Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
PQ Merger with Eco Services
On August 17, 2015, the Company, PQ Holdings Inc. (“PQ Holdings”), Eco Services Operations LLC (“Eco Services”), certain investment funds affiliated with CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC (now known as CCMP Capital Advisors, LP; “CCMP”), and stockholders of PQ Holdings and Eco Services entered into a reorganization and transaction agreement pursuant to which the companies consummated a series of transactions to reorganize and combine the businesses of PQ Holdings and Eco Services (the “Business Combination”), under a new holding company, PQ Group Holdings Inc. The Business Combination was consummated on May 4, 2016.
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), Eco Services is the accounting predecessor to PQ Group Holdings. Certain investment funds affiliated with CCMP held a controlling interest position in Eco Services prior to the Business Combination. In addition, certain investment funds affiliated with CCMP owned a non-controlling interest in PQ Holdings prior to the Business Combination and the merger with Eco Services constituted a change in control under the PQ Holdings credit agreements and bond indenture that were in place at the time of the Business Combination. Therefore, Eco Services is deemed to be the accounting acquirer. These consolidated financial statements are the continuation of Eco Services’ business prior to the Business Combination.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed Parent Company financial statements are required in accordance with Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X. These condensed financial statements have been presented on a “parent-only” basis. Under a parent-only presentation, the Parent Company’s investment in its consolidated subsidiary is presented under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment in subsidiary is stated at cost plus contributions and equity in undistributed income (loss) of the subsidiary, less distributions received since the date of acquisition. For purposes of presenting net income, this presentation assumes that the Parent Company was in existence for the full year ended December 31, 2016, the year of the Business Combination. These parent-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with PQ Group Holdings’ audited consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. Investments in affiliated companies are recorded at cost plus the Company’s equity in their undistributed earnings. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests represent third-party equity ownership in certain of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries and are presented as a component of equity separate from the equity attributable to the Company’s shareholders. The noncontrolling interests’ share in the Company’s net earnings are included in net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, and their portion of the Company’s comprehensive income is included in comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s noncontrolling interests relate to third-party minority ownership interests held in certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries acquired as part of the Business Combination.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy
Foreign Currency Translation. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and affiliated companies are translated to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Adjustments resulting from translation of the balance sheets and intercompany loans, which are considered permanent, are included in stockholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Adjustments resulting from translation of certain intercompany loans, which are not considered permanent and are denominated in foreign currencies, are included in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company considers intercompany loans to be of a permanent or long-term nature if management expects and intends that the loans will not be repaid. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, all intercompany loan arrangements were determined to be non-permanent based on management’s intention as well as actual lending and repayment activity. Therefore, the foreign currency transaction gains or losses associated with the intercompany loans were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Net foreign currency exchange (gains) and losses included in other expense (income), net were $13,810, $25,786 and $(3,558) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The net foreign currency losses realized in 2018 and 2017 and gain realized in 2016 were primarily driven by the Euro-denominated term loan (which was settled as part of the February 2018 term loan refinancing, see Note 16 to these consolidated financial statements for further information) and the non-permanent intercompany debt denominated in local currency and translated to U.S. dollars.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include investments with original terms to maturity of 90 days or less from the time of purchase.
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash. Restricted cash, which is restricted as to withdrawal or usage, is classified separately from cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets. The proceeds from the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) financing arrangements are restricted for use and are classified on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as other current assets. See Note 16 to these consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the NMTC financing arrangements. The Company’s total restricted cash balances, including cash related to the NMTC financing arrangements, were $1,872 and $1,048 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as other current assets.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable. A specific reserve for bad debt is recorded for known or suspected doubtful accounts receivable. For all other accounts, the Company recognizes a reserve for bad debt based on the length of time receivables are past due and historical write-off experience. Account balances are charged against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable that the associated receivables will not be recovered. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was not material.
Inventories
Inventories. Certain domestic inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value and valued using the weighted average cost or first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) methods.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and include expenditures for new facilities, major renewals and betterments. The Company capitalizes the cost of furnace rebuilds as part of property, plant and equipment. Plant and equipment under capital leases are carried at the present value of minimum lease payments as determined at the beginning of the lease term. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain internal costs associated with the implementation of purchased software. When property, plant and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the net carrying amount is eliminated with any gain or loss on disposition recognized in earnings at that time. The Company also leases property, plant and equipment, principally under operating leases. Rent expense for operating leases, which may have escalating rentals or rent holidays, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms.
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 15 to 33 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or remaining lease term.
The Company capitalizes the interest cost associated with the development and construction of significant new plant and equipment and depreciates that amount over the lives of the related assets. Capitalized interest recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $3,542, $5,806 and $5,687, respectively.
Spare Parts
Spare Parts. Spare parts are maintained by the Company’s facilities to keep machinery and equipment in working order. Spare parts are capitalized and included in other long-term assets. Spare parts are measured at cost and are not depreciated or expensed until utilized; however, reserves may be provided on aged spare parts. When a spare part is utilized as part of an improvement to property, plant and equipment, the carrying value is depreciated over the applicable life once placed in service. Otherwise, the spare part is expensed and charged as a cost of production when utilized.
Investments in Affiliated Companies
Investments in Affiliated Companies. Investments in affiliated companies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting if the investment provides the Company with the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company’s ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee ranges between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors and the impact of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. Under the equity method of accounting, the investments in equity-method investees are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as investments in affiliated companies, and the Company’s share of the investees’ earnings or losses, together with other-than temporary impairments in value, is recorded as equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies in the consolidated statements of operations. Any differences between the Company’s cost of an equity method investment and the underlying equity in the net assets of the investment, such as fair value step-ups resulting from acquisitions, are accounted for according to their nature and impact the amounts recognized as equity in net income (loss) from affiliated companies in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company evaluates all distributions received from its equity method investments using the nature of distribution approach. Under this approach, the Company evaluates the nature of activities of the investee that generated the distribution. The distributions received are either classified as a return on investment, which is presented as a component of operating activities on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows, or as a return of investment, which is presented as a component of investing activities on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired. If a decline in the value of an equity method investment is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. The Company is required to test goodwill associated with each of its reporting units for impairment at least annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill may be impaired. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 of each year.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. In performing tests for goodwill impairment, the Company is permitted to first perform a qualitative assessment about the likelihood of the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeding its fair value. If an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount based on the qualitative assessment, it is required to perform a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify the potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of the goodwill impairment loss, if any, to be recognized for that reporting unit. However, if an entity concludes otherwise based on the qualitative assessment, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The option to perform the qualitative assessment can be utilized at the Company’s discretion, and the qualitative assessment need not be applied to all reporting units in a given goodwill impairment test. For an individual reporting unit, if the Company elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, or if the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company must perform the two-step goodwill impairment test for the reporting unit.
In applying the two-step process, the first step used to identify potential impairment involves comparing the reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. The second step of the process involves the calculation of an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which step one indicated potential impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. That is, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as calculated in step one, is allocated to the individual assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded to write down the carrying value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of an impairment loss is not permitted.
For intangible assets other than goodwill, definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the intangible asset below its carrying amount. The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year in conjunction with its annual goodwill impairment test.
Impairment Assessment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment Assessment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company performs an impairment review of property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable from its undiscounted future cash flows. When evaluating long-lived assets for impairment, if the carrying amount of an asset or asset group is found not to be recoverable, a potential impairment loss may be recognized. An impairment loss is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to its fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices when available, or other techniques including discounted cash flows. The Company’s estimates of future cash flows involve assumptions concerning future operating performance, economic conditions and technological changes that may affect the future useful lives of the assets.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage risk, including exposure to interest rate, commodity price, and foreign currency fluctuations that exist as part of ongoing business operations. Derivative instruments are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures.
All derivatives designated as hedges are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company may designate a derivative as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge), a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge), a foreign currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge (foreign currency hedge), or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedge). The Company’s hedging strategies include derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and net investment hedges.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period(s) in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation are recorded in the foreign currency translation adjustment account within accumulated other comprehensive income, where the associated gains and losses will remain until such time that the hedged net investment (foreign subsidiary) is sold or liquidated.
Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is not designated or does not qualify as a hedge are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash flows from derivative instruments are reported in the same cash flow category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company also formally assesses whether each hedging relationship is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item during the period, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if a derivative ceases to be a highly-effective hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued with respect to that derivative prospectively.
Fair Value Measurement
The carrying values of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.
Fair Value Measurements. The Company measures fair value using the guidelines under GAAP. An asset’s fair value is defined as the price at which the asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between market participants. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a market participant, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. See Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements regarding the application of fair value measurements.
The carrying values of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. See Note 16 to these consolidated financial statements regarding the fair value of debt.
Restoration plan assets
The fair values of the Company’s restoration plan assets are determined through quoted prices in active markets. Restoration plan assets are assets held in a Rabbi trust to fund the obligations of the Company’s defined benefit supplementary retirement plans and include various stock and fixed income mutual funds. See Note 20 to these consolidated financial statements regarding defined benefit supplementary retirement plans. The Company’s restoration plan assets are included in other long-term assets on its consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses related to these investments are included in other expense, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses associated with the underlying stock and fixed income mutual funds were immaterial as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Derivative contracts
Derivative assets and liabilities can be exchange-traded or traded over-the-counter (“OTC”). The Company generally values exchange-traded derivatives using models that calibrate to market transactions and eliminate timing differences between the closing price of the exchange-traded derivatives and their underlying instruments. OTC derivatives are valued using market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models, model calibration to market transactions, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. When models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an OTC derivative depends on the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the instrument as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. The Company generally uses similar models to value similar instruments. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices and rates, forward curves, measures of volatility, and correlations of such inputs. For OTC derivatives that trade in liquid markets, such as forward contracts, swaps and options, model inputs can generally be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means, and model selection does not involve significant management judgment.
The Company has interest rate caps, natural gas swaps and cross currency swaps that are fair valued using Level 2 inputs. In addition, the Company applies a credit valuation adjustment to reflect credit risk which is calculated based on credit default swaps. To the extent that the Company’s net exposure under a specific master agreement is an asset, the Company utilizes the counterparty’s default swap rate. If the net exposure under a specific master agreement is a liability, the Company utilizes a default swap rate comparable to PQ Group Holdings. The credit valuation adjustment is added to the discounted fair value to reflect the exit price that a market participant would be willing to receive to assume the Company’s liabilities or that a market participant would be willing to pay for the Company’s assets.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition. In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized as the Company fulfills its obligations under its agreements, the Company performs the following steps: (i) identification of the contract with the customer; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations based on estimated selling prices; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.
The Company identifies a contract when an agreement with a customer creates legally enforceable rights and obligations, which occurs when a contract has been approved by both parties, the parties are committed to perform their respective obligations, each party’s rights and payment terms are clearly identified, commercial substance exists and it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration to which it is entitled.
The Company may offer rebates to customers who have reached a specified volume of optional purchases. The Company recognizes rebates given to customers as a reduction of revenue based on an allocation of the cost of honoring rebates earned and claimed to each of the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the customer toward earning the rebate. Rebates are recognized at the time revenue is recorded. The Company measures the rebate obligation based on the estimated amount of sales that will result in a rebate at the adjusted sales price per the respective sales agreement.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and Handling Costs. Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling, if any, represent revenues earned for the goods provided and are classified as revenue. Costs related to shipping and handling of products shipped to customers are classified as cost of goods sold. Refer to Note 4 for disclosures regarding the recognition of revenue for shipping and handling costs that are billed to customers.
Research and Development
Research and Development. Research and development costs of $15,565, $13,859 and $7,266 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were expensed as incurred and reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes. Prior to the Business Combination, Eco Services was a single member limited liability company and was treated as a partnership for federal and state tax purposes. All income tax liabilities and/or benefits of the Company were passed through to the member. As such, no recognition of federal or state income taxes for the Company have been provided for tax periods prior to the Business Combination. As a result of the Business Combination, Eco Services had a change in tax status and is taxed as a C-Corporation.
The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and are subject to tax filing requirements and audit within these jurisdictions. The Company uses the asset and liability method in accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, using statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets each period to ensure that estimated future taxable income will be sufficient in character (e.g., capital gain versus ordinary income treatment), amount and timing to result in their recovery. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that those assets will be realized.
In determining the provision for income taxes, the Company provides deferred income taxes on income from foreign subsidiaries as such earnings are taxable upon remittance to the United States, to the extent that these earnings are considered to be available for repatriation. The Company does not provide income taxes on the cumulative unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries considered permanently reinvested. The Company establishes contingent liabilities for possible assessments by taxing authorities resulting from uncertain tax positions including, but not limited to, transfer pricing, deductibility of certain expenses and other state, local, and foreign tax matters. The Company recognizes a financial statement benefit for positions taken for tax return purposes when it will be more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the positions will be sustained upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax positions, otherwise, no benefit is recognized. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Tax examinations are often complex as tax authorities may disagree with the treatment of items reported by the Company and may require several years to resolve. These accrued liabilities represent a provision for taxes that are reasonably expected to be incurred on the basis of available information but which are not certain.
Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin No.118 (“SAB 118”), the Company was allowed a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) to finalize the recording of any related tax impacts with respect to its transition tax liability. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s accounting for these impacts was provisional. However, in accordance with SAB 118, the Company has finalized the impacts of the transition tax as of December 31, 2018 and has recorded a measurement period adjustment of $2,102 as a benefit to tax expense. There was no cash tax outlay associated with the final transition tax amount, as the Company elected to utilize net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards to offset the associated taxable income.
Based on FASB guidance, the Company is permitted to make an accounting policy election to either (1) treat the taxes incurred as a result of the GILTI provision as a current-period expense when incurred or (2) factor such amounts into its measurement of deferred taxes. The Company has elected to treat any expense incurred as a current-period expense.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations. The Company records a liability when the fair value of any future obligation to retire a long-lived asset as a result of an existing or enacted law, statute, ordinance or contract is reasonably estimable. The Company also records a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated. When the liability is initially recorded, the Company capitalizes the cost by increasing the amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the Company adjusts the liability to its present value by recognizing accretion expense as an operating expense in the consolidated statements of operations each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the Company records a gain or loss if the actual costs differ from the accrued amount.
Environmental Expenditures
Environmental Expenditures. Environmental expenditures that pertain to current operations or to future revenues are expensed or capitalized consistent with the Company’s capitalization policy for property, plant and equipment. Expenditures that result from the remediation of an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed. Liabilities are recognized for remedial activities when the remediation is probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Recoveries of expenditures for environmental remediation are recognized as assets only when recovery is deemed probable. See Note 23 to these consolidated financial statements regarding commitments and contingencies and Note 15 regarding the accrued environmental reserve.
Deferred Finance Costs
Deferred Financing Costs. Financing costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and presented as a direct reduction from the related debt instruments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs are amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the respective terms of the associated debt instruments.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation. The Company applies the fair value based method to account for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units issued in connection with its equity incentive plans. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods of the respective awards, and the Company accounts for forfeitures of equity incentive awards as they occur. In connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, shares of common stock may be delivered to the Company by employees to satisfy withholding tax obligations at the instruction of the employee award holders. These transactions when they occur are accounted for as stock repurchases by the Company, with the shares returned to treasury stock at a cost representing the payment by the Company of the tax obligations on behalf of the employees in lieu of shares for the vesting event. See Note 22 to these consolidated financial statements regarding compensation expense associated with the Company’s equity incentive awards.
Pensions and Postretirement Benefits
Pensions and Postretirement Benefits. The Company maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover employees in the United States and Canada, as well as certain employees in other international locations. Benefits for a majority of the plans are based on average final pay and years of service. Our funding policy, consistent with statutory requirements, is based on actuarial computations utilizing the projected unit credit method of calculation. Not all defined benefit pension plans are funded. In the United States and Canada, the pension plans’ assets include equity and fixed income securities. In our other international locations, the pension plans’ assets include equity and fixed income securities, as well as insurance contracts. Certain assumptions are made regarding the occurrence of future events affecting pension costs, such as mortality, withdrawal, disablement and retirement, changes in compensation and benefits, and discount rates to reflect the time value of money.
The major elements in determining pension income and expense are pension liability discount rates and the expected return on plan assets. The Company references rates of return on high-quality, fixed income investments when estimating the discount rate, and the expected period over which payments will be made based upon historical experience. The long-term rate of return used to calculate the expected return on plan assets is the average rate of return estimated to be earned on invested funds for providing pension benefits.
In addition to pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care benefits for employees who meet age, participation and length of service requirements at retirement. The Company uses explicit assumptions using the best estimates available of the plan’s future experience. Principal actuarial assumptions include: discount rates, present value factors, retirement age, participation rates, mortality rates, cost trend rates, Medicare reimbursement rates and per capita claims cost by age. Current interest rates as of the measurement date are used for discount rates in present value calculations.
The Company also has defined contribution plans covering domestic employees of the Company and certain subsidiaries.
Contingencies
Contingencies. Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company and legal counsel evaluate the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability is accrued in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the nature of the guarantee would be disclosed, including the approximate term, how the guarantee arose, and the events or circumstances that would require the guarantor to perform under the guarantee.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which will align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e., a hosting arrangement) that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs related to a hosting arrangement that is a service contract will be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement, beginning when the module or component of the hosting arrangement is ready for its intended use. The guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including all interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, and the guidance can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company early adopted the guidance effective October 1, 2018 and has applied the guidance on a prospective basis for any implementation costs incurred subsequent to the adoption date, with no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2017, the FASB issued amendments related to hedge accounting. The amendments expand hedge accounting for non-financial and financial risk components and revise the measurement methodologies to better align with an entity’s risk management activities. Separate presentation of hedge ineffectiveness is eliminated to provide greater transparency of the full impact of hedging by requiring presentation of the results of the hedged item and hedging instrument in a single financial statement line item. In addition, the amendments reduce complexity by simplifying the manner in which assessments of hedge effectiveness may be performed. The new guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, and the guidance should be applied prospectively for the amended presentation and disclosure requirements, and through a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings for any cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption. The Company early adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2018. The Company’s cash flow hedges in place at the date of adoption yielded an immaterial amount of ineffectiveness; therefore, the Company did not reflect an adjustment to beginning retained earnings upon adoption. The amended presentation and disclosure requirements are reflected under the new guidance in Note 18 to these consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance to clarify which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. Under the new guidance, an entity should account for the effects of a change in a share-based payment award using modification accounting unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification as either a liability or equity are all the same with respect to the award immediately prior to modification and the modified award itself. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years, and the new guidance should be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 as required, with no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost (collectively, “pension costs”). Under current GAAP, there are several components of pension costs which are presented net to arrive at pension costs as included in the income statement and disclosed in the notes. As part of this amendment to the existing guidance, the service cost component of pension costs will be bifurcated from the other components and included in the same line items of the income statement as compensation costs are reported. The remaining components will be reported together below operating income on the income statement, either as a separate line item or combined with another line item on the income statement and disclosed. Additionally, with respect to capitalization to inventory, fixed assets, etc., only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization upon adoption of the guidance. The new guidance is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. The amendments should be applied retrospectively upon adoption with respect to the presentation of the service and other cost components of pension costs in the income statement, and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in assets.
The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 as required. Prior to the adoption of the guidance, the Company reflected its pension costs within cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, depending on whether the costs were associated with employees involved in manufacturing or back office support functions. Under the new guidance, the service cost component of the Company’s pension costs remained in the same line items of the consolidated statements of operations, but the remaining components are now reported as part of nonoperating income in the other (income) expense, net line item of the consolidated statements of operations. Although the guidance requires retrospective application upon adoption, a practical expedient permits the Company to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other post-retirement benefit plan note as its basis of estimation for the prior comparative periods. The Company utilized the practical expedient, and $1,616 and $2,651 of a net pension benefit for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was reclassified to other expense (income), net. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the amount of pension costs included in other expense (income), net was a net benefit of $3,625.
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the definition of a business and provides revised criteria and a framework to determine whether an integrated set of assets and activities is a business. For public companies, the new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 as required, with no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The updates in the guidance require that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts. The updates also require a reconciliation between cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash presented on the balance sheet to the total of the same amounts presented on the statement of cash flows. For public companies, the new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years, and the new guidance should be applied retrospectively to each period presented.
The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 as required. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $1,872 and $1,048, respectively, of restricted cash included in prepaid and other current assets on its consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the Company’s restricted cash balances prior to the adoption of the new guidance were reflected within cash flows from investing activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows. The prior comparative periods in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows have been updated to conform to the new guidance. See Note 28 to these consolidated financial statements for supplemental cash flow disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs and distributions from equity method investees. For public companies, the new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and the new guidance should be applied retrospectively to each period presented. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 as required. The Company applied the new guidance to the term loan refinancing that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2018; see Note 16 to these consolidated financial statements for further information on the debt refinancing transaction.
The following is a summary of the impact of adopting the new statement of cash flows guidance on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows:
Year ended December 31, 2017
 
Previously
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Revised
Net cash provided by operating activities(1)
 
$
116,062

 
$
49,111

 
$
165,173

Net cash used in investing activities(2)
 
(182,695
)
 
(13,287
)
 
(195,982
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(1)
 
68,944

 
(49,111
)
 
19,833

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(6,858
)
 

 
(6,858
)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(2)
 
(4,547
)
 
(13,287
)
 
(17,834
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period(2)
 
70,742

 
14,335

 
85,077

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period(2)
 
$
66,195

 
$
1,048

 
$
67,243

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
Previously
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Revised
Net cash provided by operating activities(1)
 
$
119,720

 
$
2,988

 
$
122,708

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(2)
 
(1,929,680
)
 
13,917

 
(1,915,763
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(1)
 
1,861,433

 
(2,988
)
 
1,858,445

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(5,886
)
 

 
(5,886
)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(2)
 
45,587

 
13,917

 
59,504

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period(2)
 
25,155

 
418

 
25,573

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period(2)
 
$
70,742

 
$
14,335

 
$
85,077

 
(1)
Adjustments include the reclassification of $47,875 in debt prepayment penalties for the year ended December 31, 2017, which were paid in cash, that were associated with the Company’s repricing and refinancing activities. The adjustments also include the reclassification of $1,236 and $2,988 in third-party lender fees for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, associated with the Company’s repricing and refinancing activities that were paid in cash. In accordance with the August 2016 guidance which clarifies the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, the amounts were reclassified from net cash provided by operating activities to net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.
(2)  
In accordance with the November 2016 guidance that clarified the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows, the Company reclassified the changes in restricted cash for the respective periods from cash from investing activities to the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash line item.
In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance (with subsequent targeted amendments) to significantly enhance comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets. The core principle of the guidance is that revenue recognized from a transaction or event that arises from a contract with a customer should reflect the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services provided. To achieve that core principle, the new guidance sets forth a five-step revenue recognition model that will need to be applied consistently to all contracts with customers, except those that are within the scope of other topics in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Also required are enhanced disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. The enhanced disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments made in applying the revenue guidance, and assets recognized related to the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. For public companies, the new requirements are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. The Company reviewed its key revenue streams and assessed the underlying customer contracts within the framework of the new guidance. The Company evaluated the key aspects of its revenue streams for impact under the new guidance and performed a detailed analysis of its customer agreements to quantify the changes under the guidance. The Company concluded that the guidance did not have a material impact on its existing revenue recognition practices upon adoption on January 1, 2018. The Company implemented the guidance under the modified retrospective transition method of adoption. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The impact of adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance was immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2018, and there was no transition adjustment required upon adoption. See Note 4 to these consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures required by the new guidance.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted as of December 31, 2018
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The guidance eliminates certain disclosure requirements, including the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year and the effects of a one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates. The guidance also requires additional disclosure of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted, and is required to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. The Company will modify its benefit plan disclosures in accordance with the new guidance upon adoption, and the guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain disclosure requirements over fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including all interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company believes that the new guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2018, the FASB issued guidance which conforms the accounting for the issuance of all share-based payments using the same accounting model. Previously, the accounting for share-based payments to non-employees was covered under a different framework than those made to employees. Under the new guidance, awards to both employees and non-employees will essentially follow the same model, with small variations related to determining the term assumption when valuing a non-employee award as well as a different expense attribution model for non-employee awards. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the new guidance would have on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance which will permit entities to make an election to reclassify income tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings as a result of tax reform legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted in any interim period for which the financial statements have not yet been issued. Prior to the enactment of the tax reform legislation on December 22, 2017, the Company had amounts recorded in AOCI related to its domestic pension, postretirement and supplementary benefit plans and cash flow hedging relationships that were based on pre-enactment tax rates. The Company is evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. If the Company makes the election to reclassify the stranded income tax effects from AOCI, it may do so using one of two transition methods: retrospectively, or at the beginning of the period of adoption.
In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which eliminates the second step from the traditional two-step goodwill impairment test. Under current guidance, an entity performed the first step of the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount; if an impairment loss was indicated, the entity computed the implied fair value of goodwill to determine whether an impairment loss existed, and if so, the amount to recognize. Under the new guidance, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (the Step 1 test), with no further testing required. Any impairment loss recognized is limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance is effective for public companies that are Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registrants for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively to goodwill impairment tests subsequent to the adoption date.
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that affects loans, trade receivables and any other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. Under the new guidance, an entity is required to recognize expected credit losses rather than incurred losses for financial assets. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company believes that the new guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance (with subsequent targeted amendments) that modifies the accounting for leases. Under the new guidance, a lessee will recognize assets and liabilities for most leases (including those classified under existing GAAP as operating leases, which based on current standards are not reflected on the balance sheet), but will recognize expenses similar to current lease accounting. The new guidance also requires companies to provide expanded disclosures regarding leasing arrangements. For public companies, the new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method. The Company can choose to apply the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements, or at the date of adoption, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and no recast of prior period results presented within the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company has elected to apply the new guidance as of the date of adoption.
The Company has operating lease agreements for which it expects to recognize right of use assets and corresponding liabilities on its balance sheet upon adoption of the new guidance. The Company is currently finalizing its lease portfolio analysis which will result in a material increase in total assets and liabilities in its consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not believe that the new guidance will have a material impact on its results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company has implemented a lease technology software to assist in its ongoing lease data collection and analysis. The Company is also updating its processes, accounting policies and internal controls to ensure it will meet the requirements of the new guidance upon adoption.
The new guidance provides practical expedients, which the Company is currently finalizing its evaluation. The Company has elected the short term lease accounting policy and will not record right of use assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients which provides for an entity not to reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain, leases; (2) the lease clarification for any expired or existing leases; and (3) initial direct costs for any existing leases.