is generally precluded from submitting an order for the current sales campaign until the accounts receivable balance past due for prior campaigns is paid; however, there are circumstances where the Representative fails to make the required payment.
Our contracts with Representatives often include multiple promises to transfer products and/or services to the Representative, and determining which of these products and/or services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately. In addition, in assessing the recognition of revenue for the following performance obligations, management has exercised significant judgment in the following areas: estimation of variable consideration and the SSP of promised goods or services in order to determine and allocate the transaction price.
Performance obligation - Avon products and appointment kits
The Representative purchases Avon products and appointment kits through a purchase order. Avon offers appointment kits for purchase to Representatives, which may contain various Avon products. We recognize revenue for Avon products and appointment kits in net sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations when the Representative obtains control of the products, which occurs upon delivery of the product to the Representative. Transaction price is the amount we expect to receive in exchange for those products adjusted for variable consideration as discussed above and the estimated SSP of other performance obligations as discussed below. The cost of these products and appointment kits is recognized in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Performance obligation - Sales incentives
Types of sales incentives include status programs, loyalty points, prospective discounts, and gift with purchase, among others. A Representative is eligible for certain status programs if specified sales levels are met. Status programs offer additional benefits such as free or discounted products and services. Loyalty points offer the option to redeem for additional Avon or other products or services. Prospective discounts are offered in some countries when certain sales levels are reached in a given time period. The revenue attributable to the prospective discount performance obligation is for the option to purchase additional product at a discounted amount.
Certain benefits within status programs, loyalty points, prospective discounts and certain other sales incentives constitute a material right and, therefore, a distinct performance obligation in the contract with the Representative. Transaction price is allocated to the material right (performance obligation) based on estimated SSP and is deferred on the balance sheet until the associated performance obligations are satisfied. The cost of incentives is presented in inventories in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize revenue allocated to the material right in net sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations at the point in time that the Representative receives the benefits of the material right or obtains control of the products, which occurs upon delivery to the Representative or upon expiration of the material right. For sales incentives that are delivered with the associated products order (such as gift with purchase), no deferral is required.
SSP represents the estimated market value, or the estimated amount that could be charged for that material right when the entity sells it separately in similar circumstances to similar customers. Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation. In instances where SSP is not directly observable, such as when we do not sell the product or service separately, including for certain sales incentives, we determine the SSP using information that may include market prices and other observable inputs.
ii) Representative fees, primarily for the sale of brochures to Representatives and fulfillment activities related to the contract ("Representative fees")
The purchase order in the contract with the Representative explicitly identifies activities that we will perform. This includes fees that we charge Representatives, primarily for the sale of brochures to Representatives and fulfillment activities, and also includes late payment fees (discussed above). Brochures represent promotional materials that are given directly by the Representatives to their customers as a marketing activity. Under ASC 606, brochures that are sold by Avon to Representatives through purchase orders represent separate performance obligations in the contract as these are promises made between Avon and the Representative. Although the brochures are used similar to marketing materials, the Representative generally orders and pays for the brochures, and we allocate consideration for purposes of revenue recognition. The revenue associated with brochures that are sold to Representatives is recognized in other revenue and the related cost is recognized in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recognize revenue when the Representative obtains control of the brochures, which occurs upon delivery to the Representative. When brochures are given away for free to Representatives as promotional items, the cost is recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We often charge the Representative for shipping and handling (including order processing) and payment processing activities on the invoice, and such activities are considered to be fulfillment costs. The consideration received represents part of the transaction price in the contract that is allocated to the performance obligations in the contract. We recognize revenue for fulfillment activities in other revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Operations when such services are provided to the Representative. The cost of these activities is recognized in SG&A expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
iii) Other revenue
We also recognize revenue from the sale of products to New Avon, as part of a manufacturing and supply agreement, since the separation of the Company's North America business into New Avon on March 1, 2016, and royalties from the licensing of our name and products, in other revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are generally high-quality, short-term money market instruments with an original maturity of three months or less and consist of time deposits with a number of U.S. and non-U.S. commercial banks and money market fund investments.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. We classify inventory into various categories based upon its stage in the product life cycle, future marketing sales plans and the disposition process. We assign a degree of obsolescence risk to products based on this classification to estimate the level of obsolescence provision.
Brochure Costs
Brochures represent promotional materials that are given directly by the Representatives to their customers as a marketing activity. Brochures that are sold by Avon to Representatives through purchase orders represent separate performance obligations in the contract as these are promises made between Avon and the Representative. Although the brochures are used similar to marketing materials, the Representative generally orders and pays for the brochures, and Avon allocates consideration for purposes of revenue recognition. The revenue associated with brochures that are sold to Representatives is recognized in other revenue and the related cost is recognized in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recognize revenue when the Representative obtains control of the brochures, which occurs upon delivery to the Representative. When brochures are given away for free to Representatives as promotional items, the cost is recognized in SG&A expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Brochure costs and associated fees that are presented as inventory were $8.9 at December 31, 2019 and $13.2 at December 31, 2018. Brochure costs and associated fees that are presented as prepaid expenses and other were $4.8 at December 31, 2019 and $5.9 at December 31, 2018.
Brochure costs expensed to COGS and SG&A in 2019 amounted to $101.1 and $93.9, respectively. In 2018 brochure costs expensed to COGS and SG&A were $113.5 and $106.2, respectively. In 2017 brochure costs of $244.0, were expensed to SG&A under the previous Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 605, Revenue Recognition.
The fees charged to Representatives for brochures sold recorded in Other revenue in 2019 and 2018 amounted to $96.9 and $117.0, respectively. In 2017, the fees charged to Representatives were recorded as a reduction to SG&A expenses and amounted to $139.4.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Capitalized Software
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives generally are as follows: buildings, 45 years; land improvements, 20 years; machinery and equipment, 15 years; and office equipment, five to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Upon disposal of property, plant and equipment, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings. Costs associated with repair and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred.
Certain systems development costs related to the purchase, development and installation of computer software, and implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract, are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related project. Costs incurred prior to the development stage, as well as maintenance, training costs, and general and administrative expenses are expensed as incurred. The other assets balance included unamortized capitalized software costs of $83.1 at December 31, 2019 and $89.3 at December 31, 2018. The amortization expense associated with capitalized software was $24.7, $26.5 and $29.5 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
We evaluate our property, plant and equipment and capitalized software for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated pre-tax undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is determined using revenue and cash flow projections, and royalty and discount rates, as appropriate.
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at the lease commencement date. In addition to our lease agreements, we review all material new vendor arrangements for potential embedded lease obligations. The asset balance related to operating and finance leases is presented within right-of-use (ROU) asset and property, plant and equipment, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The short-term liability balance related to operating and finance leases is presented within other accrued liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The long-term liability balance is presented within long-term operating lease liability and long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for operating and finance leases, respectively.
The lease liability is recognized based on the present value of the remaining fixed or in-substance fixed lease payments discounted using our incremental borrowing rates. We use a specific incremental borrowing rate for our material leases, which is determined based on the geography, nature of the asset and term of the lease. These rates are determined based on inputs provided by external banks and updated periodically. The lease liability includes the exercise of a purchase option only if we are reasonably certain to exercise as of the commencement date of the lease. The residual value guarantee amount is only included in the lease liability calculation to the extent payment is probable to the lessor as of the commencement of the lease. The ROU asset is calculated based on the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments paid to the lessor at or before the
commencement date (i.e. prepaid rent) and initial direct costs incurred by Avon and excluding any lease incentives received from the Lessor.
Variable lease payments are payments to the lessor not included in the lease liability calculation. We define variable lease payments as payments made by Avon to the lessor for the right to use a leased asset that vary because of changes in facts or circumstances (such as changes in an index rate, volume, usage, etc.) occurring after the lease commencement date, other than predetermined contractual changes due to the passage of time (for example, predetermined rent increase amounts that are set out in the contract). Variable lease payments or charges are accounted for as incurred.
The lease term for purposes of lease accounting may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option as of the commencement date of the lease. For operating leases, the lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the Company amortizes the ROU asset on a straight-line basis and records interest expense on the lease liability created at lease commencement over the lease term.
We account for our lease and non-lease components as a single component for most of our asset classes, and therefore both are included in the calculation of lease liability recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, for certain lease asset classes related to identified embedded leases we account for the lease and non-lease components separately, and therefore, the non-lease component is not included in the lease liability.
Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases over their lease term.
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
A long-lived asset (or disposal group) is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and a sale is considered highly probable within a year. A long-lived asset (or disposal group) classified as held for sale is initially measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. An impairment loss is recognized for any initial or subsequent write-down of the long-lived asset (or disposal group) to fair value less costs to sell. A gain or loss not previously recognized by the date of the sale of the long-lived asset (or disposal group) is recognized at the date of derecognition.
Long-lived assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are not depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for sale. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale and the assets of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented separately from the other assets in the balance sheet. The liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented separately from other liabilities in the balance sheet.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized and is assessed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or on the occurrence of an event that indicates impairment may have occurred, at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a component, which is one level below that operating segment. Components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. When testing goodwill for impairment, we perform either a qualitative or quantitative assessment for each of our reporting units. Factors considered in the qualitative analysis include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance specific to the reporting unit. If the qualitative analysis results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, the first quantitative step, as described below, is required.
The quantitative test to evaluate goodwill for impairment is a two-step process. In the first step, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a second step to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The second step of the impairment analysis requires a valuation of a reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of the purchase price in a business combination. If the resulting implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying value, that difference represents an impairment.
The impairment analysis performed for goodwill requires several estimates in computing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. We typically use a discounted cash flow ("DCF") approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit, which we believe is the most reliable indicator of fair value of this business, and is most consistent with the approach that we would generally expect a marketplace participant would use. In estimating the fair value of our reporting units utilizing a DCF approach, we typically forecast revenue and the resulting cash flows for periods of five to ten years and include an estimated terminal value at the end of the forecasted period. When determining the appropriate forecast period for the DCF approach, we consider the amount of time required before the reporting unit achieves what we consider a normalized, sustainable level of cash flows. The estimation of fair value utilizing a DCF approach includes numerous uncertainties which require significant judgment when making assumptions of expected growth rates and the selection of discount rates, as well as assumptions regarding general economic and business conditions, and the structure that would yield the highest economic value, among other factors.
Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments, including forward foreign currency contracts, to manage foreign currency exposures.
If applicable, derivatives are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. When we become a party to a derivative instrument and intend to apply hedge accounting, we designate the instrument, for financial reporting purposes, as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. The accounting for changes in fair value (gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether we had designated it and it qualified as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. We apply the following:
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a fair value hedge, along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk are recorded in earnings.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge are recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the transaction hedged by that derivative also affects earnings.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation are recorded in foreign currency translation adjustments within AOCI.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedging instrument are recognized in earnings in other expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported.
For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, if we conclude that the hedging relationship is perfectly effective at inception, a detailed effectiveness assessment in each period is not required as long as (i) the critical terms of the hedging instrument completely match the related terms of the hedged item (ii) it is considered probable that the counterparties to the hedging instrument and the hedged item will not default, and (iii) the hedged cash flows remain probable.
If the conditions above are not met, we will assess prospective and retrospective effectiveness using the cumulative dollar-offset method, which compares the change in fair value or present value of cash flows of the hedging instrument to the changes in the fair value or present value of the cash flows of the hedged item. If the result of the quantification demonstrates that the hedge is still highly effective (meaning that cumulative changes in the fair value of the derivative are between 80% and 125% of the cumulative changes in the fair value of the hedged item), we will revert to qualitative assessments of hedge effectiveness in subsequent periods if an expectation of high effectiveness on a qualitative basis for subsequent periods can be reasonably supported. If effectiveness is not within the 80% to 125% range, hedge accounting will be discontinued, and changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument will be recorded in earnings from the date the hedge is no longer considered highly effective.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes have been provided on items recognized for financial reporting purposes in different periods than for income tax purposes using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount that is "more likely than not" to be realized. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets depends upon generating sufficient future taxable income during the periods in which our temporary differences become deductible or before our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards expire. See Note 10, Income Taxes for more information.
In accordance with guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), we are choosing to treat the U.S. income tax consequences of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") as a period cost. As a result, as of December 31, 2019, no deferred income taxes have been provided.
Uncertain Tax Positions
We recognize the benefit of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. We record interest expense and penalties payable to relevant tax authorities in income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses include costs associated with selling; marketing; distribution, including shipping and handling costs; advertising; net brochure costs; research and development; information technology; and other administrative costs, including finance, legal and human resource functions.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $432.1 in 2019, $503.5 in 2018 and $530.8 in 2017.
Advertising
Advertising costs, excluding brochure preparation costs, are expensed as incurred and amounted to $72.9 in 2019, $127.6 in 2018 and $118.4 in 2017.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $40.6 in 2019, $48.0 in 2018 and $52.9 in 2017. Research and development costs include all costs related to the design and development of new products such as salaries and benefits, supplies and materials and facilities costs.
Share-based Compensation
Where applicable, share-based payments to employees are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair value at the date of grant. If applicable, we use a Monte-Carlo simulation to calculate the fair value of performance restricted stock units with market conditions and the fair value of premium-priced stock options. We account for forfeitures on share-based payments as they occur.
When the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the grant date fair value of the unmodified award, provided the original vesting terms of the award are met. An additional expense, measured as at the date of modification, is recognized for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based payment. Where an award is cancelled, any unamortized compensation cost is expensed immediately.
Restructuring Expense
We record the estimated expense for our restructuring initiatives, such as our Transformation Plan and Open Up Avon, when such costs are deemed probable and estimable, when approved by the appropriate corporate authority and by accumulating detailed estimates of costs for such plans. These expenses include the estimated costs of employee severance and related benefits, inventory write-offs, impairment or accelerated depreciation of property, plant and equipment and capitalized software, and any other qualifying exit costs. Such costs represent our best estimate, but require assumptions about the programs that may change over time, including attrition rates. Estimates are evaluated periodically to determine whether an adjustment is required.
Pension and Postretirement Expense
Pension and postretirement expense is determined based on a number of actuarial assumptions, which are generally reviewed and determined on an annual basis. These assumptions include the discount rate applied to plan obligations, the expected rate of return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase of plan participants, price inflation, cost-of-living adjustments, mortality rates and certain other demographic assumptions, and other factors. Actual results that differ from assumptions are accumulated and amortized to expense over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense in future periods. We recognize the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Each overfunded plan is recognized as an asset and each underfunded plan is recognized as a liability. The recognition of prior service costs or credits and net actuarial gains or losses, as well as subsequent changes in the funded status, are recognized as components of AOCI, net of tax, in shareholders’ equity, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost. We recognize prior service costs or credits and actuarial gains and losses beyond a 10% corridor to earnings based on the estimated future service period of the participants. The determination of the 10% corridor utilizes a calculated value of plan assets for our more significant plans, whereby gains and losses are smoothed over three- and five-year periods. We use a December 31 measurement date for all of our employee benefit plans. Service cost is presented in SG&A in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The components of net periodic benefit costs other than service cost are presented in other expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Contingencies
We determine whether to disclose and/or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable. We record loss contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable.