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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Financial Statement Presentation The consolidated financial statements of Eastman Chemical Company ("Eastman" or the "Company") and subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted ("GAAP") in the United States and of necessity include some amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments. Future actual results could differ from such current estimates. The consolidated financial statements include assets, liabilities, sales revenue, and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures in which a controlling interest is maintained. Eastman accounts for other joint ventures and investments in minority-owned companies where it exercises significant influence on the equity basis. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period data has been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnotes to conform to current period presentation. As of January 1, 2018:
• | Eastman's primary measure of operating performance for all periods presented is earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") on a consolidated and segment basis. Previously, the Company's primary measure of operating performance was operating earnings.
• | As discussed below, the new accounting standard for the presentation of net periodic benefit costs requires the Company to present non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs (interest cost, expected return on plan assets, curtailment gains or losses, amortization of prior service costs or credits, and mark-to-market gains or losses) separately from service cost. These non-service cost components were reclassified from "Cost of sales", "Selling, general and administrative expenses", and "Research and development expenses" line items and are now included in a new line item, "Other components of post-employment (benefit) cost, net" on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings for all periods presented. This reclassification does not change prior period EBIT, earnings before income taxes, or net earnings and, accordingly, management does not consider this change to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 Revenue Recognition (Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606): On January 1, 2018, Eastman adopted this standard under the modified retrospective method, such that revenue for all periods prior to January 1, 2018 continue to be reported under the previous standard, which resulted in an increase to retained earnings of $53 million after tax for products shipped but not delivered as of December 31, 2017. Under the new standard, the Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations of the sale are satisfied. The majority of the Company's terms of sale have a single performance obligation to transfer products. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue when control has been transferred to the customer, generally at the time of shipment of products. Under the previous revenue recognition accounting standard, the Company recognized revenue upon transfer of title and risk of loss, generally upon the delivery of goods. Changes in the accounting required by this new standard did not materially impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures when comparing 2018 under the new revenue standard to previous years under the prior standard. For further information, see Note 22, "Revenue Recognition". ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments: On January 1, 2018, Eastman adopted this standard relating to the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. This standard requires equity investments (except equity method and consolidated investments) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Management has concluded that changes in its accounting required by the new standard did not materially impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2018-03 as an update to the standard described above which was adopted on July 1, 2018. Management has concluded that changes in its accounting required by the update did not materially impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2016-16 Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers: On January 1, 2018, Eastman adopted this standard under the modified retrospective method resulting in a beginning retained earnings decrease of $39 million. Under this standard, the Company is required to recognize the income tax consequence of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU 2017-05 Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets: On January 1, 2018, Eastman adopted this standard in conjunction with the revenue recognition standard mentioned above. This standard clarifies the scope of nonfinancial asset derecognition and the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. This adoption had no impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures in the current period. ASU 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits: On January 1, 2018, Eastman adopted this standard retrospectively for income statement effects and prospectively for balance sheet effects. This standard is intended to improve the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs by requiring the reporting of the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit costs (interest cost, expected return on plan assets, curtailment gains or losses, amortization of prior service costs or credits, and mark-to-market gains or losses) are to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if presented. Management has concluded that changes in its accounting required by this new standard did not materially impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2017-12 Derivatives and Hedging: On January 1, 2018, Eastman adopted this standard on a modified retrospective basis for income statement impacts and prospectively for presentation and disclosure resulting in a beginning retained earnings increase of $2 million related to ineffectiveness recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" ("AOCI") which was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position under the previous standard. This standard is intended to simplify the application of hedge accounting and improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in the financial statements. Management has included the additional disclosures required by this standard in Note 9, "Derivative and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments". ASU 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: On October 1, 2018, Eastman adopted this standard on a prospective basis beginning with the assessments performed in the fourth quarter 2018. FASB issued this standard as a part of its simplification initiative that bases the impairment of goodwill on any difference for which the carrying value is greater than the fair value of the reporting unit. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Adopted as of December 31, 2018 ASU 2016-02 Leases: In February 2016, the FASB issued this standard on lease accounting. The new standard establishes two types of leases for lessees: finance and operating. Both finance and operating leases will have associated right-of-use assets and liabilities initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period and early adoption is permitted. The new standard is to be applied under a modified retrospective approach wherein practical expedients have been allowed that will not require reassessment of current leases at the effective date. In July 2018, the FASB issued update ASU 2018-11 that allows entities to initially apply the new leases standard prospectively at the adoption date with a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption as necessary. The Company will adopt this standard beginning first quarter 2019, and anticipates adopting under the optional prospective method which will have a material impact, on a gross basis, on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. In preparation for adoption, management continues lease accounting system testing and development of related internal controls and disclosures. ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: In June 2016, the FASB issued this standard relating to credit losses. The amendments require a financial asset (including trade receivables) to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of allowances for credit losses valuation account. The income statement will reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period and early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period, beginning after December 15, 2018. In November 2018, the FASB issued amendment 2018-19 to clarify that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of this sub-topic but instead, impairment of such operating lease receivables should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 842, Leases (2016-02 above). The new standard application is mixed among the various elements that include modified retrospective and prospective transition methods. Management does not expect that changes in its accounting required by the new standard will materially impact the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2018-02 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income: In February 2018, the FASB issued this standard that allows the reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Reform Act"). The amount of the reclassification is the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances related to items remaining in AOCI. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company will adopt this standard beginning first quarter 2019, and it is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. ASU 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement: In August 2018, the FASB issued this update as a part of its disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption was permitted upon issuance of this update and an entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until the effective date. Certain disclosure amendments are to be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented, while other amendments are to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Management is currently evaluating implementation options and impact on the Company's related disclosures. ASU 2018-14 Retirement Benefits - Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans: In August 2018, the FASB issued this update as a part of its disclosure framework project to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, this update is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Management is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's related disclosures. ASU 2018-15 Internal-Use Software - Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract: In August 2018, the FASB issued this update. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. This standard is to be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. Management is currently evaluating implementation options and impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. 2018-16 Derivatives and Hedging - Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes: In October 2018, the FASB issued this update that permits the use of the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. For entities that have already adopted 2017-12, above, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will adopt this standard beginning first quarter 2019, and anticipates adopting on a prospective basis for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships. 2018-18 Collaborative Arrangements - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 (Collaborative Arrangements) and Topic 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers): In November 2018, the FASB issued clarification in regards to which contracts are accounted for under Topic 808 and Topic 606 as well as alignment of guidance between the two Topics. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, this update is to be applied retrospectively to the date of initial application of Topic 606. Management is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash, time deposits, and readily marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. Fair Value Measurements Eastman records recurring and non-recurring financial assets and liabilities as well as all non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement at the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. These fair value principles prioritize valuation inputs across three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company's assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. An asset or liability's classification within the various levels is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Eastman maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company calculates the allowance based on an assessment of the risk in the accounts receivable portfolio. Write-offs are recorded at the time a customer receivable is deemed uncollectible. Allowance for doubtful accounts was $11 million and $12 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company does not enter into receivables of a long-term nature, also known as financing receivables, in the normal course of business. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Eastman determines the cost of most raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories in the United States and Switzerland by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The cost of all other inventories is determined by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. The Company writes-down its inventories for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the carrying value of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Properties Eastman records properties at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings; replacements and betterments are capitalized. When Eastman retires or otherwise disposes of assets, it removes the cost of such assets and related accumulated depreciation from the accounts. The Company records any profit or loss on retirement or other disposition into earnings. Asset impairments are reflected as increases in accumulated depreciation for properties that have been placed in service. In instances when an asset has not been placed in service and is impaired, the associated costs are removed from the appropriate property accounts. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation expense is calculated based on historical cost and the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for buildings and building equipment generally range from 20 to 50 years. Estimated useful lives generally ranging from 3 to 33 years are applied to machinery and equipment in the following categories: computer software (3 to 5 years); office furniture and fixtures and computer equipment (5 to 10 years); vehicles, railcars, and general machinery and equipment (5 to 20 years); and manufacturing-related improvements (20 to 33 years). Accelerated depreciation is reported when the estimated useful life is shortened and continues to be reported in cost of sales. Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets is generally determined using a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. For additional information, see Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Definite-lived Assets Properties and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets to be held and used by Eastman are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The review of properties and equipment is performed at the asset group level and the review of definite-lived intangible assets is performed at the asset level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying amount is not considered to be recoverable, an analysis of fair value is triggered. An impairment is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants. Goodwill Eastman conducts testing of goodwill annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. The testing of goodwill is performed at the "reporting unit" level which the Company has determined to be its "components". Components are defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, and in order to be a reporting unit, the component must 1) be a "business" as defined by applicable accounting standards (an integrated set of activities and assets that is capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return in the form of dividends, lower costs, or other economic benefits directly to the investors or other owners, members, or participants); 2) have discrete financial information available; and 3) be reviewed regularly by Company operating segment management. The Company aggregates certain components into reporting units based on economic similarities. On October 1, 2018, management adopted ASU 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other to simplify the annual goodwill impairment testing process. A reporting unit's goodwill is considered to be impaired when the reporting unit's estimated fair value is less than its carrying value. The Company uses an income approach and applies a fair value methodology based on discounted cash flows in testing the carrying value of goodwill for each reporting unit. Key assumptions and estimates used in the Company's 2018 goodwill impairment testing included projections of revenues, expenses, and cash flows determined using the Company's annual multi-year strategic plan and a market participant tax rate. The most critical assumptions are the estimated discount rate and a projected long-term growth rate. The Company believes these assumptions are consistent with those a hypothetical market participant would use given circumstances that were present at the time the estimates were made. However, actual results and amounts may be significantly different from the Company's estimates. In addition, the use of different estimates or assumptions could result in materially different determinations. In order to determine the discount rate, the Company uses a market participant weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") approach. The WACC is calculated incorporating weighted average returns on debt and equity from market participants. Therefore, changes in the market, which are beyond the control of the Company, may have an impact on future calculations of estimated fair value. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Eastman conducts testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. The carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered to be impaired when the fair value, as established by appraisal or based on discounted future cash flows of certain related products, is less than the respective carrying value. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting primarily of various tradenames, are tested for potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value to the carrying amount. The Company uses an income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method, to test indefinite-lived intangible assets. The estimated fair value of tradenames is determined based on an assumed royalty rate savings, discounted by the calculated market participant WACC plus a risk premium. For additional information, see Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Investments The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eastman and all its subsidiaries and entities or joint ventures in which a controlling interest is maintained. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried on the equity basis. Under the equity method of accounting, these investments are included in other noncurrent assets. The Company includes its share of earnings and losses of such investments in "Other (income) charges, net", and its share of "Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax" ("OCI") located in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings and in the appropriate component of AOCI located in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Eastman maintains defined benefit pension plans that provide eligible employees with retirement benefits. Under its other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S., Eastman provides life insurance for eligible retirees hired prior to January 1, 2007. Eastman provides a subsidy for pre-Medicare health care and dental benefits to eligible retirees hired prior to January 1, 2007 that will end on December 31, 2021. Company funding is also provided for eligible Medicare retirees hired prior to January 1, 2007 with a health reimbursement arrangement. The estimated amounts of the costs and obligations related to these benefits reflect the Company's assumptions related to discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase or decrease for employees, and health care cost trends. The estimated cost of providing plan benefits also depends on demographic assumptions including retirements, mortality, turnover, and plan participation. Eastman's pension and other postretirement benefit plans costs consist of two elements: 1) ongoing costs recognized quarterly, which are comprised of service and interest costs, expected returns on plan assets, and amortization of prior service credits; and 2) mark-to-market ("MTM") gains and losses recognized annually, in the fourth quarter of each year, primarily resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions for discount rates and the differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets. Any interim remeasurements triggered by a curtailment, settlement, or significant plan changes are recognized in the quarter in which such remeasurement event occurs. For additional information, see Note 10, "Retirement Plans". Environmental Costs Eastman accrues environmental remediation costs when it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability at a contaminated site and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company accrues the minimum undiscounted amount. This undiscounted accrued amount reflects liabilities expected to be paid within approximately 30 years and the Company's assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated site, the nature of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties. Changes in the estimates on which the accruals are based, unanticipated government enforcement action, or changes in health, safety, environmental, and chemical control regulations and testing requirements could result in higher or lower costs. The Company also establishes reserves for closure and post-closure costs associated with the environmental and other assets it maintains. Environmental assets include but are not limited to waste management units, such as landfills, water treatment facilities, and surface impoundments. When these types of assets are constructed or installed, a loss contingency reserve is established for the anticipated future costs associated with the retirement or closure of the asset based on its expected life and the applicable regulatory closure requirements. The Company recognizes the asset retirement obligations in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The asset retirement obligations are discounted to expected present value and subsequently adjusted for changes in fair value. These future estimated costs are charged to earnings over the estimated useful life of the assets. If the Company changes its estimate of the environmental asset retirement obligation costs or its estimate of the useful lives of these assets, expenses charged to earnings will be impacted. The current portion of accruals for environmental liabilities is included in payables and other current liabilities and the long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities. These accruals exclude claims for recoveries from insurance companies or other third parties. Environmental costs are capitalized if they extend the life of the related property, increase its capacity, or mitigate or prevent future contamination. The cost of operating and maintaining environmental control facilities is charged to expense as incurred. For additional information see Note 12, "Environmental Matters and Asset Retirement Obligations". Derivative and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments Eastman uses derivative and non-derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. Counterparties to the derivative contracts are highly rated financial institutions which the Company believes carry minimal risk of nonperformance and the Company diversifies its positions among such counterparties to reduce its exposure to counterparty risk and credit losses. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of its counterparties on an ongoing basis. The Company's derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and measured at fair value. For qualifying derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value are reported as a component of AOCI in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and recognized in earnings when the hedged items affect earnings. For qualifying derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value are reported as "Long-term borrowings" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and recognized in earnings when the hedged items affect earnings. For qualifying derivative or non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges, the net change in the hedge instrument and item being hedged is reported as a component of "Cumulative translation adjustment" ("CTA") within AOCI located in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings. Any hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in earnings, the initial value of the excluded component, using a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument. Changes in the fair value of nonqualifying derivatives or derivatives that are not designated as hedges, are recognized in current earnings. Hedge accounting will be discontinued prospectively for all hedges that no longer qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Cash flows from derivative instruments designated as hedges are reported in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. For additional information, see Note 9, "Derivative and Non-Derivative Financial Instruments". Litigation and Contingent Liabilities Eastman and its operations from time to time are, and in the future, may be, parties to or targets of lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, asbestos, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, environmental, antitrust, health and safety, and employment matters, which are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues a contingent loss liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company accrues the minimum amount. The Company expenses legal costs, including those expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, as incurred. Revenue Recognition and Customer Incentives As noted above, on January 1, 2018, Eastman adopted ASU 2014-09 Revenue Recognition (ASC 606). For accounting policy and elections, see Note 22, "Revenue Recognition". Restructuring of Operations Eastman records restructuring charges for costs incurred in connection with consolidation of operations, exited business or product lines, or shutdowns of specific sites that are expected to be substantially completed within twelve months. These restructuring charges are recorded as incurred, and are associated with site closures, legal and environmental matters, demolition, contract terminations, obsolete inventory, or other costs and charges directly related to the restructuring. The Company records severance charges for employee separations when the separation is probable and reasonably estimable. In the event employees are required to perform future service, the Company records severance charges ratably over the remaining service period of those employees. For additional information, see Note 15, "Asset Impairments and Restructuring Charges, Net". Share-based Compensation Eastman recognizes compensation expense in the financial statements for stock options and other share-based compensation awards based upon the grant-date fair value over the substantive vesting period. For additional information, see Note 17, "Share-Based Compensation Plans and Awards". Income Taxes The provision for (benefit from) income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for (benefit from) income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of Eastman's assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Provision has been made for income taxes on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and affiliates, except for subsidiaries in which earnings are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company recognizes income tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold and accrues interest related to unrecognized income tax positions which is recorded as a component of the income tax provision. In conjunction with its evaluation of the provisions of the Tax Reform Act, in 2018, the Company made an accounting policy election to account for taxes resulting from the global intangible low-tax income ("GILTI") as a component of the provision for income taxes.

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