Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies and practices

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies and practices

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and on the same basis as the audited financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2021, are not audited but reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair statement of the results of the periods shown. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Because the consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for a complete set of financial statements, they should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The results for the three-month periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.

Significant accounting policies and practices

Earnings per share (EPS)

We use the two-class method for calculating EPS because the restricted stock units (RSUs) we grant are participating securities containing non-forfeitable rights to receive dividend equivalents. Under the two-class method, a portion of net income is allocated to RSUs and excluded from the calculation of income allocated to common stock.

Computation and reconciliation of earnings per common share are as follows (shares in millions):


	For Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021					2020
	Net Income		Shares	EPS		Net Income		Shares	EPS
Basic EPS:
Net income	$	1,753				$	1,174
Income allocated to RSUs	(8)					(6)
Income allocated to common stock	$	1,745	922	$	1.89	$	1,168	931	$	1.25
Dilutive effect of stock compensation plans			13					12

Diluted EPS:
Net income	$	1,753				$	1,174
Income allocated to RSUs	(8)					(6)
Income allocated to common stock	$	1,745	935	$	1.87	$	1,168	943	$	1.24

Potentially dilutive securities representing 3 million and 9 million shares of common stock that were outstanding during the first quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share during these periods because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Derivatives and hedging

We use derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to foreign exchange risk. These instruments are primarily forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which are used as economic hedges to reduce the earnings impact that exchange rate fluctuations may have on our non-U.S. dollar net balance sheet exposures. Gains and losses from changes in the fair value of these forward foreign currency exchange contracts are credited or charged to OI&E. We do not apply hedge accounting to our foreign currency derivative instruments.

We are exposed to variability in compensation charges related to certain deferred compensation obligations to employees. We use total return swaps to economically hedge this exposure and offset the related compensation expense, recognizing changes in the value of the swaps and the related deferred compensation liabilities in SG&A.

In connection with the issuance of long-term debt, we may use financial derivatives such as treasury-rate lock agreements that are recognized in AOCI and amortized over the life of the related debt. The results of these derivative transactions have not been material.

We do not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes.

Fair values of financial instruments

The fair values of our derivative financial instruments were not material as of March 31, 2021. Our investments in cash equivalents, short-term investments and certain long-term investments, as well as our deferred compensation liabilities, are carried at fair value. The carrying values for other current financial assets and liabilities, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to the short maturity of such instruments. As of March 31, 2021, the carrying value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $6.25 billion, and the estimated fair value was $6.74 billion. The estimated fair value is measured using broker-dealer quotes, which are Level 2 inputs. See Note 4 for a description of fair value and the definition of Level 2 inputs.