XML 29 R12.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.25.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues when control of a product is transferred to the customer. Control is transferred when the products are shipped from one of the Company’s manufacturing facilities to the customer. Any freight costs billed to and paid by a customer are included in net sales. Refer to Note 3. Revenue Recognition for additional information.

Freight Costs

The cost the Company pays to deliver finished goods to our customers is recorded as a component of cost of products sold. These costs include the amounts paid to a third party to deliver the finished goods.

Royalty Income

Royalties from third-party patent licenses are recognized when earned, including monies received at an agreement's initiation attributable to past sales. The Company recognizes up-front payments upon receipt when it has no future performance requirement or ongoing obligation arising from its agreements and the payment is for a separate earnings process. Minimum annual royalties received in advance are deferred and are recognized in the period earned. The Company recognized $4.4 million and $6.9 million of royalty income during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively, which was included in Net sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). There was no royalty income for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Foreign Currency Translation

The income statements of foreign entities are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the periods presented. The balance sheets of these entities are translated at period-end exchange rates, and the differences from historical exchange rates are reflected in a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax ("AOCI") in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments.

Foreign currency risks arise from transactions and balances denominated in non-local currencies. Gains and losses resulting from remeasurement and settlement of such transactions and balances, net of currency hedge impacts, included in Other income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were losses of $3.0 million, $1.7 million, and $1.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

The Company is exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. The Company utilizes a variety of practices to manage these market risks, including where considered appropriate, derivative instruments. The Company uses derivative instruments only for risk management purposes and not for trading or speculation. All derivative instruments the Company uses are either exchange traded or are entered into with major financial institutions in order to reduce credit risk and risk of nonperformance by third parties. The Company believes the credit risks with respect to the counterparties, and the foreign currency risks that would not be hedged if the counterparties fail to fulfill their obligations under the contracts, are not material in view of its understanding of the financial strength of the counterparties.

Gains and losses on instruments that hedge firm commitments are deferred and included in the basis of the underlying hedged items. All other hedging gains and losses are included in period income or expense based on the period-end market price of the instrument and are included in the Company's operating cash flows. Refer to Note 14. Derivatives for additional information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid, unrestricted investments with remaining maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents, including money market funds with no restrictions on withdrawals. Contractually restricted cash included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $0.6 million at December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Notional Cash Pooling

On November 15, 2022, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into a notional cash pooling arrangement with a third-party financial institution to manage global liquidity requirements. As part of the pooling agreement, the participating subsidiaries combine their cash balances in pooling accounts at the financial institution with the ability to offset bank overdrafts of one participant against the positive cash account balances held by another participant. Under the terms of the notional pooling agreement, the financial institution has the right, ability, and intent to offset a positive balance in one account against an overdrawn amount in another account. Amounts in each of the accounts are unencumbered and unrestricted with respect to use. As such, the net cash balance related to this pooling arrangement is included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Business Combinations

The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. At the acquisition date, the Company records assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair market values. The Company estimates fair value using the exit price approach which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly market. An exit price is determined from a market participant's viewpoint in the principal or most advantageous market and may result in the Company valuing assets or liabilities at a fair value that
is not reflective of the Company's intended use of the assets or liabilities. Any excess consideration above the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recognized as Goodwill in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The operating results of acquired businesses are included in the Company's results of operations beginning as of their effective acquisition dates. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and were $45.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. There were no acquisition costs during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill, and Intangible Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets, goodwill, and intangible assets when events and circumstances warrant a review. Goodwill is also tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter. We first evaluate qualitative factors, such as macroeconomic conditions and our overall financial performance by reporting unit to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. We then evaluate how significant each of the identified factors could be to the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit and weigh these factors in totality in forming a conclusion of whether or not it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (the “Step 0 Test”). Goodwill is not impaired if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Otherwise, we would proceed to the goodwill impairment test.

Alternatively, we may also bypass the Step 0 Test and proceed directly to the goodwill impairment test, where the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying value. The difference between the total fair value of the reporting unit and the carrying value is recognized as an impairment to the reporting unit's goodwill. Refer to Note 10. Goodwill for further discussion of the Company's annual impairment test results. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $401.0 million in the third quarter of 2023. The quantitative annual assessment as of October 1, 2024, did not result in an impairment.
The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed, which approximates a straight-line basis, over the estimated periods benefited. When certain events or changes in operating conditions occur, an impairment assessment is performed and lives of intangible assets with determinable lives may be adjusted. Estimated useful lives range from 12 to 23 years for customer relationships and 4 to 23 years for developed technology, patents, and other intangible assets.

The carrying value of long-lived assets is reviewed to determine if events or circumstances have changed which may indicate that the assets may be impaired, or the useful life may need to be changed. Upon occurrence of such a triggering event, the Company considers internal and external factors relating to each asset group, including expectation of future profitability, undiscounted cash flows and its plans with respect to the operations. If impairment is indicated, an impairment loss is measured by the amount the net carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value.

Transfers of Financial Assets

We account for transfers of our financial assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic No. 860, Transfers and Servicing. When a transfer meets all the requirements for a sale of a financial asset, we derecognize the financial asset and record a net gain or loss.

Environmental Spending

Environmental spending is capitalized if such spending qualifies as property, plant and equipment, substantially increases the economic value or extends the useful life of an asset. All other such spending is expensed as incurred, including fines and penalties incurred in connection with environmental violations. Environmental spending relating to an existing condition caused by past operations is expensed. Liabilities are accrued when environmental
assessments are probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Generally, timing of these accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or commitment to a formal plan of action.

Capitalized Software Costs

The Company capitalizes certain purchases of software and software development costs in connection with major projects of software development for internal use. These costs are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life not to exceed seven years. Costs associated with business process redesign, end-user training, system start-up and ongoing software maintenance are expensed as incurred. Amortization of capitalized software was $3.2 million, $5.0 million, and $4.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Accumulated amortization of capitalized software costs was $33.5 million and $30.9 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. We operate and are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. The complexity of our global structure requires technical expertise in determining the allocation of income to each of these jurisdictions and consolidated income tax expense.

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, all available positive and negative evidence is considered, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If it is determined that the Company would be able to realize the deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment would be made to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, on the basis of a two-step process in which it is determined whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

The Company recognizes the estimated compensation cost of employees' pension and other postretirement benefits over their approximate period of service. The Company's earnings are impacted by amounts of expense recorded related to these benefits, which primarily consists of pension benefits in the United States, France, United Kingdom, and Germany. Each year's recorded expenses are estimates based on actuarial calculations of the Company's accumulated and projected benefit obligations ("PBOs") for the Company's various plans.

Suspension of additional benefits for future service is considered a curtailment, and if material, necessitates a re-measurement of plan assets and PBO. As part of a re-measurement, the Company adjusts its discount rates and other actuarial assumptions, such as retirement, turnover and mortality table assumptions, as appropriate. Refer to Note 17. Postretirement and Other Benefits for additional information.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes Net Income (Loss), as well as items charged and credited directly to stockholders' equity, which are excluded from Net Income (Loss). The Company has presented Comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Reclassification adjustments of derivative instruments from Accumulated Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax are presented in Net sales, Other income (expense), or Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). In conjunction with the sale of the EP business, $133.8 million of foreign currency translation adjustments (losses) and $8.9 million of deferred gains associated with net investment hedges settled in prior periods was released from AOCI and recognized within income from discontinued operations, net of tax during the year ended December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 14. Derivatives for additional information. Amortization of accumulated pension and other postretirement benefit ("OPEB") liabilities are included in the computation of net periodic pension and OPEB costs, which are more fully discussed in Note 17. Postretirement and Other Benefits.

Components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows (in millions):
December 31,
20242023
Accumulated pension and OPEB liability adjustments, net of income tax benefit of $4.7 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
$(20.7)$(20.3)
Accumulated unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $10.2 million and $12.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
19.9 27.9 
Accumulated unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax benefit of $14.6 million and $14.6 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
13.9 31.5 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
$13.1 $39.1 

Changes in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,
202420232022
Pre-taxTaxNet of
Tax
Pre-taxTaxNet of
Tax
Pre-taxTaxNet of
Tax
Pension and OPEB liability adjustments$(0.8)$0.4 $(0.4)$(11.2)$1.8 $(9.4)$9.9 $(6.4)$3.5 
Derivative instrument adjustments(10.6)2.6 (8.0)(16.6)0.1 (16.5)61.3 (15.0)46.3 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(17.6)— (17.6)35.4 0.1 35.5 (33.7)7.5 (26.2)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation to income
— — — 127.4 (2.5)124.9 — — — 
Total$(29.0)$3.0 $(26.0)$135.0 $(0.5)$134.5 $37.5 $(13.9)$23.6 

Disclosures regarding the amounts reclassified from AOCI to income for pensions and derivatives are separately disclosed in Note 17. Postretirement and Other Benefits and Note 14. Derivatives.
Restricted Stock

All of the Company's restricted stock unit grants, vest upon completion of a specified period of time, typically between one and three years. The fair value of each award is equal to the share price of the Company's stock on the date of the grant. This cost is recognized over the vesting period of the respective award. The Company records forfeitures of restricted stock units related to continued service requirements as they occur. A summary of outstanding restricted stock units awards as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 is included in Note 18. Stockholders' Equity.

Long-term Incentive Plan Performance Share Units

The Company's long-term incentive compensation program ("LTICP") for key employees includes an equity-based award component that is provided through the Equity and Incentive Plan which the Company adopted in 2024 (the "2024 Plan") to replace the Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. 2015 Long-term Incentive Plan (the "2015 LTIP"). The objectives under the LTICP are established at the beginning of a performance cycle and are intended to focus management on longer-term strategic goals. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors designates participants in the LTICP and the 2024 Plan and determines the equity-based award opportunity in the form of performance share units for each performance cycle, which is generally measured on the basis of a three-year performance period (the measurement period). The performance share units are sized after the performance period is completed, and vest at a predetermined date thereafter. The Company recognizes compensation expense with an offsetting credit to additional paid-in-capital over the performance period based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant, with compensation expense being adjusted cumulatively based on the number of shares expected to be earned according to the level of achievement of performance goals.

On the Merger date, the Company modified the 2022 and 2021 performance share awards issued under the 2015 LTIP to remove the performance and market conditions for continuing employees, effectively converting the awards to service-only modified awards that cliff vest upon the original date of lapse of restrictions defined in the 2015 LTIP awards.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures fair value in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 provides a fair value hierarchy based on the following three categories:
Level 1 - Measurements that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - Measurements that include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3 - Measurements derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." The new standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform and the discontinuance of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, FASB issued ASU 2022-06 Reference Rate Reform (ASC 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which extended the final sunset date from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The provisions of ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2022-06 were adopted effective April 1, 2022 and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures." The amendment enhances reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily regarding significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of other segment items and expanded interim disclosures that align with those required annually, among other provisions. The amendments in this ASU became effective on a retrospective basis for annual periods beginning January 1, 2024, and interim periods within those annual periods beginning January 1, 2025. The adoption of this standard is reflected in Note 20. Segment Information.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." The amendment enhances income tax disclosure requirements, particularly regarding the effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect that the adoption of these standards will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures." The ASU requires a public business entity to provide disaggregated disclosures of certain categories of expenses on an annual and interim basis including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization for each income statement line item that contains those expenses. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company’s disclosures.