Segment Information

We are organized into seven geographic operating segments based on management responsibilities. The operating segments have been aggregated (based on economic similarities, the nature of their products, end-user markets and methods of distribution) into three reportable segments: Americas, International, and Corporate.

The Americas segment is comprised of our operations in North America and Latin America geographies. The International segment is comprised of our operations of all geographies outside of the Americas. Certain global expenses are allocated to each segment in a manner consistent with where the benefits from the expenses are derived.

The Company's sales are allocated to each country based primarily on the destination of the end-customer.

Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin are the measures used by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Adjusted operating income (loss) is defined as operating income excluding restructuring charges, currency exchange gains/losses, other operating expense and strategic transaction costs. Adjusted operating margin is defined as adjusted operating income (loss) divided by segment sales to external customers. Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin are not recognized terms under U.S. GAAP and therefore do not purport to be alternatives to operating income or operating margin as a measure of operating performance. Further, the Company's measure of adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted operating income (loss) on a consolidated basis is presented in the following table to reconcile the segment operating performance measure to operating income as presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level in determining operating income (loss) are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level. Sales and transfers between operating segments are accounted for at market-based transaction prices and are eliminated in consolidation.

Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:



(In thousands)	Americas			International			Corporate			Reconciling Items₁			Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Sales to external customers	$	209,129		$	116,765		$	—		$	—		$	325,894
Intercompany sales	34,198			82,379			—			(116,577		)	—
Operating income													44,435
Restructuring charges (Note 5)													5,274
Currency exchange losses, net													2,008
Other operating expense (Note 19)													2,824
Strategic transaction costs (Note 15)													94
Adjusted operating income (loss)	50,086			12,778			(8,229		)	—			54,635
Adjusted operating margin %	23.9		%	10.9		%



(In thousands)	Americas			International			Corporate			Reconciling Items₁			Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Sales to external customers	$	166,568		$	99,197		$	—		$	—		$	265,765
Intercompany sales	30,189			70,196			—			(100,385		)	—
Operating income													18,619
Restructuring charges (Note 5)													12,739
Currency exchange losses, net													580
Other operating expense (Note 19)													—
Strategic transaction costs (Note 15)													1,337
Adjusted operating income (loss)	36,151			7,796			(10,672		)	—			33,275
Adjusted operating margin %	21.7		%	7.9		%

₁Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items not directly attributable to reporting segments.

Total sales by product group was as follows:



Three Months Ended March 31, 2018	Americas			International			Consolidated
(In thousands)	Dollars		Percent	Dollars		Percent	Dollars		Percent
Breathing Apparatus	$	49,333	24%	$	25,285	22%	$	74,618	23%
Fixed Gas & Flame Detection	32,526		15%	28,405		24%	60,931		19%
Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel	34,754		17%	9,730		8%	44,484		14%
Portable Gas Detection	28,762		14%	13,465		12%	42,227		13%
Industrial Head Protection	27,841		13%	7,115		6%	34,956		11%
Fall Protection	14,109		7%	11,596		10%	25,705		8%
Other	21,804		10%	21,169		18%	42,973		12%
Total	209,129		100%	116,765		100%	325,894		100%



Three Months Ended March 31, 2017	Americas			International			Consolidated
(In thousands)	Dollars		Percent	Dollars		Percent	Dollars		Percent
Breathing Apparatus	$	48,690	29%	$	19,555	20%	$	68,245	26%
Fixed Gas & Flame Detection	27,978		17%	22,803		23%	50,781		19%
Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel	6,101		4%	8,305		8%	14,406		5%
Portable Gas Detection	25,015		15%	11,491		12%	36,506		14%
Industrial Head Protection	24,760		15%	6,116		6%	30,876		12%
Fall Protection	11,228		7%	10,714		11%	21,942		8%
Other	22,796		13%	20,213		20%	43,009		16%
Total	166,568		100%	99,197		100%	265,765		100%