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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Nov. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Consolidation The financial statements include the accounts of our majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, over which we exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for by the equity method. Accordingly, our share of net income or loss of unconsolidated affiliates is included in net income. Foreign Currency Translation For majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates, if located outside of the U.S., with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, asset and liability accounts are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date and the resultant translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates — that is, transactions denominated in other than their functional currency — other than intercompany transactions designated as long-term investments, are included in net earnings. Our unconsolidated affiliates located outside the U.S. generally use their local currencies as their functional currencies. The asset and liability accounts of those unconsolidated affiliates are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date, with the resultant translation adjustments included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of those affiliates. Income and expense items of those affiliates are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. We record our ownership share of the net assets and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of our unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated balance sheet on the lines entitled “Other long-term assets” and “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” respectively. We record our ownership share of the net income of our unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated income statement on the line entitled “Income from unconsolidated operations.” Use of Estimates Preparation of financial statements that follow accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and notes. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined under the first-in, first-out costing method (FIFO), including the use of average costs which approximate FIFO. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost and depreciated over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method for financial reporting and both accelerated and straight-line methods for tax reporting. The estimated useful lives range from 20 to 50 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery, equipment and other assets. Assets leased under capital leases are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that we will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Computer Software We capitalize costs of software developed or obtained for internal use. Capitalized software development costs include only (1) direct costs paid to others for materials and services to develop or buy the software, (2) payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who work directly on the software development project and (3) interest costs while developing the software. Capitalization of these costs stops when the project is substantially complete and ready for use. The net book value of capitalized software totaled $116.0 million and $76.4 million at November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Such amounts are recorded within "Other long-term assets" in the consolidated balance sheet. Software is amortized using the straight-line method over a range of 3 to 13 years, but not exceeding the expected life of the product. The net book value of capitalized software includes $86.7 million and $44.9 million at November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which had not yet been placed into service and relates to our future implementation of a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We review the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and conduct tests of impairment on an annual basis as described below. We also test goodwill for impairment if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount and test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Separable intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those lives. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived purchased intangible asset is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, assumed royalty rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparables. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from these estimates. Goodwill Impairment Our reporting units used to assess potential goodwill impairment are the same as our business segments. We calculate fair value of a reporting unit by using a discounted cash flow model and then compare that to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including intangible assets and goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the calculated fair value, we would determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value. Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset Impairment Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of acquired brand names and trademarks. We primarily determine fair value by using a relief-from-royalty method and then compare that to the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded to the extent the recorded indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the fair value. Long-lived Asset Impairment Fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Undiscounted cash flow analyses are used to determine if an impairment exists. If an impairment is determined to exist, the loss would be calculated based on the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value. Revenue Recognition We manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry—retailers, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. We recognize sales as performance obligations are fulfilled when control passes to the customer. Revenues are recorded net of trade and sales incentives and estimated product returns. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, rebates and returns, are estimated at the time of sale. Any taxes collected on behalf of government authorities are excluded from net sales. We account for product shipping and handling as fulfillment activities with costs for these activities recorded within cost of goods sold. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as accounts receivable on the balance sheet and require payment on a short-term basis. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of probable non-payments and credit losses in our existing receivables, as determined based on a review of past due balances and other specific account data. The following table sets forth our net sales by the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) geographic regions:
(millions) | Americas | EMEA | APAC | Total
2020 |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ | 3,974.9 |  | $ | 1,046.7 |  | $ | 579.7 |  | $ | 5,601.3 |
2019 |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ | 3,711.3 |  | $ | 986.1 |  | $ | 650.0 |  | $ | 5,347.4 |
2018 |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ | 3,627.5 |  | $ | 1,021.1 |  | $ | 654.2 |  | $ | 5,302.8 |
Performance Obligations Our revenues primarily result from contracts or purchase orders with customers, which generally are both short-term in nature and have a single performance obligation—the delivery of our products to customers. We assess the goods and services promised in our customers’ contracts or purchase orders and identify a performance obligation for each promise to transfer a good or service (or bundle of goods or services) that is distinct. To identify the performance obligations, we consider all the goods or services promised, whether explicitly stated or implied based on customary business practices. Significant Judgments Sales are recorded net of trade and sales incentives and estimated product returns. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, rebates or returns, are estimated at the time of sale. Where applicable, future reimbursements are estimated based on a combination of historical patterns and future expectations regarding these programs. Key sales terms, such as pricing and quantities ordered, are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one-year or shorter duration. Estimates that affect revenue, such as trade incentives and product returns, are monitored and adjusted each period until the incentives or product returns are realized. The adjustments recognized during the year ended November 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 resulting from updated estimates of revenue for prior year product sales were not significant. The unsettled portion remaining in accrued liabilities for these activities was $183.3 million and $137.2 million at November 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Practical Expedients We have elected the following policy elections and practical expedients with respect to revenue recognition: •Shipping and handling costs — We elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur before the customer has obtained control of a good as fulfillment activities (i.e., an expense) rather than as a promised service. •Measurement of transaction price — We elected to exclude from the measurement of transaction price all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by us from a customer for sales, value added and other excise taxes. •Incremental cost of obtaining a contract — We elected to expense any incremental costs of obtaining a contract when the contract is for a period of one year or less. Shipping and Handling Shipping and handling costs on our products sold to customers related to activities that occur before the customer has obtained control of a good are included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated income statement. Brand Marketing Support Total brand marketing support costs, which are included in our consolidated income statement in the line entitled "Selling, general and administrative expense", were $230.3 million, $214.6 million and $218.7 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Brand marketing support costs include advertising and promotions but exclude trade funds paid to customers for such activities. All trade funds paid to customers are reflected in the consolidated income statement as a reduction of net sales. Promotion costs include public relations, shopper marketing, social marketing activities, general consumer promotion activities and depreciation of assets used in these promotional activities. Advertising costs include the development, production and communication of advertisements through television, digital, print and radio. Development and production costs are expensed in the period in which the advertisement is first run. All other costs of advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $174.8 million, $150.8 million and $147.2 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in our consolidated income statement in the line entitled "Selling, general and administrative expense". Research and development expense was $68.6 million, $67.3 million and $69.4 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Income Taxes Income taxes are recognized in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law. Changes in enacted tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur. As more fully described in note 13, the U.S. Tax Act created a new requirement that certain income earned by foreign subsidiaries, referred to as Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI), must be included in the gross income of the subsidiary’s U.S. shareholder; this provision of the U.S. Tax Act was effective for us beginning on December 1, 2018. Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. provide for an accounting policy election of either recognizing deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or recognizing such taxes as a current period expense when incurred. We have elected to treat GILTI as a current period expense when incurred. In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, we recognize a tax position in our financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. That position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. We recognize stock-based compensation expense associated with options and restricted stock units (RSUs), which contain provisions that such awards fully vest upon an employee’s retirement, ratably over the shorter of the vesting period or the employees’ retirement eligibility date. Accordingly, we recognize stock-based compensation associated with options and RSUs subject to immediate retirement eligible vesting provisions on the date of grant. Compensation expense associated with our long-term performance plan (LTPP) is recorded in the income statement ratably over the three-year period of the program based on the number of shares ultimately expected to be awarded using our estimate of the most likely outcome of achieving the performance objectives. We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant based on historical experience and revises this estimate in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ. We recognize stock-based compensation expense associated with price-vested stock options ratably over the vesting period as such options do not contain provisions that fully vest these awards upon an employee’s retirement. Stock Split On September 28, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a stock dividend on all shares of the Company’s two classes of common stock, Common Stock and Common Stock Non-Voting. On November 30, 2020, one like share was issued for each share outstanding to shareholders of record as of November 20, 2020. Trading of the Company’s common stock began on a split-adjusted basis on December 1, 2020. All common stock and per-share data have been retroactively adjusted for the impact of the stock split. Derivative Instruments We record all derivatives on our balance sheet at fair value. The fair value of derivative instruments is recorded in our consolidated balance sheet on the lines entitled “Other current assets", "Other long-term assets", "Other accrued liabilities" or "Other long-term liabilities". Gains and losses representing either hedge ineffectiveness, hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, or hedges of translational exposure are recorded in our consolidated income statement in the lines entitled "Other income (expense), net" or "Interest expense". In our consolidated cash flow statement, settlements of cash flow and fair value hedges are classified as operating activities; settlements of all other derivative instruments, including instruments for which hedge accounting has been discontinued, are classified consistent with the nature of the instruments. Cash flow hedges. Qualifying derivatives are accounted for as cash flow hedges when the hedged item is a forecasted transaction. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in our consolidated balance sheet on the line entitled “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" until the underlying transaction is recorded in earnings. When the hedged item is realized, gains or losses are reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our consolidated balance sheet to our consolidated income statement on the same line items as the underlying transactions. Fair value hedges. Qualifying derivatives are accounted for as fair value hedges when the hedged item is a recognized asset, liability, or firm commitment. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in earnings, offsetting gains and losses on the hedged item. Net investment hedges. Qualifying derivative and nonderivative financial instruments are accounted for as net investment hedges when the hedged item is a nonfunctional currency investment in a subsidiary. Gains and losses on these instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustments, a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our consolidated balance sheet. Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans We sponsor defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and certain foreign locations. In addition, we sponsor defined contribution plans in the U.S. We contribute to defined contribution plans in locations outside the U.S., including government-sponsored retirement plans. We also currently provide postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to certain U.S. employees and retirees. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans as an asset or a liability in our balance sheet, with changes in the funded status recorded through other comprehensive income in the year in which those changes occur. The expected return on plan assets is determined using the expected rate of return and a calculated value of plan assets referred to as the market-related value of plan assets. Differences between assumed and actual returns are amortized to the market-related value of assets on a straight-line basis over five years. We use the corridor approach in the valuation of defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses resulting from variances between actual results and actuarial assumptions. Those unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gains and losses exceed 10% of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year. The amount in excess of the corridor is amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of retired plan participants, for plans whose benefits have been frozen, or the average remaining service period to retirement date of active plan participants. Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020 We adopted the new accounting standard for leases, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 Leases (ASC 842), as of December 1, 2019 and we elected to do so using a modified retrospective transition method. That modified retrospective transition method allowed us to initially apply the standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the opening balance sheet in the period of adoption without restating prior periods. ASC 842 revised prior practice related to accounting for leases under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 840 Leases (ASC 840) for both lessees and lessors and requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets. Under ASC 842, the lease liability is equal to the present value of lease payments, and the ROU asset is based on the lease liability, subject to adjustments, such as for deferred rent and initial direct costs. For income statement purposes, ASC 842 retains a dual model similar to ASC 840, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. For lessees, operating leases result in straight-line expense (similar to prior accounting by lessees for operating leases under ASC 840) while finance leases result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to prior accounting by lessees for capital leases under ASC 840). We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which, among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification. In addition, we made accounting policy elections to combine the lease and non-lease components for all asset categories other than real estate. We also made elections to exclude from balance sheet reporting those leases with initial terms of 12 months or less (short-term leases). Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities of $136.5 million and $140.0 million, respectively, with the difference due to prepaid and deferred rents that were reclassified to the ROU asset value. No cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings was required as of December 1, 2019. The standard did not materially affect our consolidated net income or cash flows for our fiscal year ended November 30, 2020. See note 7 for further details. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements — Pending Adoption In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topics (Topic 350)—Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill of a reporting unit to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, a company will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The new standard will be effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2021. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which institutes a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments that are not measured at fair value. The new standard is effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2021, and it will primarily impact our credit losses recognized for trade accounts receivable. This guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance removes certain exceptions to the general principles for income taxes and also improves consistent application of accounting by clarifying or amending existing guidance. The new standard is effective for the first quarter of our fiscal year ending November 30, 2022, and interim periods within those years. We are currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting that provides optional expedients for a limited period of time for accounting for contracts, hedging relationship, and other transactions affected by the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or other reference rate expected to be discontinued. These optional expedients can be applied from March 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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