Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation

Nature of Operations: Chart Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (herein referred to as the “Company,” “Chart,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), is a leading diversified global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment for the industrial gas, energy, and biomedical industries. Chart’s equipment and engineered systems are primarily used for low-temperature and cryogenic applications utilizing our expertise in cryogenic systems and equipment which operate at low temperatures sometimes approaching absolute zero (0 Kelvin; -273° Centigrade; -459° Fahrenheit). We have domestic operations located across the United States, including principal executive offices located in Georgia, and an international presence in Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America.

On December 20, 2018, we closed the sale of our oxygen-related products business to NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. The strategic decision to divest the oxygen-related products business reflects our strategy and capital allocation approach to focus on our core capabilities and offerings. Refer to Note 3, “Discontinued Operations,” for further information.

On November 15, 2018, Chart completed the previously announced acquisition of VRV S.r.l. and its subsidiaries (collectively “VRV”). VRV, which has operations in Italy, France and India, is a diversified multinational corporation with highly automated, purpose-built facilities for the design and manufacture of pressure equipment serving the industrial gas and energy end markets.

On January 2, 2018, we completed the acquisition of Skaff Cryogenics and Cryo-Lease, LLC (together “Skaff”). Skaff provides quality repair service and re-manufacturing of cryogenic and liquefied natural gas storage tanks and trailers and also maintains a portfolio of cryogenic storage equipment that is rented to customers for temporary and permanent needs. Skaff is headquartered in Brentwood, New Hampshire and provides services and equipment to customers in North America.

On September 20, 2017, we completed the acquisition of RCHPH Holdings, Inc. (“Hudson”). Hudson designs, manufactures, sells and services products used in refining, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), petrochemical, natural gas, power generation, industrial and commercial end markets.

For further information regarding the VRV, Skaff and Hudson acquisitions, refer to Note 12, “Business Combinations.”

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chart Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards: In March 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-05, “Income Taxes (Topic 740), Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.” This ASU adds various Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of the December 2017 SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which was effective immediately. The SEC issued SAB 118 to address concerns about reporting entities’ ability to timely comply with the accounting requirements to recognize all of the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the period of enactment. SAB 118 allowed disclosure that timely determination of some or all of the income tax effects from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were incomplete by the due date of the 2017 financial statements and if possible to provide a reasonable estimate. In 2017, we accounted for the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act under the guidance of SAB 118, on a provisional basis. In 2018, we finalized our analyses under SAB 118. For further information, see Note 15, “Income Taxes.”

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” The FASB issued this guidance to provide clarity as to when modification accounting should be applied when there is a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award in order to prevent diversity in practice. This ASU requires modification accounting to be applied unless all of the following conditions exist: (1) the fair value of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award before the original award is modified; if the modification does not affect any of the inputs to the valuation, the entity is not required to estimate the value immediately before and after the modification; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award before it was modified; and (3) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award before it was modified. This guidance is applied prospectively for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” The new guidance requires companies with sponsored defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans to present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other compensation costs. The other components of net periodic benefit cost will be presented separately and not included in operating income. In addition, only service costs are eligible to be capitalized as an asset. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years, and this guidance will generally be applied retrospectively, whereas the capitalization of the service cost component will be applied prospectively. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The new guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (Step 2 of the current guidance’s goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on current guidance’s Step 1). We have adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018. This guidance will only have an impact on future periods’ financial position, results of operations, and disclosures if a goodwill impairment occurs.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” This ASU provides guidance to evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single asset or a group of similar assets, the assets acquired (or disposed of) are not considered a business. This guidance is applied prospectively for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The FASB issued this update to clarify how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years, and this guidance will generally be applied retrospectively. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and subsequently issued additional guidance that modified ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 and the subsequent modifications are identified as Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 replaces existing revenue recognition rules with a comprehensive revenue measurement and recognition standard and provides for expanded disclosure requirements. This update requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASC 606 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method. We applied this standard to contracts that were not completed as of the adoption date. We recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 606 as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be presented according to accounting standards in effect for those periods.

Impacts on Financial Statements

The following table summarizes the cumulative effect of the changes to our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 from the adoption of ASC 606:



	Balance at December 31, 2017		Adjustments due to ASC 606			Balance at January 1, 2018
Assets
Inventories, net	$	173.7	$	(10.5	)	$	163.2
Unbilled contract revenue	36.5		6.5			43.0
Prepaid expenses	14.4		(1.6		)	12.8

Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	105.4	$	0.2		$	105.6
Customer advances and billings in excess of contract revenue	109.6		(7.8		)	101.8
Other current liabilities	39.9		0.1			40.0
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	62.1		0.3			62.4

Equity
Retained earnings	$	364.3	$	1.6		$	365.9

The following tables summarize the current period impacts of adopting ASC 606 on our audited consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations:



	December 31, 2018
	As Reported		Balances without adoption of ASC 606		Effect of adoption Higher (Lower)
Assets
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$	194.8	$	194.7	$	0.1
Inventories, net	233.1		254.1		(21.0		)
Unbilled contract revenue	54.5		46.5		8.0
Other current assets	47.2		47.3		(0.1		)

Liabilities
Customer advances and billings in excess of contract revenue	130.0		149.6		(19.6		)
Other current liabilities	44.7		43.6		1.1
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	76.4		75.1		1.3

Equity
Retained earnings	$	453.9	$	449.7	$	4.2



	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	As Reported		Balances without adoption of ASC 606		Effect of adoption Higher (Lower)
Sales	$	1,084.3	$	1,071.2	$	13.1
Cost of sales	788.4		778.7		9.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses	181.9		182.1		(0.2		)
Income tax expense	13.4		12.3		1.1
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Chart Industries, Inc.	88.0		85.4		2.6

Net income from continuing operations attributable to Chart Industries, Inc. per common share:
Basic	$	1.73	$	1.65	$	0.08
Diluted	$	1.67	$	1.59	$	0.08

Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These estimates may also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents: We consider all investments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. See the Debt and Credit Arrangements and Business Combinations notes for additional information about restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, which is included in other current assets and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowances: Accounts receivable includes amounts billed and currently due from customers. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. The allowance is based upon an assessment of customer creditworthiness, historical payment experience, the age of outstanding receivables and collateral to the extent applicable. Past-due trade receivable balances are written off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. As a practical expedient, we do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when we expect, at contract inception, that the period between our transfer of a promised product or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that product or service will be one year or less. We do not typically include extended payment terms in our contracts with customers.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. We determine inventory valuation reserves based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific problem in the valuation of a certain item, a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the item to its net realizable value. We also recognize reserves based on the actual usage in recent history and projected usage in the near-term.

Unbilled Contract Revenue: Unbilled contract revenue represents contract assets resulting from revenue recognized over time in excess of the amount billed to the customer and the amount billed to the customer is not just subject to the passage of time. Billing requirements vary by contract but are generally structured around the completion of certain milestones. These contract assets are generally classified as current.

Property, Plant and Equipment: Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, whereas major improvements that extend the useful life are capitalized. The cost of applicable assets is depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes.

Long-lived Assets: We monitor our property, plant, equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment indicators on an ongoing basis. If impairment indicators exist, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available. We perform the required analysis and record impairment charges, if applicable. In conducting our analysis, we compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived assets to the related net book values. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the net book value, the long-lived assets are considered not to be impaired. If the net book value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-lived assets. Fair value is estimated from discounted future net cash flows (for assets held and used) or net realizable value (for assets held for sale). Changes in economic or operating conditions impacting these estimates and assumptions could result in the impairment of long-lived assets. We amortize intangible assets that have finite lives over their estimated useful lives.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets: Goodwill is recognized as the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets, but review them for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an evaluation should be completed.

Goodwill is analyzed on a reporting unit basis. The reporting units are the same as the operating and reportable segments: Energy & Chemicals (“E&C”), Distribution & Storage Western Hemisphere (“D&S West”) and Distribution & Storage Eastern Hemisphere (“D&S East”). We first evaluate qualitative factors, such as macroeconomic conditions and our overall financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. We then evaluate how significant each of the identified factors could be to the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit and weigh these factors in totality in forming a conclusion of whether or not it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (the “Step 0 Test”). If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the first step of the goodwill impairment test is not necessary. Otherwise, we would proceed to the first step of the goodwill impairment test.

Alternatively, we may also bypass the Step 0 Test and proceed directly to the first step of the goodwill impairment test. Under the first step (“Step 1”), we estimate the fair value of the reporting units by considering income and market approaches to develop fair value estimates, which are weighted to arrive at a fair value estimate for each reporting unit. With respect to the income approach, a model has been developed to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. This fair value model incorporates estimates of future cash flows, estimates of allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of future growth rates and management’s judgment regarding the applicable discount rates to use to discount such estimates of cash flows. With respect to the market approach, a guideline company method is employed whereby pricing multiples are derived from companies with similar assets or businesses to estimate fair value of each reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, then goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment charge is based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., we would measure the charge based on the result from Step 1).

In order to assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of the reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to the market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair values over the market capitalization). We evaluate the control premium by comparing it to control premiums of recent comparable transactions. If the implied control premium is not reasonable in light of this assessment, we reevaluate the fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and other assumptions as necessary.

Changes to the assumptions and estimates used throughout the steps described above may result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units, which could result in a different assessment of the recoverability of goodwill and result in future impairment charges.

With respect to indefinite-lived intangible assets, we first evaluate relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If, in weighing all relevant events and circumstances in totality, we determine that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is not impaired, no further action is necessary. Otherwise, we would determine the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets and perform a quantitative impairment assessment by comparing the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value to its carrying amount. We may bypass such a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment. We estimate the fair value of the indefinite-lived assets using the income approach. This may include the relief from royalty method or use of a model similar to the one described above related to goodwill which estimates the future cash flows attributed to the indefinite-lived intangible asset and then discounting these cash flows back to a present value. Under the relief from royalty method, fair value is estimated by discounting the royalty savings, as well as any tax benefits related to ownership to a present value. The fair value from either approach is compared to the carrying value and an impairment is recorded if the fair value is determined to be less than the carrying value.

See Note 8, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” for more information relating to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Customer Advances and Billings in Excess of Contract Revenue: Our contract liabilities consist of advance customer payments, billings in excess of revenue recognized and deferred revenue. Our contract assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. We classify advance customer payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized as current. We classify deferred revenue as current or non-current based on the timing of when we expect to recognize revenue. The current portion of deferred revenue is included in customer advances and billings in excess of contract revenue in our audited consolidated balance sheets. Long-term deferred revenue is included in other long-term liabilities in our audited consolidated balance sheets.

Convertible Debt: We determined that the conversion option within our 1.00% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due November 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) was not clearly and closely related to the debt instrument host, however, the conversion option met a scope exception to derivative instrument accounting since the conversion feature is indexed to our common stock and meets equity classification criteria. Convertible debt instruments exempt from derivative accounting and subject to cash settlement of the conversion option are recognized by bifurcating the principal balance into a liability component and an equity component where the fair value of the liability component is estimated by calculating the present value of its cash flows discounted at an interest rate that we would have received for similar debt instruments that have no conversion rights (the “straight-debt rate”), and the equity component is the residual amount, net of tax, which creates a discount on the 2024 Notes. We recognize non-cash interest accretion expense related to the carrying amount of the 2024 Notes which is accreted back to its principal amount over the expected life of the debt, which is also the stated life of the debt.

Financial Instruments: The fair values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term bank debt approximate their carrying amount because of the short maturity of these instruments.

To minimize credit risk from trade receivables, we review the financial condition of potential customers in relation to established credit requirements before sales credit is extended and monitor the financial condition and payment history of customers to help ensure timely collections and to minimize losses. Additionally, for certain domestic and foreign customers, particularly in the E&C segment, we require advance payments, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, and other such guarantees of payment. Certain customers also require us to issue letters of credit or performance bonds, particularly in instances where advance payments are involved, as a condition of placing the order.

Fair Value Measurements: We measure our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.

Derivative Financial Instruments: We utilize certain derivative financial instruments to enhance our ability to manage foreign currency risk that exists as part of ongoing business operations. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. We do not enter into contracts for speculative purposes nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative instrument. We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain subsidiaries. We utilize foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency purchases and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of business. Contracts typically have maturities of less than one year. Principal currencies include the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese yuan, the Czech koruna, the Australian dollar, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the Indian rupee and the Japanese yen. Our foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify as hedges as defined by accounting guidance. Foreign currency forward contracts are measured at fair value and recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other current liabilities or assets. Changes in their fair value are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses. Our foreign currency forward contracts are not exchange traded instruments and, accordingly, the valuation is performed using Level 2 inputs as defined above. Gains or losses on settled or expired contracts are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as foreign currency gains or losses.

Product Warranties: We provide product warranties with varying terms and durations for the majority of our products. We estimate product warranty costs and accrue for these costs as products are sold with a charge to cost of sales. Factors considered in estimating warranty costs include historical and projected warranty claims, historical and projected cost-per-claim, and knowledge of specific product issues that are outside of typical experience. Warranty accruals are evaluated and adjusted as necessary based on actual claims experience and changes in future claim and cost estimates.

Business Combinations: We account for business combinations in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” We recognize and measure identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, is assigned to goodwill. As additional information becomes available, we may further revise the preliminary acquisition consideration allocation during the remainder of the measurement period, which shall not exceed twelve months from the closing of the acquisition.

Identifiable finite-lived intangible assets generally consist of customer relationships, unpatented technology, patents and trademarks and trade names and are amortized over their estimate useful lives which generally range from 2 to 15 years. Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets generally consist of trademarks and trade names and are subject to impairment testing on at least an annual basis. We estimate the fair value of identifiable intangible assets under income approaches where the fair value models incorporate estimates of future cash flows, estimates of allocations of certain assets and cash flows, estimates of future growth rates, and management’s judgment regarding the applicable discount rates to use to discount such estimates of cash flows.

We expense transaction related costs, including legal, consulting, accounting and other costs, in the periods in which the costs are incurred.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized when (or as) we satisfy performance obligations by transferring a promised good or service, an asset, to a customer. An asset is transferred to a customer when, or as, the customer obtains control over that asset. In most contracts, the transaction price includes both fixed and variable consideration. The variable consideration contained within our contracts with customers includes discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, price concessions, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties and other similar items. When a contract includes variable consideration, we evaluate the estimate of the variable consideration to determine whether the estimate needs to be constrained; therefore, we include the variable consideration in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable consideration estimates are updated at each reporting date. When a contract includes multiple performance obligations, the contract price is allocated among the performance obligations based upon the stand alone selling prices. When the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service is expected, at contract inception, to be one year or less, we do not adjust for the effects of a significant financing component.

For brazed aluminum heat exchangers, air cooled heat exchangers, cold boxes, liquefied natural gas fueling stations, engineered tanks, and repair services, most contracts contain language that transfers control to the customer over time. For these contracts, revenue is recognized as we satisfy the performance obligations by an allocation of the transaction price to the accounting period computed using input methods such as costs incurred. Input methods recognize revenue on the basis of the entity’s efforts or inputs to the satisfaction of a performance obligation relative to the total expected inputs to the satisfaction of that performance obligation. The costs incurred input method measures progress toward the satisfaction of the performance obligation by multiplying the transaction price of the performance obligation by the percentage of incurred costs as of the balance sheet date to the total estimated costs at completion after giving effect to the most current estimates. Timing of amounts billed on contracts varies from contract to contract and could cause significant variation in working capital needs. Revisions to estimated cost to complete that result from inefficiencies in our performance that were not expected in the pricing of the contract are expensed in the period in which these inefficiencies become known. Contract modifications can change a contract’s scope, price, or both. Approved contract modifications are accounted for as either a separate contract or as part of the existing contract depending on the nature of the modification.

For standard industrial gas and LNG tanks and some products identified in the prior paragraph with contract language that does not meet the over time recognition requirements, the contract with the customer contains language that transfers control to the customer at a point in time. For these contracts, revenue is recognized when we satisfy our performance obligation to the customer. Timing of amounts billed on contracts varies from contract to contract. The specific point in time when control transfers depends on the contract with the customer, contract terms that provide for a present obligation to pay, physical possession, legal title, risk and rewards of ownership, acceptance of the asset, and bill-and-hold arrangements may impact the point in time when control transfers to the customer. We recognize revenue under bill-and-hold arrangements when control transfers and the reason for the arrangement is substantive, the product is separately identified as belonging to the customer, the product is ready for physical transfer and we do not have the ability to use the product or direct it to another customer.

Incremental contract costs are expensed when incurred when the amortization period of the asset that would have been recognized is one year or less; otherwise, incremental contract costs are recognized as an asset and amortized over time as promised goods and services are transferred to a customer. When losses are expected to be incurred on a contract, we recognize the entire anticipated loss in the accounting period when the loss becomes evident. The loss is recognized when the current estimate of the consideration we expect to receive, modified to include unconstrained variable consideration instead of constrained variable consideration, is less than the current estimate of total costs for the contract.

Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by us from a customer, are excluded from revenue.

Shipping and handling fee revenues and the related expenses are reported as fulfillment revenues and expenses for all customers because we have adopted the practical expedient contained in ASC 606-10-25-18B. Therefore, all shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in cost of sales. Amounts billed to customers for shipping are classified as sales, and the related costs are classified as cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income. Shipping revenue of $11.4, $8.5, and $6.9 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are included in sales. Shipping costs of $16.9, $11.1, and $9.5 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are included in cost of sales.

Cost of Sales: Manufacturing expenses associated with sales are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales includes all materials, direct and indirect labor, inbound freight, purchasing and receiving, inspection, internal transfers, and distribution and warehousing of inventory. In addition, shop supplies, facility maintenance costs, manufacturing engineering, project management, and depreciation expense for assets used in the manufacturing process are included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of income.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses: SG&A expenses include selling, marketing, customer service, product management, design engineering, and other administrative expenses not directly supporting the manufacturing process, as well as depreciation and amortization expense associated with non-manufacturing assets. In addition, SG&A expenses include corporate operating expenses for executive management, accounting, tax, treasury, corporate development, human resources, information technology, investor relations, legal, internal audit and risk management.

Advertising Costs: We incurred advertising costs of $4.0, $4.2, and $3.8 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Research and Development Costs: We incurred research and development costs of $11.1, $7.1, and $7.6 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Such costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Foreign Currency Translation: The functional currency for the majority of our foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for asset and liability accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using the average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Remeasurement from local to functional currencies is included in cost sales or foreign currency loss in the consolidated statements of income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are charged to net income in the consolidated statements of income as incurred.

Income Taxes: The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and the consolidated tax return in accordance with the liability method. A valuation allowance is provided against net deferred tax assets when conditions indicate that it is more likely than not that the benefit related to such assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

We utilize a two-step approach for the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position and determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more likely than not of being realized upon settlement.

Interest and penalties related to income taxes are accounted for as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.

We have accounted for the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act, among other things, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, requires a current inclusion in U.S. federal taxable income of certain earnings of foreign corporations, and creates a new limitation on deductible interest expense. In 2017, we accounted for the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act under the guidance of SAB 118, on a provisional basis. In 2018, we finalized our analyses under SAB 118. For further information, see Note 15, “Income Taxes.”

Share-based Compensation: We measure share-based compensation expense for share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units based on the grant-date fair value. The fair value of stock options is calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model and is recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The grant-date fair value calculation under the Black-Scholes pricing model requires the use of variables such as exercise term of the option, future volatility, dividend yield, and risk-free interest rate. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on Chart’s market price on the date of grant and is generally recognized on an accelerated basis over the vesting period. The fair value of performance units is based on Chart’s market price on the date of grant and pre-determined performance conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the performance measurement period based on the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved. We reassess the vesting probability of performance units each reporting period and adjust share-based compensation expense based on our probability assessment. Share-based compensation expense for all awards considers estimated forfeitures.

During the year, we may repurchase shares of common stock from equity plan participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations relating to the vesting or payment of equity awards. All such repurchased shares are retired in the period in which the repurchases occur.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans: We sponsor two defined benefit pension plans including the Chart Pension Plan, which has been frozen since February 2006, and a noncontributory defined benefit plan that we acquired as part of the Hudson acquisition (the “Hudson Plan”). The Hudson Plan is closed to new participants and not considered significant to our consolidated financial statements.

The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation. The change in the funded status of the plan is recognized in the year in which the change occurs through accumulated other comprehensive loss. Our funding policy is to contribute at least the minimum funding amounts required by law. Management has chosen policies according to accounting guidance that allow the use of a calculated value of plan assets, which generally reduces the volatility of expense (income) from changes in pension liability discount rates and the performance of the pension plan’s assets.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards: In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” This ASU clarifies the accounting treatment for implementation costs for cloud computing arrangements (hosting arrangements) that is a service contract. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the effect that this ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” This ASU adds, modifies and clarifies several disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the effect that this ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU adds, modifies and removes several disclosure requirements relative to the three levels of inputs used to measure fair value in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the effect that this ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09, “Codification Improvements.” This ASU makes amendments to multiple codification Topics. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in this ASU do not require transition guidance and will be effective upon issuance of this ASU. However, many of the amendments in this ASU do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently assessing the effect that this ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” The FASB issued the update to provide amended guidance to “allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” Additionally, under the new guidance an entity will be required to provide certain disclosures regarding stranded tax effects. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years, and the guidance may be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The ASU expands and enhances hedge accounting to become more closely aligned with an entity’s risk management activities through hedging strategies. The ASU provides changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results in the financial statements and creates more transparency and better understandability around how economic results are presented in the financial statements. In addition, the new guidance makes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of accounting guidance relative to hedge effectiveness. The guidance will be applied prospectively for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the effect that the ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” and subsequently issued additional guidance that modified ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 and the subsequent modifications are identified as ASC 326.” The standard requires an entity to change its accounting approach in determining impairment of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, from an “incurred loss” to a “current expected credit loss” model. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within such fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the effect that ASC 326 will have on our financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and subsequently issued additional guidance that modified ASU 2016-02. ASU 2016-02 and the subsequent modifications are identified as “ASC 842.” The FASB issued ASC 842 to require the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet of lessees. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within such fiscal years. ASC 842 requires a modified retrospective transition method with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted.

We expect adoption to increase liabilities and assets recorded on our consolidated balance sheet due to the addition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and our total right-of-use assets. We also expect that adoption of ASC 842 will increase the level of disclosures related to leases and require changes to our internal controls to support recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard. As of December 31, 2018, we had $39.6 million of undiscounted future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases as discussed in Note 18, “Lease Commitments.” While we are substantially complete, we are currently still in the process of finalizing our evaluation of the effect that ASC 842 will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. We expect to complete our accounting assessment and determine the quantitative impact of adoption during the first quarter of 2019.