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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
 The presentation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
 Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for discounts and doubtful accounts. The allowances for doubtful accounts represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations (usually due to customers’ potential insolvency), or discounts related to early payment of accounts receivables by our customers. The allowances include provisions for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowances include a provision for customer defaults on a general formula basis when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with specific customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical collection experience and existing economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.7 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories
 The majority of our inventories are accounted for using the 
first-in,
 
first-out
 (“FIFO”) inventory method. Inventory provisions are recorded to reduce inventory to the lower of cost or market value for obsolete or slow moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions, inventory levels and turns, product spoilage and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance, engineering/material changes, or regulatory-related changes.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, we determined that it was preferable to change our accounting policy from 
last-in,
 
first-out
 (“LIFO”) to FIFO for product groups in which metals comprise a significant portion of inventory cost. We believe this change is preferable because it results in a uniform method to value our inventory across all our segments, improves comparability with our peers, and is expected to better reflect the current value of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets. The change in costing method, which affected our Plumbing and Doors & Security segments, was recognized during the fourth quarter of 2018, by adjusting the cost of inventories to FIFO, resulting in a pretax benefit of approximately $7.3 million ($5.5 million after tax) to Cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of income. The impact of this change is not material to our 2017 or 2016 results of operations or our financial position as of December 31, 2017, and therefore we did not retrospectively apply the change in accounting policy. LIFO inventories were zero and $245.6 million (with a current cost of $259.3 million) at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
 Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided, principally on a straight-line basis, over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Gains or losses resulting from dispositions are included in operating income. Betterments and renewals, which improve and extend the life of an asset, are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Assets held for use to be disposed of at a future date are depreciated over the remaining useful life. Assets to be sold are written down to fair value at the time the assets are being actively marketed for sale. Estimated useful lives of the related assets are as follows:
 
Buildings and leasehold improvements
 
 
15 to 40 years
 
 
 
 
 
Machinery and equipment
 
 
3 to 15 years
 
 
 
 
 
Software
 
 
3 to 7 years
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived Assets
Long-lived Assets
 In accordance with ASC requirements for Property, Plant and Equipment, a long-lived asset (including amortizable identifiable intangible assets) or asset group held for use is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate of future cash flows derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is calculated based on fair value. Fair value is estimated primarily using discounted expected future cash flows on a market-participant basis.
During 2017, we recorded an impairment of $5.1 million related to a long lived asset to be disposed of in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets 
In accordance with ASC requirements for Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, and written down when impaired. An interim impairment test is performed if an event occurs or conditions change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value.
We evaluate the recoverability of goodwill using a weighting of the income (80%) and market (20%) approaches. For the income approach, we use a discounted cash flow model, estimating the future cash flows of the reporting units to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived discount rate. In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on management’s plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. Furthermore, our projection for the U.S. home products market is inherently subject to a number of uncertain factors, such as employment, home prices, credit availability, new home starts and the rate of home foreclosures. For the market approach, we apply market multiples for peer groups to the current operating results of the reporting units to determine each reporting unit’s fair value. The Company’s reporting units are operating segments, or one level below operating segments when appropriate. When the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we measure and recognize the amount of the goodwill impairment loss based on that difference.
Purchased intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives unless those lives are determined to be indefinite. The determination of the useful life of an intangible asset other than goodwill is based on factors including historical tradename performance with respect to consumer name recognition, geographic market presence, market share, and plans for ongoing tradename support and promotion. Certain of our tradenames have been assigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these tradenames will contribute cash flows to the Company indefinitely. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life is appropriate. We measure the fair value of identifiable intangible assets upon acquisition and we review for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, and whenever market or business events indicate there may be a potential impairment of that intangible asset. Impairment losses are recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. We measure fair value using the standard relief-from-royalty approach which estimates the present value of royalty income that could be hypothetically earned by licensing the brand name to a third party over the remaining useful life. The determination of fair value using this technique requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the projected tradename revenue growth, the assumed royalty rate and the discount rate. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. Qualitative factors include changes in volume, customers and the industry. If it is deemed more likely than not that an intangible asset is impaired, we will perform a quantitative impairment test.
The events and/or circumstances that could have a potential negative effect on the estimated fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived tradenames include: actual new construction and repair and remodel growth rates that fall below our assumptions, actions of key customers, increases in discount rates, continued economic uncertainty, higher levels of unemployment, weak consumer confidence, lower levels of discretionary consumer spending and a decrease in royalty rates. We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances that might adversely affect the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Equity securities
Investments in Equity Securities
 In accordance with ASC requirements for Investments – equity securities, we account for 
non-controlling
 investments in equity securities at fair value, with any gains or losses recognized through other income and expense. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost minus impairment, plus or minus any changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, our Plumbing segment entered into strategic partnerships with several companies who incorporate emerging technology into plumbing-related products, and at the same time acquired 
non-controlling
 equity interests in some of our partners. This includes an investment in Flo Technologies, Inc. (“Flo”), a U.S. manufacturer of a comprehensive water monitoring and 
shut-off
 system with leak detection and proactive leak detection technologies. Flo’s products are being rebranded to “Flo by Moen”, and our Plumbing segment will utilize its existing retail, wholesale and builder networks to expand the reach of Flo’s technology.
As of December 31, 2018, all of our investments in our strategic partners do not have readily determinable fair values. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying value of our investments was $28.7 million and zero, respectively, which is included in other assets within our Consolidated Balance Sheet. There were no impairments or other changes resulting from observable prices changes recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018. Impairments of $7.0 million were recorded within Other income, net within the Consolidated Statements of Income during the year ended December 31, 2017 (see Note 22).
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans
 We have a number of pension plans in the United States, covering many of the Company’s employees. In addition, the Company provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain retirees. Service cost for 2018 relates to benefit accruals in an hourly Union defined benefit plan in our Doors & Security segment. Benefit accruals under all other defined benefit pension plans were frozen as of December 31, 2016.
We record amounts relating to these plans based on calculations in accordance with ASC requirements for Compensation – Retirement Benefits, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. We recognize changes in the fair value of pension plan assets and net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the fair value of pension plan assets or each plan’s projected benefit obligation (the “corridor”) in earnings immediately upon remeasurement, which is at least annually in the fourth quarter of each year. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current economic conditions and trends. The discount rate used to measure obligations is based on a spot-rate yield curve on a 
plan-by-plan
 basis that matches projected future benefit payments with the appropriate interest rate applicable to the timing of the projected future benefit payments. The expected rate of return on plan assets is determined based on the nature of the plans’ investments, our current asset allocation and our expectations for long-term rates of return. Compensation increases reflect expected future compensation trends. For postretirement benefits, our health care trend rate assumption is based on historical cost increases and expectations for long-term increases. The cost or benefit of plan changes, such as increasing or decreasing benefits for prior employee service (prior service cost), is deferred and included in expense on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the related employees. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under our plans, which are presented in Note 15, “Defined Benefit Plans,” are reasonable based on our experience and on advice from our independent actuaries; however, differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions may materially affect our financial position and results of operations. We will continue to monitor these assumptions as market conditions warrant.
Insurance Reserves
Insurance Reserves
 We provide for expenses associated with workers’ compensation and product liability obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The accruals are adjusted as new information develops or circumstances change that would affect the estimated liability.
Litigation Contingencies
Litigation Contingencies 
Our businesses are subject to risks related to threatened or pending litigation and are routinely defendants in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of business. Liabilities and costs associated with litigation-related loss contingencies require estimates and judgments based on our knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding each matter and the advice of our legal counsel. We record liabilities for litigation-related losses when a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss in accordance with ASC requirements for Contingencies. We evaluate the measurement of recorded liabilities each reporting period based on the then-current facts and circumstances specific to each matter. The ultimate losses incurred upon final resolution of litigation-related loss contingencies may differ materially from the estimated liability recorded at any particular balance sheet date. Changes in estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which such changes occur.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
In accordance with ASC requirements for Income Taxes, we establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and subsequently adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance reducing deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.
We record liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a 
two-step
 process. The first step is recognition, where we evaluate whether an individual tax position has a likelihood of greater than 50% of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions that are currently estimated to have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained, no tax benefit is recorded. For tax positions that have met the recognition threshold in the first step, we perform the second step of measuring the benefit to be recorded. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from our estimates. In future periods, changes in facts, circumstances, and new information may require us to change the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and consolidated balance sheet in the period in which such changes occur. As of December 31, 2018, we had liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions totaling $83.5 million. It is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may decrease in the range of $1.4 million to $3.5 million in the next 12 months primarily as a result of the conclusion of U.S. federal, state and foreign income tax proceedings.
The Tax Act made significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, generally providing for an exemption from federal income tax for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, and imposing a 
one-
time 
transition tax on the deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings and profits as of December 31, 2017. On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued, which deals with the application of U.S. GAAP to situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we calculated our best estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our 2017 effective income tax rate. As a result, the Company recorded a provisional net benefit of $25.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the Tax Act was enacted. This provisional amount included an estimated reduction in the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities of $62.4 million resulting from the decrease in the federal income tax rate; an estimated deemed repatriation tax liability of $28.5 million; and an estimated net increase to our provision for taxes on foreign earnings not considered permanently reinvested of $8.2 million. In the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company completed its analysis in conjunction with the SAB 118 measurement period ending on December 22, 2018. The total tax provision impact for the year ended December 31, 2018 was an unfavorable adjustment of $5.5 million related primarily to certain deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
The Tax Act included a provision for Global Intangible 
Low-Taxed
 Income (GILTI), the Company elected an accounting policy to treat GILTI as a period cost when incurred. The GILTI provision is effective for taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after December 31, 2017.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
 The Company recognizes revenue for the sale of goods based on its assessment of when control transfers to our customers. Refer to Note 14 for additional information.
Cost of Products Sold
Cost of Products Sold
 Cost of products sold includes all costs to make products saleable, such as labor costs, inbound freight, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and internal transfer costs. In addition, all depreciation expense associated with assets used to manufacture products and make them saleable is included in cost of products sold.
Customer Program Costs
Customer Program Costs
 Customer programs and incentives are a common practice in our businesses. Our businesses incur customer program costs to obtain favorable product placement, to promote sales of products and to maintain competitive pricing. We record estimates to reduce revenue for customer programs and incentives, which are considered variable consideration, and include price discounts, volume-based incentives, promotions and cooperative advertising when revenue is recognized in order to determine the amount of consideration the Company will ultimately be entitled to receive. These estimates are based on historical and projected experience for each type of customer. In addition, for certain customer program incentives, we receive an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration given and record the associated expenditure in selling, general and administrative expenses. Volume allowances are accrued based on management’s estimates of customer volume achievement and other factors incorporated into customer agreements, such as new product purchases, store sell-through, merchandising support, levels of returns and customer training. Management periodically reviews accruals for these rebates and allowances, and adjusts accruals when circumstances indicate (typically as a result of a change in volume expectations). The costs typically recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses include product displays, point of sale materials and media production costs. The costs included in the selling, general and administrative expenses category were $66.5 million, $62.4 million and $44.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 
Selling, general and administrative expenses include advertising costs; marketing costs; selling costs, including commissions; research and development costs; shipping and handling costs, including warehousing costs; and general and administrative expenses. Shipping and handling costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $215.9 million, $204.7 million and $197.0 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively
.
Advertising costs, which amounted to $243.6 million, $233.2 million and $199.1 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are principally expensed as incurred. Advertising costs paid to customers as pricing rebates include product displays, marketing administration costs, media production costs and point of sale materials. Advertising costs recorded as a reduction to net sales, primarily cooperative advertising, were $72.4 million, $65.6 million and $52.5 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Advertising costs recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses were $171.2 million, $167.6 million and $146.6 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Research and development expenses include product development, product improvement, product engineering and process improvement costs. Research and development expenses, which were $50.3 million, $50.7 million and $53.1 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, are expensed as incurred.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based Compensation
 Stock-based compensation expense, measured as the fair value of an award on the date of grant, is recognized in the financial statements over the period that an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. The fair value of each option award is measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of each performance share award is based on the average of the high and low share prices on the date of grant and the probability of meeting performance targets. The fair value of each restricted stock unit granted is equal to the average of the high and low share prices on the date of grant. See Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation,” for additional information.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
 Earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Fortune Brands by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share include the impact of all potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the year. See Note 21, “Earnings Per Share,” for further discussion.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation
 Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the actual rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the period for the foreign subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of the “accumulated other comprehensive income” (“AOCI”) caption in equity. Transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a subsidiary are translated into functional currency with resulting transaction gains or losses recorded in other expense, net.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
 In accordance with ASC requirements for Derivatives and Hedging, all derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measurement of those instruments is at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is highly effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the same period. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded directly to a separate component of AOCI, and are recognized in the consolidated statement of income when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.
Deferred currency gains/(losses) of $2.2 million, $0.4 million and $(3.5) million (before tax impact) were reclassified into earnings for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Based on foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2018, we estimate that $3.3 million of net currency derivative gains included in AOCI as of December 31, 2018 will be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 
2014-09,
 which clarifies the accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and specifies the disclosures that an entity should include in its financial statements. We adopted ASU 
2014-09
 as of January 1, 2018 and for periods thereafter using the modified retrospective approach, which we applied to all contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. The cumulative effect of adopting the new revenue standard was not material and no adjustment was recorded to retained earnings. The comparative financial information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact in 2018 and we do not expect it to have a material impact on revenue or net income on an ongoing basis.
A majority of our sales revenue continues to be recognized when products are shipped from our facilities to our customers. Previously, for certain products, we recognized sales revenue at destination as we determined risks and rewards transferred at that point. We now recognize sales revenue for these customers at the shipping point of the products consistent with the respective contractual terms.
See Note 14, “Revenue,” for further information.
 
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 
2016-02,
 which requires lessees to recognize almost all leases on their balance sheet as a 
“right-of-use”
 asset and lease liability but recognize related expenses in a manner similar to current accounting. The guidance also eliminates current real estate-specific provisions for all entities. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-01,
 which clarifies the application of the new leases guidance to land easements. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-10
 and ASU 
2018-11,
 which clarify certain guidance included in ASU 
2016-02
 and introduces a new optional transition method. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (calendar year 2019 for Fortune Brands) and earlier application is permitted.
We plan to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2019 using the transition method introduced by ASU 
2018-11,
 which does not require revisions to comparative periods. We will elect to implement the transition package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carryforward the historical lease classification. In addition, we are electing the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term. We will make an accounting policy election to not recognize leases with an initial term of less than twelve months on the balance sheet and we will recognize the related lease payments as expense in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
While we are continuing to finalize our assessment of the impacts of the standard, we have completed our scoping reviews, identified our significant leases by segment and by asset type, and made progress in developing accounting policies upon adoption of the standard. We have implemented an accounting system to support the future state leasing process and input the data from substantially all of our existing leases into the system. We continue to refine our future process design as part of the overall system implementation. Upon adoption, we expect to recognize a lease liability, with an offsetting increase to 
right-of-use
 assets ranging from $170 million to $200 million. Differences between the lease liability and 
right-of-use
 asset, recognized are not expected to material. We do not expect the standard to materially affect our consolidated net income.
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Cost
In March 2017, the FASB issued 
ASU 2017-07, which
 requires entities to present the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item(s) as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in assets. Companies will present the other components (i.e., amortization of prior service cost/credits, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and actuarial gains/losses) separately from the line item(s) that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. We adopted ASU 
2014-09
 as of January 1, 2018 and for periods thereafter using the retrospective approach. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements. See Note 15 for further information.
Stock Compensation Scope of Modification Accounting
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 
2017-09,
 which clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The guidance provides a relief to entities that make 
non-substantive
 changes to their share-based payment awards and will result in fewer changes to the terms of an award being accounted for as modifications. We adopted the new standard beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Clarifying the Definition of a Business
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 
2017-01,
 which changes the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business and therefore business combination guidance would apply. The new standard requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset (i.e., a business) or a group of similar identifiable assets (i.e., not a business). The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs (e.g., revenues with customers). We adopted the new standard beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Restricted Cash
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 
2016-18,
 according to which entities are no longer required to present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The prior standard did not address the classification of activity related to restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows and this has resulted in diversity in cash flows presentation. We adopted the new standard beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 
2016-16,
 which requires companies to account for the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory (e.g., intangible assets) when the transfer occurs. Under the previous guidance companies were required to defer the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets until the asset has been sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized (e.g., depreciated, amortized or impaired). We adopted the new standard beginning January 1, 2018 using a “modified retrospective” approach (i.e., with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings at adoption). The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments
In September 2016, the FASB issued ASU 
2016-15,
 which changes how an entity classifies certain cash receipts and cash payments on its statement of cash flows. The key changes that may potentially impact our financial statements include the following: 1) Cash payments for debt prepayment or extinguishment costs would be classified as financing cash outflows; 2) Contingent consideration payments that are not made within three months after the consummation of a business combination would be classified as financing (if the payment is made up to the acquisition date fair value of liability) or operating outflows (if in excess of acquisition fair value) and cash payments made “soon after” the consummation of a business combination generally would be classified as cash outflows from investing activities; 3) Insurance settlement proceeds would be classified based on the nature of the loss; and 4) Company-owned life insurance settlement proceeds would be presented as investing cash inflows, and premiums would be classified as investing or operating cash outflows, or a combination of both. We retrospectively adopted the new standard beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 
2016-01,
 which requires entities to measure investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) at fair value through the income statement. There will no longer be an 
available-for-sale
 classification (with changes in fair value reported in Other Comprehensive Income). In addition, the cost method is eliminated for equity investments without readily determinable fair values. We adopted the new standard beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Clarifying Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets
In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 
2017-05,
 which clarifies the scope and application of various standards for the sale of nonfinancial assets (e.g. PP&E including real estate, intangible assets, materials and supplies). The standard distinguishes between a sale to a customer versus a 
non-customer.
 Sales to customers are within the scope of the new revenue standard. It also clarifies a derecognition model for nonfinancial assets that do not represent a business. We adopted the new standard beginning January 1, 2018 consistent with the effective date for the new revenue recognition standard. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 
2017-12
 which amends the current hedge accounting model. The new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item (which is consistent with our current practice). The change in fair value for qualifying cash flow and net investment hedges will be included in other comprehensive income (until they are reclassified into the income statement). The standard also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The standard is effective as of January 1, 2019. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on our financial statements.
Financial Instruments — Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 
2016-13,
 which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The new guidance applies to most financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other receivables and loans as well as 
off-balance-sheet
 credit exposures (e.g., loan commitments and standby letters of credit). The standard will replace the “incurred loss” approach under the current guidance with an “expected loss” model that requires an entity to estimate its lifetime “expected credit loss.” The standard is effective January 1, 2020 and early application is permitted beginning January 1, 2019. We are assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
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.” This guidance permits companies to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our financial statements.
Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-07
 which simplifies the accounting for share-based arrangements with nonemployees. The new guidance generally aligns the accounting for share-based awards to nonemployees with the guidance for share-based awards to employees. The guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our financial statements.
Codification Improvements
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-09
 which includes technical corrections, clarifications, and other minor improvements to various areas including business combinations, fair value measurements and hedging. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in this standard were effective immediately, while others will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019. Our adoption of the immediately effective pieces of this standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements, nor do we expect the adoption of the other aspects of this standard to be material.
 
Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-13
 which removes the requirement to disclose: 1) amount of and reasons for transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, 2) policy for timing of transfers between levels, and 3) valuation processes for Level 3 investments. In addition, this guidance modifies and adds other disclosure requirements, which primarily relate to valuation of Level 3 assets and liabilities. The guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our financial statements.
Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-14
 which removes several disclosure requirements, including the amount in AOCI expected to be recognized in income over the next fiscal year and the effects of a 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates and adds new disclosure requirements to explain reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period, and to disclose weighted-average interest crediting rates for plans with promised interest crediting rates. The guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our financial statements.
Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 
2018-15
 which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain 
internal-use
 software. Costs to obtain software, including configuration and integration with legacy IT systems, coding and testing, including parallel process phases are eligible for capitalization under the new standard. In addition, activities that would be expensed include costs related to vendor demonstrations, determining performance and technology requirements and training activities. The standard is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.