Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year

The Company has adopted a fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. References to 2017, 2016, and 2015 are for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016, respectively.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that entail significant judgments and estimates, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes that the most critical accounting policies upon which its financial position depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, concern revenue recognition, income taxes, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, inventories, and pension obligations. A discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies is included in Notes 1 and 3.

Although the Company makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements or in the application of accounting policies, if business conditions were different, or if the Company were to use different estimates and assumptions, it is possible that materially different amounts could be reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

The Company recognizes revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 605, "Revenue Recognition," (ASC 605) when the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or service has been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. When the terms of the sale include customer acceptance provisions, and compliance with those provisions cannot be demonstrated until customer acceptance, revenues are recognized upon such acceptance. The Company includes in revenue amounts invoiced for shipping and handling with the corresponding costs reflected in cost of revenues. Provisions for discounts, warranties, returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period in which the related sales are recorded. Sales taxes, value-added taxes and certain excise taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenue.

Most of the Company's revenue is recognized in accordance with the accounting policies in the preceding paragraph. However, when a sale arrangement involves multiple elements, such as equipment and installation, the Company considers the guidance in ASC 605. Such transactions are evaluated to determine whether the deliverables in the arrangement represent separate units of accounting based on the following criteria: the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis, and if the contract includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially under the control of the Company. Revenue is allocated to each unit of accounting or element based on relative selling prices and is recognized as each element is delivered or completed. The Company determines relative selling prices by using either vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) if that exists, or third-party evidence of selling price. When neither VSOE nor third-party evidence of selling price exists for a deliverable, the Company uses its best estimate of the selling price for that deliverable. In cases in which elements cannot be treated as separate units of accounting, the elements are combined into a single unit of accounting for revenue recognition purposes.

In addition, revenues and profits on certain long-term contracts are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method or the completed-contract method of accounting pursuant to ASC 605. Revenues recorded under the percentage-of-completion method were $27,676,000 in 2017, $23,300,000 in 2016, and $32,078,000 in 2015. The percentage of completion is determined by comparing the actual costs incurred to date to an estimate of total costs to be incurred on each contract. If a loss is indicated on any contract in process, a provision is made currently for the entire estimated loss. The Company's contracts generally provide for billing of customers upon the attainment of certain milestones specified in each contract. Revenues earned on contracts in process in excess of billings are classified as unbilled contract costs and fees and amounts billed in excess of revenues earned are classified as billings in excess of contract costs and fees. There are no significant amounts included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet that are not expected to be recovered from existing contracts at current contract values, or that are not expected to be collected within one year, including amounts that are billed but not paid under retainage provisions.

For long-term contracts that do not meet the criteria under ASC 605-35 to be accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, the Company recognizes revenue using the completed-contract method. When using the completed-contract method, the Company recognizes revenue when the contract is substantially complete, the product is delivered and, if applicable, the customer acceptance criteria are met. Customer deposits included $2,945,000 at year-end 2017 and $5,158,000 at year-end 2016 of advance payments, net of accumulated costs, on long-term contracts accounted for under the completed-contract method.

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company exercises judgment in determining its allowance for doubtful accounts, which is based on its historical collection experience, current trends, credit policies, specific customer collection issues, and accounts receivable aging categories. In determining this allowance, the Company looks at historical write-offs of its receivables. The Company also looks at current trends in the credit quality of its customer base as well as changes in its credit policies. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and each customer's current creditworthiness. The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. In some instances, the Company utilizes letters of credit to mitigate its credit exposure.

The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:



(In thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Balance at Beginning of Year	$	2,395		$	2,163		$	2,198
Provision charged to expense	436			453			379
Accounts written off	(159		)	(128		)	(205		)
Currency translation	207			(93		)	(209		)
Balance at End of Year	$	2,879		$	2,395		$	2,163

The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The banker's acceptance drafts are noninterest bearing obligations of the issuing bank and mature within six months of the origination date. The Company's subsidiaries may sell the drafts at a discount to a third-party financial institution or transfer the drafts to vendors in settlement of current accounts payable prior to the scheduled maturity date. These drafts, which totaled $15,960,000 at year-end 2017 and $7,852,000 at year-end 2016, are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet until the subsidiary sells the drafts to a bank and receives a discounted amount, transfers the banker's acceptance drafts in settlement of current accounts payable prior to maturity, or obtains cash payment on the scheduled maturity date.

Warranty Obligations

The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on the historical occurrence rates and repair costs, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. The Company typically negotiates the terms regarding warranty coverage and length of warranty depending on the products and applications. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure, and supplier warranties on parts delivered to the Company. Should these factors or actual results differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

Income Taxes

In accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes," (ASC 740), the Company recognizes deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which these differences are expected to reverse. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the period in which it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted.

It is the Company's policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. At December 30, 2017, the Company believes that it has appropriately accounted for any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established, the statute of limitations expires for a tax jurisdiction year, or the Company is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, its effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kadant by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method assuming the effect of all potentially dilutive securities, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan shares.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

At year-end 2017 and year-end 2016, the Company's cash equivalents included investments in money market funds and other marketable securities, which had maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Restricted Cash

The Company had restricted cash of $1,421,000 at year-end 2017 and $2,082,000 at year-end 2016. This cash serves as collateral for bank guarantees primarily associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business. The majority of the bank guarantees will expire by the end of 2018.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out; or weighted average basis) or net realizable value and include materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. The Company regularly reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the historical and forecasted usage of and demand for each particular product or product line. The Company records a charge to cost of revenues for excess and obsolete inventory to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property as follows: buildings, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 2 to 10 years; and leasehold improvements, the shorter of the term of the lease or the life of the asset. For construction in progress, no provision for depreciation is made until the assets are available and ready for use.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and are stated net of accumulated amortization and currency translation in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over lives that have been determined based on the anticipated cash flow benefits of the intangible asset. Definite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average amortization period of 12 years.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquired business at the date of acquisition. The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the acquired net assets, resulting in goodwill, due to the expectation of synergies from combining the businesses.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the end of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as a significant decline in sales, earnings, or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. In 2017, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 in goodwill impairment testing. See the related topic in "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" in this section for further details.

At year-end 2017 and year-end 2016, the Company performed a qualitative impairment analysis of its goodwill and determined that the asset was not impaired. The impairment analysis included an assessment of certain qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior fair value calculations, the movement of the Company's share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. The Company considered the qualitative factors and weighed the evidence obtained, and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any of the assets was less than its carrying amount. Although the Company believes the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions used could have produced a different result.

The Company assesses its long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets or asset groups. If these projected cash flows were to be less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. The impairment loss would be measured based upon the difference between the carrying amounts and the fair values of the assets.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated at fiscal year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for each quarter in accordance with ASC 830, "Foreign Currency Matters." Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in the "accumulated other comprehensive items" (AOCI) component of stockholders' equity (see Note 13). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and are not material in the three years presented.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted to employees and directors based on the grant date estimate of fair value for those awards. The fair value of RSUs is based on the grant date trading price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For stock options and time-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award net of forfeitures. For performance-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for each separately-vesting portion of the award net of forfeitures and remeasured at each reporting period until the total number of RSUs to be issued is known. Compensation expense related to any modified stock-based awards is based on the fair value for those awards as of the modification date with any remaining incremental compensation expense recognized ratably over the remaining requisite service period.

Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to reduce its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. When the Company enters into a derivative contract, the Company makes a determination as to whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. For a contract deemed to be a hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluates whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, the Company does not use hedge accounting for the derivative. The changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge are recorded currently in earnings. The Company does not hold or engage in transactions involving derivative instruments for purposes other than risk management.

ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," requires that all derivatives be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the related gains or losses on these contracts are deferred as a component of AOCI. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in the period in which the underlying anticipated transaction occurs. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the unrealized gains and losses resulting from the impact of currency exchange rate movements are recognized in earnings in the period in which the exchange rates change and offset the currency gains and losses on the underlying exposures being hedged. The Company performs an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, and changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge, are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Section A-Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs-Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40). In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance provides a five-step model to assess transactions to determine when and how much revenue is recognized. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, which further clarifies the guidance on the principal versus agent considerations within ASU No. 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 to expand the guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing within ASU 2014-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-11, which rescinds certain previously-issued guidance, including, among other items, guidance relating to accounting for shipping and handling fees and freight services effective upon adoption of ASU No. 2014-09. Also in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, which narrowly amended the revenue recognition guidance regarding collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax and transition. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, which clarifies narrow aspects of Topic 606 and corrects unintended application of the guidance.

The Company adopted these ASUs using the modified retrospective transition approach beginning in fiscal 2018. Under this approach, the guidance applies to all new contracts initiated in fiscal 2018. For existing contracts that have remaining obligations as of the beginning of fiscal 2018, any difference between the recognition criteria in these ASUs and the Company's current revenue recognition practices were recognized using a cumulative-effect adjustment to decrease retained earnings by approximately $100,000 to $300,000. This impact includes a reduction of retained earnings associated with certain contracts which were previously accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, but do not meet the requirements for over time recognition under Topic 606. Amounts previously recognized in fiscal 2017 based on percentage-of-completion will be deferred at the beginning of fiscal 2018 and will be recognized along with the remaining revenue and costs in fiscal 2018 when control of the asset has been transferred to the customer. Partially offsetting this is an increase in retained earnings primarily related to contracts, which meet the over time criteria under the new revenue standard and, as a result, the portion of the contract completed as of the beginning of fiscal 2018 was recognized immediately in retained earnings.

The Company is substantially complete with its contract and business process review and has implemented changes to its controls to support the recognition criteria and disclosure requirements of these ASUs.

Inventory (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, which requires that an entity measure inventory within the scope of this ASU at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Substantial and unusual losses that result from subsequent measurement of inventory should be disclosed in the financial statements. The Company adopted this ASU at the beginning of fiscal 2017 with no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Leases (Topic 842). In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for operating leases, initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments, in its balance sheet. This ASU also requires a lessee to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. As part of the implementation of this new standard, the Company is in the process of reviewing current accounting policies and assessing the practical expedients allowed under this new guidance. The Company expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be subject to the new standard and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption. The Company is required to use the modified retrospective transition method upon adoption. This ASU will require that the Company update its systems, processes and controls to account for its leases. The Company is currently evaluating the other effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements, as well as on its systems, processes and controls.

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining lives. This new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2020. Early adoption is permitted beginning in fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which simplifies the diversity in practice related to the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230. This ASU addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The Company adopted this ASU at the beginning of fiscal 2018 with no impact on the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows.

Income Taxes (Topic 740), Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs and eliminates the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The Company adopted this ASU at the beginning of fiscal 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, which did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which requires inclusion of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this ASU at the beginning of fiscal 2018 and will apply the changes to the consolidated statement of cash flows retrospectively.

Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The revised definition of a business under this ASU will reduce the number of transactions that are accounted for as business combinations. The Company adopted this ASU on a prospective basis at the beginning of fiscal 2018. The adoption of this ASU will impact how the Company assesses acquisitions and disposals of businesses in the future.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, which eliminates Step 2 in goodwill impairment testing, which requires that goodwill impairment losses be measured as the difference between the implied value of a reporting unit’s goodwill and its carrying amount. This ASU will reduce the cost and complexity of impairment testing by requiring goodwill impairment losses to be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill and related goodwill tax effects, over its fair value. The Company adopted this ASU on a prospective basis in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 with no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which requires employers to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost in operating expenses in the same income statement line item as the related employees' compensation costs. The other components of net benefit cost, including interest costs, amortization of prior service costs and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in non-operating expenses. The Company adopted this ASU at the beginning of fiscal 2018 and prior periods will be restated with no impact on the Company’s consolidated net income.

Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, which provides clarity on which changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require entities to apply the modification accounting provisions required in Topic 718. The Company adopted this ASU on a prospective basis at the beginning of fiscal 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements in Accounting for Hedging Activity. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, which provides improvements to current hedge accounting to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities and to simplify the application of current hedge accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for the Company in fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, which allows a reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 enacted on December 22, 2017. The reclassification is elective and would allow the income tax effects on items that were originally recorded in AOCI be reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings. This ASU is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019 and interim periods therein and should be applied either at the beginning of the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 are recognized. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

The Company’s acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and their results are included in the accompanying financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. Historically, the Company’s acquisitions have been made at prices above the fair value of identifiable net assets, resulting in goodwill. Acquisition transaction costs are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A) in the accompanying consolidated statement of income as incurred.

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Plans

The discount rates for pension and other post-retirement plans are based on market yields on high-quality corporate bonds currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the benefits. For pension and post-retirement plans that have been closed to new participants thereby shortening the duration, the discount rate is determined based on discounting the projected benefit streams against the Citigroup Pension discount curve.

The Company has developed an investment policy for its U.S. noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan. The investment strategy is to emphasize total return, that is, the aggregate return from capital appreciation and dividend and interest income. The primary objective of the investment management for the plan's assets is the emphasis on consistent growth; specifically, growth in a manner that protects the plan's assets from excessive volatility in market value from year to year. The investment policy takes into consideration the benefit obligations, including timing of distributions.

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Plans

The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which is closed to new participants, for eligible employees at one of its U.S. divisions and its corporate office. Certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries also sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees at those subsidiaries. Funds for the U.S. pension plan and one of the non-U.S. pension plans are contributed to a trustee as necessary to provide for current service and for any unfunded projected benefit obligation over a reasonable period. The remaining non-U.S. pension plans are unfunded as permitted under their plans and applicable laws. Benefits under the Company’s pension plans are based on years of service and employee compensation.

The Company also provides other post-retirement benefits under plans in the United States and at one of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. In addition, the Company provides for a restoration plan for certain executive officers which fully supplements benefits lost under the noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan as a consequence of applicable Internal Revenue Service limits and restores benefits for the limitation of years of service under the retirement plan.

In accordance with ASC 715, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits," (ASC 715), the Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as an asset or liability and changes in the funded status through AOCI, net of tax. The amounts in AOCI will be subsequently recognized as net periodic pension cost pursuant to the Company's historical accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Further, actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and are not recognized as net periodic pension cost in the same periods will be recognized as a component of AOCI, net of tax.

In developing the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a building block approach was used in which rates of return in excess of inflation were considered separately for equity securities, debt securities, and other assets. The excess returns were weighted by the representative target allocation and added along with an appropriate rate of inflation to develop the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption. The Company believes this determination is consistent with ASC 715.