ITEM 1
BUSINESS
General
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global diversified technology and multi industrial leader serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company creates intelligent buildings, efficient energy solutions and integrated infrastructure that work seamlessly together to deliver on the promise of smart cities and communities. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.
Johnson Controls was originally incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1885 as Johnson Electric Service Company to manufacture, install and service automatic temperature regulation systems for buildings. The Company was renamed to Johnson Controls, Inc. in 1974. In 2005, the Company acquired York International, a global supplier of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning ("HVAC") and refrigeration equipment and services. In 2014, the Company acquired Air Distribution Technologies, Inc., one of the largest independent providers of air distribution and ventilation products in North America. In 2015, the Company formed a joint venture with Hitachi to expand its building related product offerings. In 2016, Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco completed their combination (the "Merger"). Following the Merger, Tyco changed its name to “Johnson Controls International plc.”
On November 13, 2018, the Company entered into a Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with BCP Acquisitions LLC (“Purchaser”). The Purchaser is a newly-formed entity controlled by investment funds managed by Brookfield Capital Partners LLC. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions therein, the Company agreed to sell, and Purchaser agreed to acquire, the Company’s Power Solutions business for a purchase price of $13.2 billion. The transaction closed on April 30, 2019 with net cash proceeds of $11.6 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company determined that its Power Solutions business met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation and, as a result, Power Solutions' historical financial results are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation, and assets and liabilities were retrospectively reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale.
The Company is a global market leader in engineering, developing, manufacturing and installing building products and systems around the world, including HVAC equipment, HVAC controls, energy-management systems, security systems, fire detection systems and fire suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services (in the HVAC, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven solutions via its data-enabled business. Finally, the Company has a strong presence in the North American residential air conditioning and heating systems market and is a global market leader in industrial refrigeration products.
Products/Systems and Services
The Company sells its integrated control systems, security systems, fire-detection systems, equipment and services primarily through its extensive global network of sales and service offices, with operations in approximately 70 countries. Significant sales are also generated through global third-party channels, such as distributors of air-conditioning, security, fire-detection and commercial HVAC systems. The Company’s large base of current customers leads to significant repeat business for the retrofit and replacement markets. In addition, the new commercial construction market is also important. Trusted Buildings brands, such as YORK®, Hitachi Air Conditioning, Metasys®, Ansul, Ruskin®, Titus®, Frick®, PENN®, Sabroe®, Simplex® and Grinnell® give the Company the most diverse portfolio in the building technology industry.
In fiscal 2019, approximately 26% of its sales originated from its service offerings.
Competition
The Company conducts its operations through thousands of individual contracts that are either negotiated or awarded on a competitive basis. Key factors in the award of contracts include system and service performance, quality, price, design, reputation, technology, application engineering capability and construction or project management expertise. Competitors for HVAC equipment, security, fire-detection, fire suppression and controls in the residential and non-residential marketplace include many regional, national and international providers; larger competitors include Honeywell International, Inc.; Siemens Building Technologies, an operating group of Siemens AG; Schneider Electric SA; Carrier Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation; Trane Incorporated, a subsidiary of Ingersoll-Rand Public Limited Company; Daikin Industries, Ltd.; Lennox International, Inc.; GC Midea Holding Co, Ltd. and Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. In addition to HVAC equipment, the Company competes in a highly fragmented HVAC services market, which is dominated by local providers. The loss of any individual contract would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Backlog
The Company’s backlog is applicable to its sales of systems and services. At September 30, 2019, the backlog was $9.2 billion, of which $8.9 billion is attributable to the field business. The backlog amount outstanding at any given time is not necessarily indicative of the amount of revenue to be earned in the upcoming fiscal year.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and as a result is required to disclose remaining performance obligations. At September 30, 2019, remaining performance obligations were $14.4 billion, which is $5.2 billion higher than the Company's backlog of $9.2 billion. Differences between the Company’s remaining performance obligations and backlog are primarily due to:
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Remaining performance obligations include large, multi-purpose contracts to construct hospitals, schools and other governmental buildings, which are services to be performed over the building's lifetime with initial contract terms of 25 to 35 years for the entire term of the contract versus backlog which includes only the lifecycle period of these contracts which approximates five years;
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The Company has elected to exclude from remaining performance obligations certain contracts with customers with a term of one year or less or contracts that are cancelable without substantial penalty while these contracts are included within backlog; and
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Remaining performance obligations include the full remaining term of service contracts with substantial termination penalties versus backlog which includes one year for all outstanding service contracts.
The Company will continue to report backlog as it believes it is a useful measure of evaluating the Company's operational performance and relationship to total orders.
Raw Materials
Raw materials used by the businesses in connection with their operations, including steel, aluminum, brass, copper, polypropylene and certain flurochemicals used in fire suppression agents, were readily available during fiscal 2019, and the Company expects such availability to continue. In fiscal 2020, commodity prices could fluctuate throughout the year and could significantly affect the results of operations.
Intellectual Property
Generally, the Company seeks statutory protection for strategic or financially important intellectual property developed in connection with its business. Certain intellectual property, where appropriate, is protected by contracts, licenses, confidentiality or other agreements.
The Company owns numerous U.S. and non-U.S. patents (and their respective counterparts), the more important of which cover those technologies and inventions embodied in current products or which are used in the manufacture of those products. While the Company believes patents are important to its business operations and in the aggregate constitute a valuable asset, no single patent, or group of patents, is critical to the success of the business. The Company, from time to time, grants licenses under its patents and technology and receives licenses under patents and technology of others.
The Company’s trademarks, certain of which are material to its business, are registered or otherwise legally protected in the U.S. and many non-U.S. countries where products and services of the Company are sold. The Company, from time to time, becomes involved in trademark licensing transactions.
Most works of authorship produced for the Company, such as computer programs, catalogs and sales literature, carry appropriate notices indicating the Company’s claim to copyright protection under U.S. law and appropriate international treaties.
Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
Laws addressing the protection of the environment (environmental laws) and workers’ safety and health (worker safety laws) govern the Company’s ongoing global operations. They generally provide for civil and criminal penalties, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance or require remediation of sites where Company-related materials have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with environmental laws and worker safety laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. Certain of the Company’s businesses are, or have been, engaged in the handling or use of substances that may impact workplace health and safety or the environment. The Company is committed to protecting its workers and the environment against the risks associated with these substances.
The Company’s operations and facilities have been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings for noncompliance with environmental laws and worker safety laws or for the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and, in some cases, payment of penalties. See Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further discussion of environmental matters.
Environmental Capital Expenditures
The Company’s ongoing environmental compliance program often results in capital expenditures. Environmental considerations are a part of all significant capital expenditure decisions; however, expenditures in fiscal 2019 related solely to environmental compliance were not material. It is management’s opinion that the amount of any future capital expenditures related solely to environmental compliance will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results or competitive position in any one year. See Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further discussion of environmental matters.
Government Regulation and Supervision
The Company's operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, both within and outside the U.S., in areas such as: consumer protection, government contracts, international trade, environmental protection, labor and employment, tax, licensing and others. For example, most U.S. states and non-U.S. jurisdictions in which the Company operates have licensing
laws directed specifically toward the alarm and fire suppression industries. The Company's security businesses currently rely extensively upon the use of wireline and wireless telephone service to communicate signals. Wireline and wireless telephone companies in the U.S. are regulated by the federal and state governments. In addition, government regulation of fire safety codes can impact the Company's fire businesses. These and other laws and regulations impact the manner in which the Company conducts its business, and changes in legislation or government policies can affect the Company's worldwide operations, both favorably and unfavorably. For a more detailed description of the various laws and regulations that affect the Company's business, see Item 1A.
ITEM 1A
RISK FACTORS
Risks Relating to Business Operations
General economic, credit and capital market conditions could adversely affect our financial performance, our ability to grow or sustain our businesses and our ability to access the capital markets.
We compete around the world in various geographic regions and product markets. Global economic conditions affect each of our primary businesses. As we discuss in greater detail in the specific risk factors for each of our businesses that appear below, any future financial distress in the industries and/or markets where we compete could negatively affect our revenues and financial performance in future periods, result in future restructuring charges, and adversely impact our ability to grow or sustain our businesses.
The capital and credit markets provide us with liquidity to operate and grow our businesses beyond the liquidity that operating cash flows provide. A worldwide economic downturn and/or disruption of the credit markets could reduce our access to capital necessary for our operations and executing our strategic plan. If our access to capital were to become significantly constrained, or if costs of capital increased significantly due to lowered credit ratings, prevailing industry conditions, the volatility of the capital markets or other factors; then our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Some of the industries in which we operate are cyclical and, accordingly, demand for our products and services could be adversely affected by downturns in these industries.
Much of the demand for installation of HVAC, security products, and fire detection and suppression solutions is driven by commercial and residential construction and industrial facility expansion and maintenance projects. Commercial and residential construction projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for commercial and residential real estate and availability of credit. Commercial and residential real estate markets are prone to significant fluctuations in supply and demand. In addition, most commercial and residential real estate developers rely heavily on project financing in order to initiate and complete projects. Declines in real estate values could lead to significant reductions in the availability of project financing, even in markets where demand may otherwise be sufficient to support new construction. These factors could in turn temper demand for new HVAC, fire detection and suppression and security installations.
Levels of industrial capital expenditures for facility expansions and maintenance turn on general economic conditions, economic conditions within specific industries we serve, expectations of future market behavior and available financing. Additionally, volatility in commodity prices can negatively affect the level of these activities and can result in postponement of capital spending decisions or the delay or cancellation of existing orders.
The businesses of many of our industrial customers, particularly oil and gas companies, chemical and petrochemical companies, mining and general industrial companies, are to varying degrees cyclical and have experienced periodic downturns. During such economic downturns, customers in these industries historically have tended to delay major capital projects, including greenfield construction, maintenance projects and upgrades. Additionally, demand for our products and services may be affected by volatility in energy and commodity prices and fluctuating demand forecasts, as our customers may be more conservative in their capital planning, which may reduce demand for our products and services. Although our industrial customers tend to be less dependent on project financing than real estate developers, disruptions in financial markets and banking systems could make credit and capital markets difficult for our customers to access, and could significantly raise the cost of new debt for our customers. Any difficulty in accessing these markets and the increased associated costs can have a negative effect on investment in large capital projects, including necessary maintenance and upgrades, even during periods of favorable end-market conditions.
Many of our customers inside and outside of the industrial and commercial sectors, including governmental and institutional customers, have experienced budgetary constraints as sources of revenue have been negatively impacted by adverse or stagnant economic conditions. These budgetary constraints have in the past and may in the future reduce demand for our products and services among governmental and institutional customers.
Reduced demand for our products and services could result in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or lead to excess capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed costs. This reduced demand may also erode average selling prices in the industries we serve. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Volatility in commodity prices may adversely affect our results of operations.
Increases in commodity costs can negatively impact the profitability of orders in backlog as prices on such orders are typically fixed; therefore, in the short-term, our ability to adjust for changes in certain commodity prices is limited. In these cases, if we are not able to recover commodity cost increases through price increases to our customers on new orders, then such increases will have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply based fixed price contracts, we use commodity hedge contracts to minimize overall price risk associated with our anticipated commodity purchases. Unfavorability in our hedging programs during a period of declining commodity prices could result in lower margins as we reduce prices to match the market on a fixed commodity cost level. Additionally, to the extent we do not or are unable to hedge certain commodities and the commodity prices substantially increase, such increases will have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We rely on our global direct installation channel for a significant portion of our revenue. Failure to maintain and grow the installed base resulting from direct channel sales could adversely affect our business.
Unlike many of our competitors, the Company relies on a direct sales channel for a substantial portion of our revenue. The direct channel provides for the installation of fire and security solutions, and HVAC equipment manufactured by the Company. This represents a significant distribution channel for our products, creates a large installed base of our fire and security solutions, and HVAC equipment, and creates opportunities for longer term service and monitoring revenue. If we are unable to maintain or grow this installation business, whether due to changes in economic conditions, a failure to anticipate changing customer needs, a failure
to introduce innovative or technologically advanced solutions, or for any other reason, our installation revenue could decline, which could in turn adversely impact our product pull through and our ability to grow service and monitoring revenue.
Our future growth is dependent upon our ability to develop or acquire new technologies that achieve market acceptance with acceptable margins.
Our future success depends on our ability to develop or acquire, manufacture and bring competitive, and increasingly complex, products and services to market quickly and cost-effectively. Our ability to develop or acquire new products, services and technologies requires the investment of significant resources. These acquisitions and development efforts divert resources from other potential investments in our businesses, and they may not lead to the development of new technologies, products or services on a timely basis. Moreover, as we introduce new products, we may be unable to detect and correct defects in the design of a product or in its application to a specified use, which could result in loss of sales or delays in market acceptance. Even after introduction, new or enhanced products may not satisfy customer preferences and product failures may cause customers to reject our products. As a result, these products may not achieve market acceptance and our brand image could suffer. We must also attract, develop and retain individuals with the requisite technical expertise and understanding of customers' needs to develop new technologies and introduce new products, particularly as we increase investment in our digital solutions businesses. We must also monitor disruptive technologies and business models. In addition, the markets for our products, services and technologies may not develop or grow as we anticipate. The failure of our technology, products or services to gain market acceptance due to more attractive offerings by our competitors or the failure to address any of the above factors could significantly reduce our revenues, increase our operating costs or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks associated with our non-U.S. operations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have significant operations in a number of countries outside the U.S., some of which are located in emerging markets. Long-term economic uncertainty in some of the regions of the world in which we operate, such as Asia, South America, the Middle East, Europe and emerging markets, could result in the disruption of markets and negatively affect cash flows from our operations to cover our capital needs and debt service requirements.
In addition, as a result of our global presence, a significant portion of our revenues and expenses is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We are therefore subject to non-U.S. currency risks and non-U.S. exchange exposure. While we employ financial instruments to hedge some of our transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate us completely from those exposures. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could reduce our profit margin in various locations outside of the U.S. and adversely impact the comparability of results from period to period.
There are other risks that are inherent in our non-U.S. operations, including the potential for changes in socio-economic conditions, laws and regulations, including anti-trust, import, export, labor and environmental laws, and monetary and fiscal policies; protectionist measures that may prohibit acquisitions or joint ventures, or impact trade volumes; unsettled political conditions; government-imposed plant or other operational shutdowns; backlash from foreign labor organizations related to our restructuring actions; corruption; natural and man-made disasters, hazards and losses; violence, civil and labor unrest, and possible terrorist attacks.
These and other factors may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our businesses operate in regulated industries and are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws and regulations.
Our operations and employees are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local licensing laws, codes and standards and similar foreign laws, codes, standards and regulations. Changes in laws or regulations could require us to change the way we operate or to utilize resources to maintain compliance, which could increase costs or otherwise disrupt operations. In addition, failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations could result in substantial fines or revocation of our operating permits and licenses. Competition or other regulatory investigations can continue for several years, be costly to defend and can result in substantial fines. If laws and regulations were to change or if we or our products failed to comply, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Due to the international scope of our operations, the system of laws and regulations to which we are subject is complex and includes regulations issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security,
the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control and various non U.S. governmental agencies, including applicable export controls, anti-trust, customs, currency exchange control and transfer pricing regulations, laws regulating the foreign ownership of assets, and laws governing certain materials that may be in our products. No assurances can be made that we will continue to be found to be operating in compliance with, or be able to detect violations of, any such laws or regulations. For example, existing free trade laws and regulations, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, or any successor agreement, provide certain beneficial duties and tariffs for qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture products or from where we import products or raw materials (either directly or through our suppliers) could have an impact on our competitive position, business and financial results. For example, certain of our businesses have a significant presence in the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”), where the success of the Brexit referendum in 2016 has continued to cause political and economic uncertainty. Although it is unknown what the full terms of the U.K.’s future relationship with the European Union will be, it is possible that the U.K. may be at risk of losing access to free trade agreements for goods and services with the EU and other countries, which may result in increased tariffs on U.K. imports and exports that could have an adverse effect on our profitability.
We cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted.
Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.
We rely upon the capacity, reliability and security of our IT and data security infrastructure and our ability to expand and continually update this infrastructure in response to the changing needs of our business. As we implement new systems or integrate existing systems, they may not perform as expected. We also face the challenge of supporting our older systems and implementing necessary upgrades. If we experience a problem with the functioning of an important IT system or a security breach of our IT systems, including during system upgrades and/or new system implementations, the resulting disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business.
Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to IT systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at the Company, its products, its customers and/or its third party service providers, including cloud providers. Our customers, including the U.S. government, are increasingly requiring cybersecurity protections and mandating cybersecurity standards in our products, and we may incur additional costs to comply with such demands. While we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of threats and incidents, none of them to date have been material to the Company. We seek to deploy comprehensive measures to deter, prevent, detect, respond to and mitigate these threats, including identity and access controls, data protection, vulnerability assessments, product software designs which we believe are less susceptible to cyber attacks, continuous monitoring of our IT networks and systems and maintenance of backup and protective systems. Despite these efforts, cybersecurity incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own or that of third parties) and the disruption of business operations. Cybersecurity incidents aimed at the software imbedded in our products could lead to third party claims that our product failures have caused a similar range of damages to our customers, and this risk is enhanced by the increasingly connected nature of our products. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include financial loss, reputational damage, litigation with third parties, theft of intellectual property, fines levied by the Federal Trade Commission, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs due to the increasing sophistication and proliferation of threats, which in turn could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations.
Data privacy, identity protection, and information security may require significant resources and presents certain risks.
We collect, store, have access to and otherwise process certain confidential or sensitive data, including proprietary business information, personal data or other information that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations and/or customer-imposed controls. Despite our efforts to protect such data, we may be vulnerable to material security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost data, programming errors, or errors that could potentially lead to compromising such data, improper use of our systems, software solutions or networks, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions. In addition, we operate in an environment in which there are different and potentially conflicting data privacy laws in effect in the various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate and we must understand and comply with each law and standard in each of these jurisdictions while ensuring the data is secure. For example, the State of California has passed legislation granting residents certain new data privacy rights and regulating the security of Internet of Things devices, which will go into effect in January 2020; European laws require us to have an approved legal mechanism to transfer personal data out of Europe; the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, which took effect in May 2018, superseded prior European Union data protection legislation and imposes more stringent requirements in how we collect and process personal data and provides for significantly greater penalties for noncompliance; and several other countries have
passed laws that require personal data relating to their citizens to be maintained on local servers and impose additional data transfer restrictions. Government enforcement actions can be costly and interrupt the regular operation of our business, and violations of data privacy laws can result in fines, reputational damage and civil lawsuits, any of which may adversely affect our business, reputation and financial statements.
We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws around the world.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA"), the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials or other persons for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement activity, with more frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both U.S. and non-U.S. regulators, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world that are recognized as having governmental and commercial corruption and local customs and practices that can be inconsistent with anti-bribery laws. We cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures will always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or third party intermediaries. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees or agents have or may have violated applicable anti-corruption laws, or if we are subject to allegations of any such violations, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be expensive and require significant time and attention from senior management. Violations of these laws may result in criminal or civil sanctions, which could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we could be subject to commercial impacts such as lost revenue from customers who decline to do business with us as a result of such compliance matters, or we could be subject to lawsuits brought by private litigants, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to risks arising from regulations applicable to companies doing business with the U.S. government.
Our customers include many U.S. federal, state and local government authorities. Doing business with the U.S. government and state and local authorities subjects us to unusual risks, including dependence on the level of government spending and compliance with and changes in governmental procurement and security regulations. Agreements relating to the sale of products to government entities may be subject to termination, reduction or modification, either at the convenience of the government or for failure to perform under the applicable contract. We are subject to potential government investigations of business practices and compliance with government procurement and security regulations, which can be expensive and burdensome. If we were charged with wrongdoing as a result of an investigation, we could be suspended from bidding on or receiving awards of new government contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. In addition, various U.S. federal and state legislative proposals have been made in the past that would deny governmental contracts to U.S. companies that have moved their corporate location abroad. We are unable to predict the likelihood that, or final form in which, any such proposed legislation might become law, the nature of regulations that may be promulgated under any future legislative enactments, or the effect such enactments and increased regulatory scrutiny may have on our business.
Infringement or expiration of our intellectual property rights, or allegations that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of third parties, could negatively affect us.
We rely on a combination of trademarks, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, know-how, confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We cannot guarantee, however, that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property will be adequate to prevent infringement of our rights or misappropriation or theft of our technology, trade secrets or know-how. For example, effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in some of the countries in which we operate. In addition, while we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties to protect our trade secrets, know-how, business strategy and other proprietary information, such confidentiality agreements could be breached or otherwise may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets and know-how related to the design, manufacture or operation of our products. If it became necessary for us to resort to litigation to protect our intellectual property rights, any proceedings could be burdensome and costly, and we may not prevail. Further, adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets and manufacturing expertise. Finally, for those products in our portfolio that rely on patent protection, once a patent has expired, the product is generally open to competition. Products under patent protection usually generate significantly higher revenues than those not protected by patents. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could suffer, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to claims of intellectual property infringement by third parties, including practicing entities and non-practicing entities. Regardless of the merit of such claims, responding to infringement claims can be expensive and time-consuming, and the litigation process is subject to inherent uncertainties, and we may not prevail in litigation matters regardless of the merits of our position. Intellectual property lawsuits or claims may become extremely disruptive if the plaintiffs succeed in blocking the trade of our products and services and they may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Global climate change could negatively affect our business.
Increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change may result in more regional and/or federal requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate legislation, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. Such regulatory uncertainty extends to incentives, which if discontinued, could adversely impact the demand for energy efficient buildings, and could increase costs of compliance. These factors may impact the demand for our products, obsolescence of our products and our results of operations.
There is a general consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are linked to global climate changes. Climate changes, such as extreme weather conditions, create financial risk to our business. For example, the demand for our products and services, such as residential air conditioning equipment, may be affected by unseasonable weather conditions. Climate changes could also disrupt our operations by impacting the availability and cost of materials needed for manufacturing and could increase insurance and other operating costs. These factors may impact our decisions to construct new facilities or maintain existing facilities in areas most prone to physical climate risks. The Company could also face indirect financial risks passed through the supply chain, and process disruptions due to physical climate changes could result in price modifications for our products and the resources needed to produce them.
Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs.
We have projects underway at multiple current and former manufacturing and testing facilities to investigate and remediate environmental contamination resulting from past operations by us or by other businesses that previously owned or used the properties, including our Fire Technology Center and Stanton Street manufacturing facility located in Marinette, Wisconsin. These projects relate to a variety of activities, including arsenic, solvent, oil, metal, lead, perfluorooctane sulfonate ("PFOS"), perfluorooctanoic acid ("PFOA") and/or other per- and poly fluorinated substances ("PFAS") and other hazardous substance contamination cleanup; and structure decontamination and demolition, including asbestos abatement. Because of uncertainties associated with environmental regulation and environmental remediation activities at sites where we may be liable, future expenses that we may incur to remediate identified sites could be considerably higher than the current accrued liability on our consolidated statements of financial position, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows. See Note 22, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on these matters.
We are subject to requirements relating to environmental and safety regulations and environmental remediation matters which could adversely affect our business, results of operation and reputation.
We are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, solid and hazardous waste storage, treatment and disposal, and remediation of releases of hazardous materials. There are significant capital, operating and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations may become more stringent in the future, which could increase costs of compliance or require us to manufacture with alternative technologies and materials.
Federal, state and local authorities also regulate a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, health, safety and permitting in addition to the environmental matters discussed above. New legislation and regulations may require the Company to make material changes to its operations, resulting in significant increases to the cost of production.
We are party to asbestos-related product litigation that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We and certain of our subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases typically involve product liability claims based primarily on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos containing components. We cannot predict with certainty the extent to which we will be successful in litigating or otherwise resolving lawsuits in the future and we continue to evaluate different strategies related to asbestos claims filed against us including
entity restructuring and judicial relief. Unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The amounts we have recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets in the consolidated statements of financial position are based on our current strategy for resolving asbestos claims, currently available information, and a number of variables, estimates and assumptions. Key variables and assumptions include the number and type of new claims that are filed each year, the average cost of resolution of claims, the identity of defendants and the resolution of coverage issues with insurance carriers, amount of insurance, and the solvency risk with respect to the Company's insurance carriers. Many of these factors are closely linked, such that a change in one variable or assumption will impact one or more of the others, and no single variable or assumption predominately influences the determination of the Company's asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets. Furthermore, predictions with respect to these variables are subject to greater uncertainty in the later portion of the projection period. Other factors that may affect the Company's liability and cash payments for asbestos-related matters include uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, reforms of state or federal tort legislation and the applicability of insurance policies among subsidiaries. As a result, actual liabilities or insurance recoveries could be significantly higher or lower than those recorded if assumptions used in our calculations vary significantly from actual results. If actual liabilities are significantly higher than those recorded, the cost of resolving such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks related to our defined benefit retirement plans may adversely impact our results of operations and cash flow.
Significant changes in actual investment return on defined benefit plan assets, discount rates, mortality assumptions and other factors could adversely affect our results of operations and the amounts of contributions we must make to our defined benefit plans in future periods. Because we mark-to-market our defined benefit plan assets and liabilities on an annual basis, large non-cash gains or losses could be recorded in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or when a remeasurement event occurs. Generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. require that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and interest rates, which may change based on economic conditions. Funding requirements for our defined benefit plans are dependent upon, among other factors, interest rates, underlying asset returns and the impact of legislative or regulatory changes related to defined benefit funding obligations. For a discussion regarding the significant assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, refer to "Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies" included in Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
We may be unable to realize the expected benefits of our restructuring actions, which could adversely affect our profitability and operations.
To align our resources with our growth strategies, operate more efficiently and control costs, we periodically announce restructuring plans, which may include workforce reductions, global plant closures and consolidations, asset impairments and other cost reduction initiatives. We may undertake additional restructuring actions and workforce reductions in the future. As these plans and actions are complex, unforeseen factors could result in expected savings and benefits to be delayed or not realized to the full extent planned, and our operations and business may be disrupted.
Negative or unexpected tax consequences could adversely affect our results of operations.
Adverse changes in the underlying profitability and financial outlook of our operations in several jurisdictions could lead to additional changes in our valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and other tax reserves on our statement of financial position, and the future sale of certain businesses could potentially result in the reversal of outside basis differences that could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, changes in tax laws in the U.S., Ireland or in other countries where we have significant operations could materially affect deferred tax assets and liabilities on our consolidated statements of financial position and our income tax provision in our consolidated statements of income.
We are also subject to tax audits by governmental authorities. Negative unexpected results from one or more such tax audits could adversely affect our results of operations.
Future changes in U.S. tax law could adversely affect us or our affiliates.
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law a bill commonly referred to as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "TCJA"), which made significant changes to certain U.S. tax laws relevant to us and our affiliates. While interpretations of the provisions of the TCJA continue to be subject to uncertainty, and regulatory guidance on certain aspects of the TCJA has not yet been issued, the TJCA is expected to have an adverse effect on the U.S. federal income taxation of our and our affiliates’
operations, including limiting or eliminating various deductions or credits (including interest expense deductions and deductions relating to employee compensation), imposing taxes on certain cross-border payments or transfers, imposing taxes on certain earnings of non-U.S. entities on a current basis, changing the timing of the recognition of income or its character, limiting asset basis under certain circumstances, and imposing additional corporate taxes under certain circumstances to combat perceived base erosion issues, among other changes.
The TCJA and any related legislation or regulations, as well as any other future changes in U.S. tax laws, could adversely affect the U.S. federal income taxation of our and our affiliates’ ongoing operations and may also adversely affect the integration efforts relating to, and potential synergies from, past strategic transactions, as described below. Any such changes and related consequences could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows. See Note 18, “Income Taxes,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on the impact the TCJA had on our business, financial performance and results of operations.
Legal proceedings in which we are, or may be, a party may adversely affect us.
We are currently, and may in the future, become subject to legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes. These are typically claims that arise in the normal course of business including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes with our suppliers or customers, intellectual property matters, third party liability, including product liability claims and employment claims. In addition, we have been named, along with others, in a number of class action and other lawsuits relating to the use of fire-fighting foam products by the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. military and others for fire suppression purposes and related training exercises. Plaintiffs generally allege that the fire-fighting foam products contain or break down into the chemicals PFOS and PFOA and/or other PFAS compounds and that the use of these products by others at various airbases, airports and other sites resulted in the release of these chemicals into the environment and ultimately into communities’ drinking water supplies neighboring those airports, airbases and other sites. Plaintiffs in these cases generally seek compensatory damages, including damages for alleged personal injuries, medical monitoring, diminution in property values, investigation and remediation costs, and natural resources damages, and also seek punitive damages and injunctive relief to address remediation of the alleged contamination. It is difficult to predict the outcome or ultimate financial exposure, if any, represented by these matters, and there can be no assurance that any such exposure will not be material. Such claims may also negatively affect our reputation. See Note 22, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on these matters.
A downgrade in the ratings of our debt could restrict our ability to access the debt capital markets and increase our interest costs.
Unfavorable changes in the ratings that rating agencies assign to our debt may ultimately negatively impact our access to the debt capital markets and increase the costs we incur to borrow funds. If ratings for our debt fall below investment grade, our access to the debt capital markets would become restricted. Future tightening in the credit markets and a reduced level of liquidity in many financial markets due to turmoil in the financial and banking industries could affect our access to the debt capital markets or the price we pay to issue debt. Historically, we have relied on our ability to issue commercial paper rather than to draw on our credit facility to support our daily operations, which means that a downgrade in our ratings or volatility in the financial markets causing limitations to the debt capital markets could have an adverse effect on our business or our ability to meet our liquidity needs.
Additionally, several of our credit agreements generally include an increase in interest rates if the ratings for our debt are downgraded. Further, an increase in the level of our indebtedness may increase our vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions and may affect our ability to obtain additional financing.
The potential insolvency or financial distress of third parties could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We are exposed to the risk that third parties to various arrangements who owe us money or goods and services, or who purchase goods and services from us, will not be able to perform their obligations or continue to place orders due to insolvency or financial distress. If third parties fail to perform their obligations under arrangements with us, we may be forced to replace the underlying commitment at current or above market prices or on other terms that are less favorable to us. In such events, we may incur losses, or our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity could otherwise be adversely affected.
We may be unable to complete or integrate acquisitions or joint ventures effectively, which may adversely affect our growth, profitability and results of operations.
We expect acquisitions of businesses and assets, as well as joint ventures (or other strategic arrangements), to play a role in our future growth. We cannot be certain that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition or joint venture targets, obtain financing for acquisitions on satisfactory terms, successfully acquire identified targets or form joint ventures, or manage the timing of acquisitions with capital obligations across our businesses. Additionally, we may not be successful in integrating acquired businesses or joint ventures into our existing operations and achieving projected synergies which could result in impairment of assets, including goodwill and acquired intangible assets. Given the significance of the Company's past acquisitions, the goodwill and intangible assets recorded were significant and impairment of such assets could result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operation. Competition for acquisition opportunities in the various industries in which we operate may rise, thereby increasing our costs of making acquisitions or causing us to refrain from making further acquisitions. If we were to use equity securities to finance a future acquisition, our then-current shareholders would experience dilution. We are also subject to applicable antitrust laws and must avoid anticompetitive behavior. These and other factors related to acquisitions and joint ventures may negatively and adversely impact our growth, profitability and results of operations.
Risks associated with joint venture investments may adversely affect our business and financial results.
We have entered into several joint ventures and we may enter into additional joint ventures in the future. Our joint venture partners may at any time have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with our goals or with the goals of the joint venture. In addition, we may compete against our joint venture partners in certain of our other markets. Disagreements with our business partners may impede our ability to maximize the benefits of our partnerships. Our joint venture arrangements may require us, among other matters, to pay certain costs or to make certain capital investments or to seek our joint venture partner’s consent to take certain actions. In addition, our joint venture partners may be unable or unwilling to meet their economic or other obligations under the operative documents, and we may be required to either fulfill those obligations alone to ensure the ongoing success of a joint venture or to dissolve and liquidate a joint venture. These risks could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
We are subject to business continuity risks associated with centralization of certain administrative functions.
We have been regionally centralizing certain administrative functions, primarily in North America, Europe and Asia, to improve efficiency and reduce costs. To the extent that these central locations are disrupted or disabled, key business processes, such as invoicing, payments and general management operations, could be interrupted, which could have an adverse impact on our business.
A material disruption of our operations, particularly at our monitoring and/or manufacturing facilities, could adversely affect our business.
If our operations, particularly at our monitoring facilities and/or manufacturing facilities, were to be disrupted as a result of significant equipment failures, natural disasters, power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, sabotage, adverse weather conditions, public health crises, labor disputes or other reasons, we may be unable to effectively respond to alarm signals, fill customer orders and otherwise meet obligations to or demand from our customers, which could adversely affect our financial performance.
Interruptions in production could increase our costs and reduce our sales. Any interruption in production capability could require us to make substantial capital expenditures or purchase alternative material at higher costs to fill customer orders, which could negatively affect our profitability and financial condition. We maintain property damage insurance that we believe to be adequate to provide for reconstruction of facilities and equipment, as well as business interruption insurance to mitigate losses resulting from significant production interruption or shutdown caused by an insured loss. However, any recovery under our insurance policies may not offset the lost sales or increased costs that may be experienced during the disruption of operations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Our business success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
Our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team and workforce. Failure to ensure that we have the leadership capacity with the necessary skill set and experience could impede our ability to deliver our growth objectives and execute our strategic plan. Organizational and reporting changes resulting from the Merger, or as a result of any future leadership transition or corporate initiatives could result in increased turnover. Additionally, any unplanned turnover or inability to attract and retain key employees could have a negative effect on our results of operations.
Our business may be adversely affected by work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with our labor force.
We employ approximately 104,000 people worldwide. Approximately 21% of these employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or works council. Although we believe that our relations with the labor unions and works councils that represent our employees are generally good and we have experienced no material strikes or work stoppages recently, no assurances can be made that we will not experience in the future these and other types of conflicts with labor unions, works council, other groups representing employees or our employees generally, or that any future negotiations with our labor unions will not result in significant increases in our cost of labor. Additionally, a work stoppage at one of our suppliers could materially and adversely affect our operations if an alternative source of supply were not readily available. Stoppages by employees of our customers could also result in reduced demand for our products.
We are exposed to greater risks of liability for employee acts or omissions, or system failure, in our fire and security businesses than may be inherent in other businesses.
If a customer or third party believes that he or she has suffered harm to person or property due to an actual or alleged act or omission of one of our employees or a security or fire system failure, he or she may pursue legal action against us, and the cost of defending the legal action and of any judgment could be substantial. In particular, because many of our products and services are intended to protect lives and real and personal property, we may have greater exposure to litigation risks than businesses that provide other products and services. We could face liability for failure to respond adequately to alarm activations or failure of our fire protection to operate as expected. The nature of the services we provide exposes us to the risks that we may be held liable for employee acts or omissions or system failures. In an attempt to reduce this risk, our installation, service and monitoring agreements and other contracts contain provisions limiting our liability in such circumstances, and we typically maintain product liability insurance to mitigate the risk that our products and services fail to operate as expected. However, in the event of litigation, it is possible that contract limitations may be deemed not applicable or unenforceable, that our insurance coverage is not adequate, or that insurance carriers deny coverage of our claims. As a result, such employee acts or omissions or system failures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We do not own the right to use the ADT® brand name in the U.S. and Canada.
We own the ADT® brand name in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. and Canada, and The ADT Corporation ("ADT") owns the brand name in the U.S. and Canada. Although Tyco has entered into agreements with ADT designed to protect the value of the ADT® brand, we cannot assure you that actions taken by ADT will not negatively impact the value of the brand outside of the U.S. and Canada. These factors expose us to the risk that the ADT® brand name could suffer reputational damage or devaluation for reasons outside of our control, including ADT's business conduct in the U.S. and Canada. Any of these factors may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Police departments could refuse to respond to calls from monitored security service companies.
Police departments in a limited number of jurisdictions do not respond to calls from monitored security service companies, either as a matter of policy or by local ordinance. We have offered affected customers the option of receiving responses from private guard companies, in most cases through contracts with us, which increases the overall cost to customers. If more police departments, whether inside or outside the U.S., were to refuse to respond or be prohibited from responding to calls from monitored security service companies, our ability to attract and retain customers could be negatively impacted and our results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected.
A variety of other factors could adversely affect the results of operations of our business.
Any of the following could materially and adversely impact the results of operations of our business: loss of, changes in, or failure to perform under guaranteed performance contracts with our major customers; cancellation of, or significant delays in, projects in our backlog; delays or difficulties in new product development; the potential introduction of similar or superior technologies; financial instability or market declines of our major component suppliers; the unavailability of raw materials (primarily steel, copper and electronic components) necessary for production of our products; price increases of limited-source components, products and services that we are unable to pass on to the market; unseasonable weather conditions in various parts of the world; changes in energy costs or governmental regulations that would decrease the incentive for customers to update or improve their building control systems; revisions to energy efficiency or refrigerant legislation; and natural or man-made disasters or losses that impact our ability to deliver products and services to our customers.
Risks Relating to Strategic Transactions
We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination between Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco International plc.
The success of the Merger will depend on, among other things, our ability to combine the legacy businesses of Johnson Controls and Tyco in a manner that realizes anticipated synergies and facilitates growth opportunities, and achieves the projected stand-alone cost savings and revenue growth trends identified by us. We expect to benefit from operational and general and administrative cost synergies resulting from the consolidation of capabilities and branch optimization, as well as greater tax efficiencies from global management and global cash movement. We may also enjoy revenue synergies, including product and service cross-selling, a more diversified and expanded product offering and balance across geographic regions. However, we must successfully combine the legacy businesses of Johnson Controls and Tyco in a manner that permits these cost savings and synergies to be realized. In addition, we must achieve the anticipated savings and synergies without adversely affecting current revenues and investments in future growth. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, we may not realize fully, or at all, the anticipated benefits of the Merger, or it may take longer to realize the benefits than expected.
Other factors may prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits of the Merger or impact our future performance. These include, among other items, the possibility that the contingent liabilities of either party (including contingent tax liabilities) are larger than expected, the existence of unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Merger and possible adverse tax consequences pursuant to changes in applicable tax laws (including most recently the TCJA), regulations or other administrative guidance. In addition, we may be subject to additional restrictions as a result of the Company's Irish domicile.
We may encounter significant difficulties in combining the legacy Johnson Controls and Tyco businesses.
The combination of two independent businesses is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. As a result, we continue to devote significant management attention and resources to combining the business practices and operations of the legacy Johnson Controls and Tyco businesses. This process may disrupt the businesses. The failure to meet the challenges involved in combining the two businesses and to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, the activities of the combined company and could adversely affect our results of operations. The overall combination of legacy Johnson Controls and Tyco businesses may also result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of customer and other business relationships and diversion of management attention. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include, among others:
•the diversion of management attention to integration matters;
•difficulties in integrating operations and systems;
•challenges in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures and
compensation structures between the two companies;
•difficulties in assimilating employees and in attracting and retaining key personnel;
•challenges in keeping existing customers and obtaining new customers;
•difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from the
combination;
•difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company;
•contingent liabilities (including contingent tax liabilities) that are larger than expected; and
•potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Merger,
including possible adverse tax consequences to the combined company pursuant to changes in applicable tax laws or
regulations.
Many of these factors are outside of our control, and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreased expected revenues and diversion of management time and energy, which could materially impact the business, financial condition and results of operations of the combined company.
Divestitures of some of our businesses or product lines may materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We continually evaluate the performance and strategic fit of all of our businesses and may sell businesses or product lines. For example, on October 31, 2016, we completed the spin-off of our Automotive Experience business and sold our Scott Safety business in October 2017. In addition, on April 30, 2019, we sold our Power Solutions business to BCP Acquisitions LLC. Divestitures involve risks, including difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products and personnel, the diversion of management's attention from other business concerns, the disruption of our business, the potential loss of key employees and the retention of uncertain environmental or other contingent liabilities related to the divested business. Some divestitures, like the Power Solutions divestiture, may be dilutive to earnings. In addition, divestitures may result in significant asset impairment charges, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in managing these or any other significant risks that we encounter in divesting a business or product line, and any divestiture we undertake could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and may also result in a diversion of management attention, operational difficulties and losses. With respect to the Power Solutions divestiture, there can be no assurance whether the strategic benefits and expected financial impact of the divestiture will be achieved.
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") may not agree that we should be treated as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes and may not agree that the our U.S. affiliates should not be subject to certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules.
Under current U.S. federal tax law, a corporation is generally considered for U.S. federal tax purposes to be a tax resident in the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation. Because Johnson Controls International plc is an Irish incorporated entity, it would generally be classified as a non-U.S. corporation (and, therefore, a non-U.S. tax resident) under these rules. However, Section 7874 of the Code ("Section 7874") provides an exception to this general rule under which a non-U.S. incorporated entity may, in certain circumstances, be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes.
Under Section 7874, if (1) former Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders owned (within the meaning of Section 7874) 80% or more (by vote or value) of our ordinary shares after the Merger by reason of holding Johnson Controls, Inc. common stock (the "80% ownership test," and such ownership percentage the "Section 7874 ownership percentage"), and (2) our "expanded affiliated group" did not have "substantial business activities" in Ireland ("the substantial business activities test"), we will be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes. If the Section 7874 ownership percentage of the former Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders after the Merger was less than 80% but at least 60% (the "60% ownership test"), and the substantial business activities test was not met, we and our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco) may, in some circumstances, be subject to certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules (which, among other things, could limit their ability to utilize certain U.S. tax attributes to offset U.S. taxable income or gain resulting from certain transactions).
Based on the terms of the Merger, the rules for determining share ownership under Section 7874 and certain factual assumptions, we believe that former Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders owned (within the meaning of Section 7874) less than 60% (by both vote and value) of our ordinary shares after the Merger by reason of holding shares of Johnson Controls, Inc. common stock. Therefore, under current law, we believe that we should not be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes and that Section 7874 should otherwise not apply to us or our affiliates as a result of the Merger.
However, the rules under Section 7874 are complex and there is limited guidance regarding their application. In particular, ownership for purposes of Section 7874 is subject to various adjustments under the Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and there is limited guidance regarding Section 7874, including with respect to the application of the ownership tests described therein. As a result, the determination of the Section 7874 ownership percentage is complex and is subject to factual and legal uncertainties. Thus, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with the position that we should not be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes or that Section 7874 does not otherwise apply as a result of the Merger.
In addition, on January 13, 2017 and July 11, 2018, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS finalized certain Treasury regulations issued under Section 7874 and revised certain related temporary regulations (the "Section 7874 Regulations"), which, among other things, require certain adjustments that generally increase, for purposes of the Section 7874 ownership tests, the percentage of the stock of a foreign acquiring corporation deemed owned (within the meaning of Section 7874) by the former shareholders of an acquired U.S. corporation by reason of holding stock in such U.S. corporation. For example, these regulations disregard, for purposes of determining this ownership percentage, (1) any "non-ordinary course distributions" (within the meaning of the regulations) made by the acquired U.S. corporation (such as Johnson Controls, Inc.) during the 36 months preceding the acquisition, including certain dividends and share repurchases, (2) potentially any cash consideration received by the shareholders of such U.S. corporation in the acquisition to the extent such cash is, directly or indirectly, provided by the U.S. corporation, as well as (3) certain stock of
the foreign acquiring corporation that was issued as consideration in a prior acquisition of another U.S. corporation (or U.S. partnership) during the 36 months preceding the signing date of a binding contract for the acquisition being tested. Taking into account the effect of these regulations, we believe that the Section 7874 ownership percentage of former Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders in us was less than 60%. However, these regulations are complex and there is limited guidance regarding their application. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully assert that either the 80% ownership test or the 60% ownership test was met after the Merger.
If the 80% ownership test was met after the Merger and we were accordingly treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes under Section 7874, we would be subject to substantial additional U.S. tax liability. Additionally, in such case, our non-U.S. shareholders would be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the gross amount of any dividends we pay to such shareholders (subject to an exemption or reduced rate available under an applicable tax treaty). Regardless of any application of Section 7874, we are treated as an Irish tax resident for Irish tax purposes. Consequently, if we were to be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes under Section 7874, we could be liable for both U.S. and Irish taxes, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If the 60% ownership test were met, several adverse U.S. federal income tax rules could apply to our U.S. affiliates. In particular, in such case, Section 7874 could limit the ability of such U.S. affiliates to utilize certain U.S. tax attributes (including net operating losses and certain tax credits) to offset any taxable income or gain resulting from certain transactions, including any transfers or licenses of property to a foreign related person during the 10-year period following the Merger. The Section 7874 Regulations generally expand the scope of these rules. If the 60% ownership test were met after the Merger, such current and future limitations would apply to our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco), and their application could limit their ability to utilize such U.S. tax attributes against any income or gain recognized in connection with the Adient spin-off. In such case, the application of such rules could result in significant additional U.S. tax liability. In addition, the Section 7874 Regulations (and certain related temporary regulations issued under other provisions of the Code) include rules that would apply if the 60% ownership test were met, which, in such situation, may limit our ability to restructure or access cash earned by certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, in each case, without incurring substantial U.S. tax liabilities.
Future potential changes to the tax laws could result in our being treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes or in us and our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco) being subject to certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules.
As discussed above, under current law, we believe that we should be treated as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes and that Section 7874 does not otherwise apply as a result of the Merger. However, changes to Section 7874, or the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, could affect our status as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes or could result in the application of certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules to us and our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco). Any such changes could have prospective or retroactive application, and may apply even though the Merger has been consummated. If we were to be treated as a U.S. corporation for federal tax purposes or if we or our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco) were to become subject to such adverse U.S. federal income tax rules, we and our U.S. affiliates could be subject to substantially greater U.S. tax liability than currently contemplated.
Certain legislative and other proposals have aimed to expand the scope of U.S. corporate tax residence, including in such a way as would cause us to be treated as a U.S. corporation if our place of management and control or the place of management and control of our non-U.S. affiliates were determined to be located primarily in the United States. In addition, certain legislative and other proposals have aimed to expand the scope of Section 7874, or otherwise address certain perceived issues arising in connection with so-called inversion transactions. For example, multiple proposals introduced by certain Democratic members of both houses of Congress, which, if enacted in their present form, would be effective retroactively to certain transactions (including the Merger), would, among other things, treat a foreign acquiring corporation as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes under Section 7874 if the former shareholders of a U.S. corporation acquired by such foreign acquiring corporation own more than 50% of the shares of the foreign acquiring corporation after the acquisition. These proposals, if enacted in their present form and made retroactive to a date before the date of the closing of the Merger, would cause us to be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes. In such case, we would be subject to substantially greater U.S. tax liability than currently contemplated. It is presently uncertain whether any such proposals or other legislative action relating to the scope of U.S. tax residence, Section 7874 or so-called inversion transactions and inverted groups will be enacted into law.
Other legislative and/or other proposals relating to U.S. taxation could also have a material impact on our future financial results. The recently enacted TCJA introduced significant changes to certain U.S. tax laws relevant to us and our affiliates, including limitations on the deductibility of certain interest expense and employee compensation, limitations on various other deductions and credits, the imposition of taxes in respect of certain cross-border payments or transfers, the imposition of taxes on certain earnings of non-U.S. entities on a current basis, and changes in the timing of the recognition of income or its character. These
changes, any future regulatory guidance implementing the TCJA, as well as any other legislative or other proposals or changes relating to U.S. taxation (which may or may not be adopted and may apply, on a prospective or retroactive basis), could have a significant adverse effect on us and our affiliates.
Adient may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that we have executed as part of the Adient spin-off.
On October 31, 2016, we completed the separation of our Automotive Experience business through the spin-off of Adient plc to shareholders.
In connection with the spin-off of Adient, we and Adient have entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various other agreements, including a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement, an employee matters agreement and a transitional trademark license agreement. Certain of these agreements provide for the performance of services by each company for the benefit of the other for a period of time after the spin-off. We will rely on Adient to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Adient is unable to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties or losses.
Risks Relating to Our Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Legislative action in the U.S. could materially and adversely affect us.
Legislative action may be taken by the U.S. Congress which, if ultimately enacted, could limit the availability of tax benefits or deductions that we currently claim, override tax treaties upon which we rely, affect our status as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, impose additional taxes on payments made by our U.S. subsidiaries to non-U.S. affiliates, or otherwise affect the taxes that the U.S. imposes on our worldwide operations. Such changes could have retroactive effect and could have a material adverse effect on our effective tax rate and/or require us to take further action, at potentially significant expense, to seek to preserve our effective tax rate. In addition, if proposals were enacted that had the effect of disregarding or limiting our ability, as an Irish company, to take advantage of tax treaties with the U.S., we could incur additional tax expense and/or otherwise incur business detriment.
Legislation relating to governmental contracts could materially and adversely affect us.
Various U.S. federal and state legislative proposals that would deny governmental contracts to U.S. companies that have moved their corporate location abroad may affect us. We are unable to predict the likelihood that, or final form in which, any such proposed legislation might become law, the nature of regulations that may be promulgated under any future legislative enactments, or the effect such enactments and increased regulatory scrutiny may have on our business.
Irish law differs from the laws in effect in the U.S. and may afford less protection to holders of our securities.
It may not be possible to enforce court judgments obtained in the U.S. against us in Ireland based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal or state securities laws. In addition, there is some uncertainty as to whether the courts of Ireland would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers based on the civil liabilities provisions of the U.S. federal or state securities laws or hear actions against us or those persons based on those laws. We have been advised that the U.S. currently does not have a treaty with Ireland providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any U.S. federal or state court based on civil liability, whether or not based solely on U.S. federal or state securities laws, would not automatically be enforceable in Ireland.
A judgment obtained against the combined company will be enforced by the courts of Ireland if the following general requirements are met:
•
U.S. courts must have had jurisdiction in relation to the particular defendant according to Irish conflict of law rules (the submission to jurisdiction by the defendant would satisfy this rule); and
•
the judgment must be final and conclusive and the decree must be final and unalterable in the court which pronounces it.
A judgment can be final and conclusive even if it is subject to appeal or even if an appeal is pending. But where the effect of lodging an appeal under the applicable law is to stay execution of the judgment, it is possible that in the meantime the judgment may not be actionable in Ireland. It remains to be determined whether final judgment given in default of appearance is final and conclusive. Irish courts may also refuse to enforce a judgment of the U.S. courts which meets the above requirements for one of the following reasons:
•
the judgment is not for a definite sum of money;
•
the judgment was obtained by fraud;
•
the enforcement of the judgment in Ireland would be contrary to natural or constitutional justice;
•
the judgment is contrary to Irish public policy or involves certain U.S. laws which will not be enforced in Ireland; or
•
jurisdiction cannot be obtained by the Irish courts over the judgment debtors in the enforcement proceedings by personal service Ireland or outside Ireland under Order 11 of the Irish Superior Courts Rules.
As an Irish company, Johnson Controls is governed by the Irish Companies Acts, which differ in some material respects from laws generally applicable to U.S. corporations and shareholders, including, among others, differences relating to interested director and officer transactions and shareholder lawsuits. Likewise, the duties of directors and officers of an Irish company generally are owed to the company only. Shareholders of Irish companies generally do not have a personal right of action against directors or officers of the company and may exercise such rights of action on behalf of the company only in limited circumstances. Accordingly, holders of Johnson Controls International plc securities may have more difficulty protecting their interests than would holders of securities of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the U.S.
Our effective tax rate may increase.
There is uncertainty regarding the tax policies of the jurisdictions where we operate, which if enacted could result in an increase in our effective tax rate. Additionally, the tax laws of Ireland and other jurisdictions could change in the future, and such changes could cause a material increase in our effective tax rate.
Changes to the U.S. model income tax treaty could adversely affect us.
On February 17, 2016, the U.S. Treasury released a revised U.S. model income tax convention (the "new model"), which is the baseline text used by the U.S. Treasury to negotiate tax treaties. If any or all of the modifications to the model treaty are adopted in the main jurisdictions in which we do business, they could, among other things, cause double taxation, increase audit risk and substantially increase our worldwide tax liability. We cannot predict the outcome of any specific modifications to the model treaty, and we cannot provide assurance that any such modifications will not apply to us.
Transfers of Johnson Controls ordinary shares may be subject to Irish stamp duty.
For the majority of transfers of Johnson Controls ordinary shares, there is no Irish stamp duty. However, Irish stamp duty is payable for certain share transfers. A transfer of Johnson Controls ordinary shares from a seller who holds shares beneficially (i.e. through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC")) to a buyer who holds the acquired shares beneficially is not subject to Irish stamp duty (unless the transfer involves a change in the nominee that is the record holder of the transferred shares). A transfer of Johnson Controls ordinary shares by a seller who holds shares directly (i.e. not through DTC) to any buyer, or by a seller who holds the shares beneficially to a buyer who holds the acquired shares directly, may be subject to Irish stamp duty (currently at the rate of 1% of the price paid or the market value of the shares acquired, if higher) payable by the buyer. A shareholder who directly holds shares may transfer those shares into his or her own broker account to be held through DTC without giving rise to Irish stamp duty provided that the shareholder has confirmed to Johnson Controls transfer agent that there is no change in the ultimate beneficial ownership of the shares as a result of the transfer and, at the time of the transfer, there is no agreement in place for a sale of the shares.
We currently intend to pay, or cause one of our affiliates to pay, stamp duty in connection with share transfers made in the ordinary course of trading by a seller who holds shares directly to a buyer who holds the acquired shares beneficially. In other cases Johnson Controls may, in its absolute discretion, pay or cause one of its affiliates to pay any stamp duty. Johnson Controls Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that, in the event of any such payment, Johnson Controls (i) may seek reimbursement from the buyer, (ii) may have a lien against the Johnson Controls ordinary shares acquired by such buyer and any dividends paid on such shares and (iii) may set-off the amount of the stamp duty against future dividends on such shares. Parties to a share transfer may assume that any stamp duty arising in respect of a transaction in Johnson Controls ordinary shares has been paid unless one or both of such parties is otherwise notified by Johnson Controls.
Dividends paid by us may be subject to Irish dividend withholding tax.
In certain circumstances, as an Irish tax resident company, we will be required to deduct Irish dividend withholding tax (currently at the rate of 20%) from dividends paid to our shareholders. Shareholders that are resident in the U.S., European Union countries (other than Ireland) or other countries with which Ireland has signed a tax treaty (whether the treaty has been ratified or not) generally should not be subject to Irish withholding tax so long as the shareholder has provided its broker, for onward transmission
to our qualifying intermediary or other designated agent (in the case of shares held beneficially), or us or our transfer agent (in the case of shares held directly), with all the necessary documentation by the appropriate due date prior to payment of the dividend. However, some shareholders may be subject to withholding tax, which could adversely affect the price of our ordinary shares.
Dividends received by you could be subject to Irish income tax.
Dividends paid in respect of Johnson Controls ordinary shares generally are not subject to Irish income tax where the beneficial owner of these dividends is exempt from dividend withholding tax, unless the beneficial owner of the dividend has some connection with Ireland other than his or her shareholding in Johnson Controls.
Johnson Controls shareholders who receive their dividends subject to Irish dividend withholding tax generally will have no further liability to Irish income tax on the dividend unless the beneficial owner of the dividend has some connection with Ireland other than his or her shareholding in Johnson Controls.
ITEM 1B
ITEM 1B
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
The Company has no unresolved written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the SEC.
ITEM 2
ITEM 2
PROPERTIES
The Company conducts its operations in approximately 70 countries throughout the world, with its world headquarters located in Cork, Ireland and its North American operational headquarters located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA. The Company’s wholly- and majority-owned facilities primarily consist of manufacturing, sales and service offices, research and development facilities, monitoring centers, and assembly and/or warehouse centers. At September 30, 2019, these properties totaled approximately 44 million square feet of floor space of which 18 million square feet are owned and 26 million square feet are leased. The Company considers its facilities to be suitable for their current uses and adequate for current needs. The majority of the facilities are operating at normal levels based on capacity. The Company does not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities.
ITEM 3
ITEM 3
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Gumm v. Molinaroli, et al.
On August 16, 2016, a putative class action lawsuit, Gumm v. Molinaroli, et al., Case No. 16-cv-1093, was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, naming Johnson Controls, Inc., the individual members of its board of directors at the time of the merger with the Company’s merger subsidiary and certain of its officers, the Company and the Company’s merger subsidiary as defendants. The complaint asserted various causes of action under the federal securities laws, state law and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, including that the individual defendants allegedly breached their fiduciary duties and unjustly enriched themselves by structuring the merger among the Company, Tyco and the merger subsidiary in a manner that would result in a United States federal income tax realization event for the putative class of certain Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders and allegedly result in certain benefits to the defendants, as well as related claims regarding alleged misstatements in the proxy statement/prospectus distributed to the Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders, conversion and breach of contract. The complaint also asserted that Johnson Controls, Inc., the Company and the Company’s merger subsidiary aided and abetted the individual defendants in their breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks, among other things, disgorgement of profits and damages. On September 30, 2016, approximately one month after the closing of the merger, plaintiffs filed a preliminary injunction motion seeking, among other items, to compel Johnson Controls, Inc. to make certain intercompany payments that plaintiffs contend will impact the United States federal income tax consequences of the merger to the putative class of certain Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders and to enjoin Johnson Controls, Inc. from reporting to the Internal Revenue Service the capital gains taxes payable by this putative class as a result of the closing of the merger. The court held a hearing on the preliminary injunction motion on January 4, 2017, and on January 25, 2017, the judge denied the plaintiffs' motion. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on February 15, 2017, and the Company filed a motion to dismiss on April 3, 2017. On October 17, 2019, the court heard oral argument on the motion to dismiss and took the matter under advisement. Although the Company believes it has substantial defenses to plaintiffs’ claims, it is not able to predict the outcome of this action.
Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for discussion of environmental, asbestos, insurable liabilities and other litigation matters, which is incorporated by reference herein and is considered an integral part of Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings."
ITEM 4
ITEM 4
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the following list of executive officers of the Company as of November 21, 2019 is included as an unnumbered Item in Part I of this report in lieu of being included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the annual general meeting of shareholders to be held on March 4, 2020.
Tomas Brannemo, 48, was elected Vice President and President, Building Solutions, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America in September 2019. He previously served as Senior Vice President and President, Water Infrastructure and Europe Commercial Team of Xylem Inc., a leading global water technology company. At Xylem, he also served as Senior Vice President and President, Transport and Treatment, from 2017 to 2019 and other roles from 2010 to 2017. Between 2006 and 2010, he held various marketing, sales and engineering positions at Volvo Construction Company.
John Donofrio, 57, has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since November 15, 2017. He previously served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Mars, Incorporated, a global food manufacturer from October 2013 to November 2017. Before joining Mars in October 2013, Mr. Donofrio was Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for The Shaw Group Inc., a global engineering and construction company, from October 2009 until February 2013. Prior to joining Shaw, Mr. Donofrio was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Visteon Corporation, a global automotive supplier, a position he held from 2005 until October 2009. Mr. Donofrio has been a Director of FARO Technologies, Inc., a designer, developer, manufacturer and marketer of software driven, 3D measurement, imaging and realization systems, since 2008.
Michael J. Ellis, 63, was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Customer & Digital Officer, effective October 2019. From May 2018 to October 2019, he served as a Managing Director at Accenture, a global provider of professional services in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of ForgeRock, a global digital security software company, from 2012 to 2018. Prior to joining ForgeRock, from 2008 to 2012, he held various senior executive roles at SAP SE, a global provider of enterprise software solutions. Previously, he also served as Chief Executive Officer of Univa, a leading innovator in enterprise-grade workload management and optimization solutions, and as Senior Vice President Business Development at i2 Technologies, a provider of supply chain solutions.
Visal Leng, 49, was elected Vice President and President, Building Solutions, Asia Pacific in September 2018. He previously served as President Asia Pacific of Baker Hughes, the world’s first and only full stream provider of integrated oilfield products, services and digital solutions, from July 2017 to September 2018. Prior to the merger of Baker Hughes with General Electric in 2017, he held a number of roles with increasing responsibility in General Electric from his hire in November 1996, including President of its Asia Pacific oil and gas operations from January 2014 to July 2017; and Asia Pacific Regional General Manager from October 2011 to December 2013.
Lynn Minella, 61, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since June 2017. Prior to joining Johnson Controls, she served as Group Human Resources Director at BAE Systems Plc from June 2012 to June 2017. Prior to BAE Systems, she was with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. from 2004 until 2012 where she was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Communications. Earlier in her career she also held a variety of human resources roles of increasing responsibility at International Business Machines Corporation.
George R. Oliver, 60, has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since September 2017. He previously served as our President and Chief Operating Officer following the completion of the merger in September 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Oliver was Tyco's Chief Executive Officer, a position he held since September 2012. He joined Tyco in July 2006, and served as President of a number of operating segments from 2007 through 2011. Before joining Tyco, he served in operational leadership roles of increasing responsibility at several General Electric divisions. Mr. Oliver also serves as a Director on the board of Raytheon Company, a company specializing in cybersecurity and defense throughout the world.
Rodney M. Rushing, 53, was elected Vice President and President, Building Solutions, North America in November 2016. From 2015 to November 2016 he served as Global Vice President and General Manager, Global Products - Direct Expansion, overseeing the integration of Johnson Controls, Inc.’s joint venture with Hitachi Air Conditioning. Prior thereto, from 2013 to 2015 he was Vice President and General Manager, Products and Distribution North America and from 2009 to 2013 he was Vice President and General Manager of Unitary Products. Mr. Rushing first joined Johnson Controls, Inc. in 1990, and has held a number of roles of increasing responsibility in its field and product organization.
Brian J. Stief, 63, has served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer since November 2019. He also serves as the Company's Principal Financial Officer. He was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer following the completion of the Merger in September 2016 and served in that role until November 2019. Prior to the Merger, he was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Johnson Controls, Inc. in September 2014. He previously served Johnson Controls, Inc. as Vice President and Corporate Controller from 2010 to 2014. Prior to joining Johnson Controls, Inc. in 2010, Mr. Stief was a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (an audit and assurance, tax and consulting services provider), which he joined in 1979 and in which he became partner in 1989.
Robert VanHimbergen, 43, has served as Vice President and Corporate Controller since December 2017. Mr. VanHimbergen joined Johnson Controls in 2007 as the Corporate Director of Global Accounting and has held various Corporate and Power Solutions positions of increasing responsibility. His most recent position was serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, an Adient joint venture, formed in 2015. Mr. VanHimbergen began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1998.
Jeff M. Williams, 58, has served as Vice President and President, Global Products, Building Technologies and Solutions since July 2019. He previously served as Vice President and President, Building Solutions, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America from March 2017 to July 2019. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President - Enterprise Operations - Engineering and Supply Chain from January 2015 through the Merger to March 2017. With respect to roles at Johnson Controls, Inc., he served as Vice President, Program Management Office from 2015 to 2016, as Group Vice President and General Manager Global Seating & Supply Chain from 2013 to 2014, and as Group Vice President and General Manager Customer Group Americas from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Williams joined Johnson Controls, Inc. in 1984.
There are no family relationships, as defined by the instructions to this item, among the Company’s executive officers.
PART II
ITEM 5
ITEM 5
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The shares of the Company’s ordinary shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "JCI."
In November 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $1 billion increase to its existing share repurchase authorization. In March 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved an additional $8.5 billion increase to its existing share repurchase authorization, subject to the completion of the previously announced sale of the Company's Power Solutions business, which closed on April 30, 2019. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. During fiscal year 2019, the Company repurchased approximately $5,983 million of its ordinary shares, of which $4,035 million of its ordinary shares were purchased through publicly announced "modified Dutch auction" tender offer and $1,948 million of its ordinary shares were purchased on an open market. As of September 30, 2019, approximately $4.6 billion remains available under the share repurchase program.
The following table presents information regarding the repurchase of the Company’s ordinary shares by the Company as part of the publicly announced program during the three months ended September 30, 2019.
During the three months ended September 30, 2019, acquisitions of shares by the Company from certain employees in order to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of restricted shares were not material.
The following information in Item 5 is not deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing.
The line graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's ordinary shares with the cumulative total return of companies on the Standard & Poor’s ("S&P’s") 500 Stock Index and the companies on the S&P 500 Industrials Index. This graph assumes the investment of $100 on September 30, 2014 and the reinvestment of all dividends since that date.
The Company’s transfer agent’s contact information is as follows:
EQ Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul, MN 55164-0874
(877) 602-7397
ITEM 6
ITEM 6
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data reflects the results of operations, financial position data and ordinary share information for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 through September 30, 2019 (dollars in millions, except per share data). Certain amounts have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of the classification of the Power Solutions business as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.
(1)
Segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA") is calculated as income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments. Refer to Note 19, “Segment Information,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of segment EBITA to income from continuing operations before income taxes.
(2)
Return on average shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls represents income from continuing operations attributable to Johnson Controls divided by average shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls.
(3)
Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and the current portions of assets and liabilities held for sale.
(4)
Total debt to total capitalization represents total debt divided by the sum of total debt and shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls.
(5)
Net book value per share represents shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls divided by the number of shares outstanding at the end of the period.
(6)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Johnson Controls includes $235 million, $255 million, $347 million, $222 million and $204 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs in fiscal year 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. It also includes $618 million, $(24) million, $(384) million, $341 million and $368 million of net mark-to-market losses (gains) in fiscal year 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The preceding amounts are stated on a pre-tax basis.
ITEM 7
ITEM 7
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The Company provides facility systems and services including comfort and energy management for the residential and non-residential buildings markets, security products and services, and fire detection and suppression products and services.
This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company for the three-year period ended September 30, 2019. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements.
FISCAL YEAR 2019 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2018
Net Sales
The increase in net sales was due to higher organic sales ($1,181 million) and acquisitions ($22 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($463 million) and lower sales due to business divestitures ($172 million). The increase in organic sales related to higher volumes across all segments. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, net sales increased 5% as compared to the prior year. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
Cost of sales increased and gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased by 70 basis points. Gross profit increased due to higher volumes across all segments, partially offset by business divestitures and higher operating costs. Net mark-to-market adjustments had a net unfavorable year-over-year impact on cost of sales of $123 million ($128 million charge in fiscal 2019 compared to a $5 million charge in fiscal 2018) primarily due to a decrease in discount rates in the current year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on cost of sales of approximately $304 million. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA") by segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased by $602 million, and SG&A as a percentage of sales increased by 200 basis points. The increase in SG&A was primarily due to net mark-to-market adjustments, a $114 million gain on sale of the Scott Safety business in the Global Products segment in the prior year and a current year environmental charge, partially offset by productivity savings and cost synergies, net of incremental investments, and a current year tax indemnification reserve release. The net mark-to-market adjustments had a net unfavorable year-over-year impact on SG&A of $519 million ($490 million loss in fiscal 2019 compared to a $29 million gain in fiscal 2018) primarily due to a decrease in discount rates in the current year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on SG&A of $94 million. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," and Note 17, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.
Net Financing Charges
Refer to Note 9, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's net financing charges.
Equity Income
The increase in equity income was primarily due to higher income at certain partially-owned affiliates within the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment and the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.
Income Tax Provision
* Measure not meaningful
The statutory tax rate in Ireland is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland. The effective rate for continuing operations is below the statutory rate of 12.5% for fiscal 2019 primarily due to tax audit reserve adjustments, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments, a tax indemnification reserve release, the tax benefits of an asset held for sale impairment charge and continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by valuation allowance adjustments as a result of tax law changes, a discrete tax charge related to newly enacted regulations related to U.S. Tax Reform and tax rate differentials. The effective rate for continuing operations is above the statutory rate of 12.5% for fiscal 2018 primarily due to the discrete net impacts of U.S. Tax Reform, final income tax effects of the completed divestiture of the Scott Safety business and valuation allowance adjustments, partially offset by tax audit closures, tax benefits due to change in entity tax status, the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives and tax rate differentials. The fiscal 2019 effective tax rate decreased as compared to the fiscal 2018 effective tax rate primarily due to the discrete tax items described below and tax planning initiatives. The fiscal year 2019 and 2018 global tax planning initiatives related primarily to changes in entity tax status, global financing structures and alignment of the Company's global business functions in a tax efficient manner. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
* Measure not meaningful
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
The increase in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily due to higher net income at certain partially-owned affiliates within the Global Products segment.
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.
Net Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
* Measure not meaningful
The increase in net income attributable to Johnson Controls was primarily due to the gain on sale of the Power Solutions business and lower income tax provision, partially offset by higher SG&A. Fiscal 2019 diluted earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls was $6.49 compared to $2.32 in fiscal 2018.
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
* Measure not meaningful
The increase in comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls was due to higher net income attributable to Johnson Controls ($3,512 million) and an increase in other comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls ($149 million) resulting primarily from foreign currency translation adjustments. These year-over-year favorable foreign currency translation adjustments were primarily driven by the weakening of the euro and British pound currencies against the U.S. dollar in the prior year.
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The new standard requires the mark-to-market of marketable securities investments previously recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income on the statement of financial position be recorded in the statement of income on a prospective basis beginning as of the adoption date. As these restricted investments do not relate to the underlying operating performance of its business, the Company’s definition of segment earnings excludes the mark-to-market adjustments beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBITA, which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.
Net Sales:
•
The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to higher volumes ($380 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($28 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher installation / service sales.
•
The decrease in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($206 million) and lower volumes due to business divestitures ($5 million), partially offset by higher volumes ($165 million) and incremental sales related to a business acquisition ($5 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher installation / service sales.
•
The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to higher volumes ($190 million) and incremental sales related to a business acquisition ($1 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($86 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher installation / service sales.
•
The increase in Global Products was due to higher volumes ($446 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($16 million), partially offset by lower volumes related to business divestitures ($167 million) and the
unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($143 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher building management, HVAC and refrigeration equipment, and specialty products sales.
Segment EBITA:
•
The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to favorable volumes ($92 million) and prior year integration costs ($25 million), partially offset by higher SG&A, including incremental salesforce investments, and unfavorable mix ($45 million), current year integration costs ($26 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($2 million).
•
The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to favorable volumes / mix ($57 million), higher equity income ($11 million), prior year integration costs ($6 million) and incremental income related to a business acquisition ($1 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($35 million), higher SG&A, including incremental salesforce investments ($12 million) and current year integration costs ($4 million).
•
The decrease in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to higher SG&A, including incremental salesforce investments ($18 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($8 million), current year integration costs ($2 million) and lower equity income ($1 million), partially offset by net favorable volumes / mix ($23 million).
•
The decrease in Global Products was due to a current year environmental charge ($140 million), a prior year gain on sale of Scott Safety ($114 million), higher SG&A and operating expenses, including product investments and prior year gains on business divestitures, net of productivity savings ($32 million), current year integration costs ($30 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($20 million), and lower income due to business divestitures and acquisitions ($19 million). These items were partially offset by favorable volumes / mix ($166 million), prior year integration costs ($27 million) and higher equity income ($3 million).
FISCAL YEAR 2018 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2017
Net Sales
The increase in net sales was due to higher sales ($1,004 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($316 million), partially offset by lower sales due to business divestitures ($755 million). The increase in sales related to higher volumes across all segments. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, business divestitures and nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments, net sales increased 5% as compared to the prior year. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
Cost of sales increased and gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased by 20 basis points. Gross profit increased due to prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($68 million), and higher volumes and favorable mix across all segments, partially offset by business divestitures and higher operating costs. Net mark-to-market adjustments had a net unfavorable year-over-year impact on cost of sales of $45 million ($5 million charge in fiscal 2018 compared to a $40 million gain in fiscal 2017) primarily due to a decrease in U.S. investment returns. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact on cost of sales of approximately $221 million. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of EBITA by segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A decreased by $81 million, and SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased by 100 basis points. The decrease in SG&A was primarily due to productivity savings and costs synergies, business divestitures and a gain on sale of the Scott Safety business in the Global Products segment ($114 million). The net favorable year-over-year impact on SG&A resulting from transaction and integration costs was $184 million. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact on SG&A of $66 million. The net mark-to-market adjustments had a net unfavorable year-over-year impact on SG&A of $315 million ($29 million gain in fiscal 2018 compared to a $344 million gain in fiscal 2017) primarily due to a decrease in U.S. investment returns. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans.
Net Financing Charges
Refer to Note 9, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's net financing charges.
Equity Income
The increase in equity income was primarily due to higher income at the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.
Income Tax Provision
The statutory tax rate in Ireland is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland. The effective rate for continuing operations is above the statutory rate of 12.5% for fiscal 2018 primarily due to the discrete net impacts of U.S. Tax Reform, final income tax effects of the completed divestiture of the Scott Safety business and valuation allowance adjustments,
partially offset by tax audit closures, tax benefits due to change in entity tax status, the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives and tax rate differentials. The effective rate is above the statutory rate of 12.5% for fiscal 2017 primarily due to the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries related to the divestiture of the Scott Safety business, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the jurisdictional mix of significant restructuring and impairment costs, Tyco Merger transaction and integration costs, purchase accounting adjustments, tax audit closures, a tax benefit due to changes in entity tax status and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives. The fiscal 2018 effective tax rate decreased as compared to the fiscal 2017 effective tax rate primarily due to discrete tax items and tax planning initiatives. The fiscal year 2018 and 2017 global tax planning initiatives related primarily to foreign tax credit planning, changes in entity tax status, global financing structures and alignment of the Company's global business functions in a tax efficient manner. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
The increase in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests was primarily due to higher net income related to the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture.
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.
Net Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
The increase in net income attributable to Johnson Controls was primarily due to higher gross profit, lower income tax provision, lower restructuring and impairment costs, lower SG&A and lower net financing charges. Fiscal 2018 diluted earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls was $2.32 compared to $1.71 in fiscal 2017.
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
The decrease in comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls was due to a decrease in other comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls ($572 million) resulting primarily from unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by higher net income attributable to Johnson Controls ($551 million). These year-over-year unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments were primarily driven by the weakening of the British pound and euro currencies against the U.S. dollar.
Segment Analysis
Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBITA, which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.
* Measure not meaningful
Net Sales:
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The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to higher volumes ($343 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($20 million), partially offset by the impact of prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($25 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher HVAC, controls, fire and security sales.
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The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($132 million), higher volumes ($63 million) and incremental sales related to a business acquisition ($2 million), partially offset by lower volumes related to a business divestiture ($80 million) and the impact of prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($16 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to strong service growth which was positive across all regions led by Europe and Latin America.
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The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to higher volumes ($61 million), the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($61 million) and the impact of prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($1 million), partially offset by lower volumes related to a business divestiture ($14 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher service sales.
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The increase in Global Products was due to higher volumes ($571 million), the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($103 million) and the impact of prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($6 million), partially offset by lower volumes related to business divestitures ($663 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to higher building management, HVAC and refrigeration equipment, and specialty products sales.
Segment EBITA:
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The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to favorable volumes / mix ($100 million), prior year integration costs ($42 million), prior year transaction costs ($13 million), and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1 million), partially offset by higher SG&A including incremental salesforce investments ($37 million), current year integration costs ($25 million) and prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($24 million).
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The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to a prior year unfavorable arbitration award ($50 million), favorable volumes / mix ($26 million), lower SG&A ($14 million), the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($7 million), prior year integration costs ($6 million) and prior year transaction costs ($5 million), partially offset by prior
year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($23 million), incremental salesforce investments ($14 million), current year integration costs ($6 million), higher operating costs ($5 million), lower equity income ($4 million) and lower income due to a business divestiture ($2 million).
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The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to higher volumes / mix ($33 million), prior year integration costs ($5 million), prior year transaction costs ($2 million), prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($2 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1 million), partially offset by higher SG&A including incremental salesforce investments ($15 million), and unfavorable pricing ($4 million).
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The increase in Global Products was due to favorable volumes / mix ($219 million), a gain on sale of Scott Safety ($114 million), prior year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($71 million), higher equity income ($25 million), prior year integration costs ($25 million), the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($20 million) and prior year transaction costs ($13 million). These items were partially offset by lower income due to business divestitures ($167 million), higher SG&A and operating expenses including planned incremental global product and channel investments, partially offset by productivity savings and gains on business divestitures ($134 million), and current year integration costs ($27 million).
GOODWILL, LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS
Goodwill at September 30, 2019 was $18.2 billion, $0.2 billion lower than the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of foreign currency translation.
Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses multiples of earnings based on the average of published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics and applies to the Company's average of historical and future financial results. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value.
The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The primary assumptions used in the impairment tests were management's projections of future cash flows. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
Indefinite-lived other intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests.
While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in the impairment tests are reasonable and no impairments of goodwill or indefinite-lived assets existed during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, different assumptions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including tangible assets and other intangible assets with definitive lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," ASC 350-30, "General Intangibles Other than Goodwill" and ASC 985-20, "Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset group is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 350-30 requires intangible assets acquired in a business combination that are used in research and development activities to be considered indefinite lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated
research and development efforts. During the period that those assets are considered indefinite lived, they shall not be amortized but shall be tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity shall recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. ASC 985-20 requires the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset shall be written off.
In fiscal 2019, the Company concluded it had a triggering event requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with the plans to dispose of a business within its Global Products segment that met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. Assets and liabilities held for sale are required to be recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $235 million within restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income in fiscal 2019 to write down the carrying value of the assets held for sale to fair value less any costs to sell. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
In fiscal 2018, the Company concluded it had a triggering event requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2018. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $36 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income. Of the total impairment charges, $31 million related to the Global Products segment and $5 million related to Corporate assets. In addition, the Company recorded $6 million of asset impairments within discontinued operations related to the Power Solutions segment in fiscal 2018. Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured under a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. This method is consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
In fiscal 2017, the Company concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2017. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $70 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total impairment charges, $30 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment, $20 million related to the Global Products segment, $19 million related to Corporate assets and $1 million related to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. In addition, the Company recorded $7 million of asset impairments within discontinued operations related to the Power Solutions segment in fiscal 2017. Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured, depending on the asset, under either an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash flows or a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. These methods are consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
Investments in partially-owned affiliates ("affiliates") at September 30, 2019 were $853 million, $5 million higher than the prior year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital
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The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and the current portions of assets and liabilities held for sale. Management believes that this measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items and businesses to be divested, provides a more useful measurement of the Company’s operating performance.
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The increase in working capital at September 30, 2019 as compared to September 30, 2018, was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable due to organic sales growth and other current assets, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable due to timing and mix of supplier payments, and other current liabilities.
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The Company’s days sales in accounts receivable at September 30, 2019 were 67, a slight decrease from 68 at September 30, 2018. There has been no significant adverse change in the level of overdue receivables or significant changes in revenue recognition methods.
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The Company’s inventory turns for the year ended September 30, 2019 were slightly higher than the comparable period ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to changes in inventory production levels.
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Days in accounts payable at September 30, 2019 were 72 days, the same as at the comparable period ended September 30, 2018.
Cash Flows From Continuing Operations
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The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to lower restructuring payments and higher partially-owned affiliate dividends.
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The increase in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to net cash proceeds received from the Scott Safety business divestiture in the prior year, partially offset by lower capital expenditures.
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The increase in cash used by financing activities was primarily due to higher stock repurchases and higher net repayments of debt.
Capitalization
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Net debt and net debt as a percentage of total capitalization are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes the percentage of total net debt to total capitalization is useful to understanding the Company’s financial condition as it provides a review of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders.
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In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company began deploying the net cash proceeds from the Power Solution sale, which included a reduction in debt of approximately $3.4 billion and share repurchases. The debt reduction included short-term and long-term debt repayments, including a $1.5 billion debt tender as further described below.
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The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at September 30, 2019 are adequate to meet projected needs. The Company believes requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, stock repurchases, minimum pension contributions, debt maturities and any potential acquisitions in fiscal 2020 will continue to be funded from operations, supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required. The Company currently manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. In the event the Company is unable to issue commercial paper, it would have the ability to draw on its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. The facility matures in August 2020. There were no draws on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2019 and 2018. The Company also selectively makes use of short-term credit lines other than its revolving credit facility. The Company, as of September 30, 2019, could borrow up to $2.8 billion based on committed credit lines. In addition, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $2.8 billion as of September 30, 2019. As such, the Company believes it has sufficient financial resources to fund operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future.
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In June 2019, the Company completed a "modified Dutch auction" tender offer to repurchase approximately $4.0 billion of its ordinary shares at a price of $39.25 per share.
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In May 2019, the Company completed the debt tender offer to purchase up to $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of certain of its outstanding notes for $1.6 billion total consideration. The Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $60 million, which was recorded within the net financing charges in the consolidated statements of income.
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The Company’s debt financial covenant in its revolving credit facility requires a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating these covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its credit agreements and the indentures, governing its notes, and expect to remain in compliance
for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company's credit rating.
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The Company earns a significant amount of its income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in these subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested except in limited circumstances. However, in fiscal 2019, the Company provided income tax expense related to a change in the Company's assertion over the outside basis differences of the Company’s investment in certain subsidiaries as a result of the planned divestiture of the Power Solutions business. Also, in fiscal 2018, due to U.S. Tax Reform, the Company provided income tax related to the change in the Company’s assertion over the outside basis difference of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries owned directly or indirectly by U.S. subsidiaries. Under U.S. Tax Reform, the U.S. has enacted a tax system that provides an exemption for dividends received by U.S. corporations from 10% or more owned non-U.S. corporations. However, certain non-U.S, U.S. state and withholding taxes may still apply when closing an outside basis difference via distribution or other transactions. In addition, in fiscal 2017, the Company provided income tax expense related to a change in the Company’s assertion over the outside basis difference of the Scott Safety business as a result of the pending divestiture as well as the outside basis of certain nonconsolidated subsidiaries. The Company currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate undistributed earnings included in the outside basis differences other than in tax efficient manners. Except as noted, the Company’s intent is to reduce basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S., should the Company require more capital than is generated by its operations, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Company has borrowed funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the Company expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be provided in tax efficient methods, the Company could also elect to raise capital through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings.
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To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan in fiscal 2018 and recorded $255 million of restructuring and impairment costs for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income. The restructuring action related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Building Technologies & Solutions business and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments. The Company currently estimates that upon completion of the restructuring action, the fiscal 2018 restructuring plan will reduce annual operating costs for continuing operations by approximately $300 million, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and SG&A due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense. The Company expects the annual benefit of these actions will be substantially realized in 2020. For fiscal 2019, the savings, net of execution costs, were approximately 70% of the expected annual operating cost reduction. The restructuring action is expected to be substantially complete in 2020. The restructuring plan reserve balance of $102 million at September 30, 2019 is expected to be paid in cash.
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To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan in fiscal 2017 and recorded $347 million of restructuring and impairment costs for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income. The restructuring action related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Building Technologies & Solutions business and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments. The Company currently estimates that upon completion of the restructuring action, the fiscal 2017 restructuring plan will reduce annual operating costs from continuing operations for continuing operations by approximately $260 million, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and SG&A expenses due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense. The Company substantially realized the annual benefit of these actions in fiscal 2019. The restructuring actions are expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2020. The restructuring plan reserve balance of $61 million at September 30, 2019 is expected to be paid in cash.
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To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations to address the softness in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan in fiscal 2016 and recorded $222 million of restructuring and impairment costs for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income. The restructuring action related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Building Technologies & Solutions business and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures, asset impairments and change-in-control payments. The restructuring action has reduced annual operating costs for continuing operations by
approximately $127 million, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and SG&A due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense. The restructuring actions are substantially complete, and final payments are expected to be made in fiscal 2020. The restructuring plan reserve balance of $32 million at September 30, 2019 is expected to be paid in cash.
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Refer to Note 9, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on items impacting capitalization.
A summary of the Company’s significant contractual obligations for continuing operations as of September 30, 2019 is as follows (in millions):
* Refer to Note 9, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information related to the Company's long-term debt.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts to design, manufacture and install building products and systems as well as unscheduled repair or replacement services on an over time basis, with progress towards completion measured using a cost-to-cost input method based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. The cost-to-cost input method is used as it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer that occurs as the Company incurs costs. Changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract and such estimates are reviewed monthly. If contract modifications result in additional goods or services that are distinct from those transferred before the modification, they are accounted for prospectively as if the Company entered into a new contract. If the goods or services in the modification are not distinct from those in the original contract, sales and gross profit are adjusted using the cumulative catch-up method for revisions in estimated total contract costs and contract values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified. The Company does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as at contract inception the Company expects to receive the payment within twelve months of transfer of goods or services.
The Company enters into extended warranties and long-term service and maintenance agreements with certain customers. For these arrangements, revenue is recognized over time on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term.
The Company also sells certain HVAC and refrigeration products and services in bundled arrangements with multiple performance obligations, such as equipment, commissioning, service labor and extended warranties. Approximately four to twelve months separate the timing of the first deliverable until the last piece of equipment is delivered, and there may be extended warranty arrangements with duration of one to five years commencing upon the end of the standard warranty period. In addition, the Company sells security monitoring systems that may have multiple performance obligations, including equipment, installation, monitoring services and maintenance agreements. Revenues associated with sale of equipment and related installations are recognized over time on a cost-to-cost input method, while the revenue for monitoring and maintenance services are recognized over time as services are rendered. The transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative selling price method. In order to estimate relative selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. If the standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach or expected cost plus margin approach. For transactions in which the Company retains ownership of the subscriber system asset, fees for monitoring and maintenance services are recognized over time on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Non-refundable fees received in connection with the initiation of a monitoring contract, along with associated direct and incremental selling costs, are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the contract.
In all other cases, the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time when control over the goods or services transfers to the customer.
The Company considers the contractual consideration payable by the customer and assesses variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including discounts, rebates, refunds, credits or other similar sources of variable consideration, when determining the transaction price of each contract. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable consideration is subsequently resolved. These estimates are based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to.
Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in sales and the related costs are included in cost of sales when control transfers to the customer. The Company presents amounts collected from customers for sales and other taxes net of the related amounts remitted. Refer to Note 4, "Revenue Recognition," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's revenue recognition activity.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses multiples of earnings based on the average of published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics and applies to the Company's average of historical and future financial results. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Refer to Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the goodwill impairment testing performed in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and tradenames and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including tangible assets and other intangible assets with definitive lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," ASC 350-30, "General Intangibles Other than Goodwill" and ASC 985-20, "Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the
undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset group is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 350-30 requires intangible assets acquired in a business combination that are used in research and development activities be considered indefinite lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. During the period that those assets are considered indefinite lived, they shall not be amortized but shall be tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity shall recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. ASC 985-20 requires the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset shall be written off. Refer to Note 17, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the impairment testing performed in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company provides a range of benefits to its employees and retired employees, including pensions and postretirement benefits. Plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a significant remeasurement event, based on the Company’s measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates as of that date. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.
The Company utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension and postretirement benefit expenses, including measuring the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 15, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans.
U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in the statement of financial position a liability for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are underfunded or unfunded, or an asset for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are overfunded. U.S. GAAP also requires that companies measure the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets that determine a benefit plan’s funded status as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year end.
The Company considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a result, the Company uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of participants and the expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company uses a discount rate provided by an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For the non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark indices for determining the various discount rates. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on U.S. pension plans was 2.95% and 4.10% at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on postretirement plans was 2.90% and 3.80% at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on non-U.S. pension plans was 1.50% and 2.45% at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. Reflecting the relatively long-term nature of the plans’ obligations, approximately 28% of the plans’ assets are invested in equity securities and 59% in fixed income securities, with the remainder primarily invested in alternative investments. For the years ending September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s expected long-term return on U.S. pension plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost was 7.10% and 7.50%, respectively. The actual rate of return on U.S. pension plans was above 7.10% in fiscal year 2019 and below 7.50% in fiscal year 2018. For the years ending September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s weighted average expected long-term return on non-U.S. pension plan assets was 5.20% and 5.35%, respectively. The actual rate of return on non-U.S. pension plans was above 5.20% in fiscal year 2019 and below 5.35% in fiscal year 2018. For the years ending September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s weighted average expected long-term return on postretirement plan assets was 5.65%. The actual rate of return on postretirement plan assets was below 5.65% in fiscal year 2019 and 2018.
Beginning in fiscal 2020, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 6.90%, 5.20% and 5.70% for U.S. pension, non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, respectively. Any differences between actual investment results and the expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a significant remeasurement event. If the Company’s actual returns on plan assets are less than the Company’s expectations, additional contributions may be required.
In fiscal 2019, total employer contributions for continuing operations to the defined benefit pension plans were $50 million, none of which were voluntary contributions made by the Company. The Company expects to contribute approximately $50 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2019, total employer contributions for continuing operations to the postretirement plans were $3 million. The Company expects to contribute approximately $4 million in cash to its postretirement plans in fiscal 2020.
Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable; however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarially determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.
Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Asbestos related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. Annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.
In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable. The Company's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Company for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Company considers available insurance, allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.
Product Warranties
The Company offers warranties to its customers depending upon the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that the Company replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. The Company records an estimate of future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates and other known factors. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the Company’s warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. At September 30, 2019, the Company had recorded $285 million of warranty reserves for continuing operations, including extended warranties for which deferred revenue is recorded. The Company monitors its warranty activity and adjusts its reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates. Refer to Note 21, "Guarantees," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's product warranty liabilities.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes." Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets. In calculating the provision for income taxes on an interim basis, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted as appropriate based upon the actual results as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year.
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2019, the Company had a valuation allowance of $5.1 billion for continuing operations, of which $4.5 billion relates to net operating loss carryforwards primarily in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the U.S. for which sustainable taxable income has not been demonstrated; and $600 million for other deferred tax assets.
The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the IRS and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2019, the Company had recorded a liability of $2.5 billion for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
The Company does not generally provide additional U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on outside basis differences of consolidated subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc, except in limited circumstances including anticipated taxation on planned divestitures. The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Company’s intent is to reduce the outside basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion of U.S. and non-U.S. cash projections.
Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Company's income tax disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to the "New Accounting Pronouncements" section within Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities and stock-based compensation. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the hedge, the Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as either (1) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability or of a recognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of a net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge). The Company performs hedge effectiveness testing on an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statements of income.
For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a regression calculation. Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Company aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
For net investment hedges, the Company assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Company’s net investment positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.
Equity swaps and any other derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment of effectiveness.
A discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Exchange
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and enters into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Company’s global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.
The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Company primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Company also selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company has entered into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of debt obligations are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally.
At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased net unrealized gains by approximately $358 million and $212 million, respectively.
Interest Rates
Substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt has fixed interest rates. A 10% increase in the average cost of the Company’s variable rate debt would have had an immaterial impact on pre-tax interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2019 and an unfavorable impact of approximately $5 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.
Commodities
The Company uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS
The Company’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these laws impose civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the Company has been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. Historically, neither such commitments nor penalties imposed on the Company have been material.
Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(1)
The fiscal 2019 first quarter net income includes $50 million of transaction and integration costs and $21 million of mark-to-market losses. The fiscal 2019 second quarter net income includes $70 million of transaction and integration costs and $20 million of mark-to-market gains. The fiscal 2019 third quarter net income includes a $5.2 billion gain on sale of the Power Solutions business, net of transaction and other costs, $235 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs, $226 million of tax indemnification reserve release, $140 million of environmental charge, $86 million of transaction and integration costs, $60 million of loss on debt extinguishment and $9 million of mark-to-market gains. The fiscal 2019 fourth quarter net income includes $626 million of net mark-to-market losses and $111 million of transaction and integration costs. The preceding amounts are stated on a pre-tax and pre-noncontrolling interest impact basis and include both continuing and discontinued operations activity.
(2)
Due to the use of the weighted-average shares outstanding for each quarter for computing earnings per share, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amount for the year.
(3)
The fiscal 2018 first quarter net income includes a $114 million gain on sale of Scott Safety, $158 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs, and $50 million of transaction and integration costs. The fiscal 2018 second quarter net income includes $64 million of transaction and integration costs. The fiscal 2018 third quarter net income includes $51 million of transaction and integration costs. The fiscal 2018 fourth quarter net income includes $10 million of net mark-to-market gains on pension and postretirement plans, $105 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs, and $69 million of transaction and integration costs. The preceding amounts are stated on a pre-tax and pre-noncontrolling interest impact basis and include both continuing and discontinued operations activity.
ITEM 7A
ITEM 7A
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See "Risk Management" included in Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
ITEM 8
ITEM 8
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Johnson Controls International plc
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Johnson Controls International plc and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2019, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Goodwill Impairment Assessment
As described in Notes 1 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $18,178 million as of September 30, 2019. Management reviews goodwill for impairment as of July 31 of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions, is compared with the carrying amount of each reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value of each reporting unit, management uses multiples of earnings based on the average of published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics, applied to the Company’s average of historical and future financial results.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management when developing the fair value of each reporting unit. This, in turn, led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures to evaluate management’s significant assumptions, including multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the fair value of the Company’s reporting units. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimates, (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the multiples of earnings model, (iii) testing the completeness, accuracy, and relevance of underlying data used in the model, and evaluating the significant assumptions used by management, including the multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to multiples of earnings involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the consistency with external market and industry data, and (ii) whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s multiples of earnings model and certain significant assumptions, including multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics.
Uncertain Tax Positions
As described in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded uncertain tax position liabilities totaling $2,451 million, primarily as a non-current liability, as of September 30, 2019. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. Judgment is required by management in determining the Company’s worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related income tax assets and liabilities. As described by management,
the Company has recorded a liability for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of the tax positions. The Company’s income tax filings are regularly under audit by tax authorities. The amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to uncertain tax positions is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management in identifying and recording the estimated probable loss for each uncertain tax position. This, in turn, led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures to evaluate the timely identification and accurate measurement of uncertain tax positions. Also, the evaluation of audit evidence available to support the tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions is complex and required significant auditor judgment as the nature of the evidence is often highly subjective. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s assessment of uncertain tax positions, including controls over the identification and estimate of probable loss for each uncertain tax position. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing the information used in the calculation of the estimate of probable loss for uncertain tax positions, (ii) testing the calculation of the liability for uncertain tax positions by jurisdiction, (iii) testing the completeness of management’s assessment of the identification of uncertain tax positions, and (iv) evaluating the status and results of income tax audits with the relevant tax authorities, as applicable. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the completeness and measurement of the Company’s uncertain tax positions, including evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment of whether tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained and the amount of potential benefit to be realized, the application of relevant tax laws, and estimated interest and penalties.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1957.
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Income
*
Certain items do not sum due to rounding.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls Ordinary Shareholders
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Johnson Controls International plc, a corporation organized under the laws of Ireland, and its subsidiaries (Johnson Controls International plc and all its subsidiaries, hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Company," "Johnson Controls" or "JCI plc").
Nature of Operations
Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global diversified technology and multi industrial leader serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company creates intelligent buildings, efficient energy solutions and integrated infrastructure that work seamlessly together to deliver on the promise of smart cities and communities. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, Johnson Controls, Inc. ("JCI Inc.") and Tyco International plc ("Tyco") completed their combination, with JCI Inc. merging with a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Tyco (the "Merger"). Following the Merger, Tyco changed its name to “Johnson Controls International plc” and JCI Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls International plc. The Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805, "Business Combinations." JCI Inc. was the accounting acquirer for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the historical consolidated financial statements of JCI Inc. for periods prior to this transaction are considered to be the historic financial statements of the Company.
On November 13, 2018, the Company entered into a Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with BCP Acquisitions LLC (“Purchaser”). The Purchaser is a newly-formed entity controlled by investment funds managed by Brookfield Capital Partners LLC. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions therein, the Company agreed to sell, and Purchaser agreed to acquire, the Company’s Power Solutions business for a purchase price of $13.2 billion. The transaction closed on April 30, 2019 with net cash proceeds of $11.6 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company determined that its Power Solutions business met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation and, as a result, Power Solutions' historical financial results are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation, and assets and liabilities were retrospectively reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale. Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
The Company is a global market leader in engineering, developing, manufacturing and installing building products and systems around the world, including heating, ventilating, air-conditioning ("HVAC") equipment, HVAC controls, energy-management systems, security systems, fire detection systems and fire suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services (in the HVAC, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven solutions via its data-enabled business. Finally, the Company has a strong presence in the North American residential air conditioning and heating systems market and is a global market leader in industrial refrigeration products.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Johnson Controls International plc and its subsidiaries that are consolidated in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal. Investments in partially-owned affiliates are accounted for by the equity method when the Company’s interest exceeds 20% and the Company does not have a controlling interest.
The Company consolidates variable interest entities ("VIE") in which the Company has the power to direct the significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity that may be significant. The Company did not have a significant variable interest in any consolidated or nonconsolidated VIEs in its continuing operations for the presented reporting periods.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. See Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for fair value of financial instruments, including derivative instruments, hedging activities and long-term debt.
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
The Company classifies assets and liabilities (disposal groups) to be sold as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met: management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group; the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such disposal groups; an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the disposal group have been initiated; the sale of the disposal group is probable, and transfer of the disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year, except if events or circumstances beyond the Company's control extend the period of time required to sell the disposal group beyond one year; the disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
In addition, the Company classifies disposal groups to be disposed of other than by sale (e.g. spin-off) as held for sale in the period the disposal occurs.
The Company initially measures a disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a disposal group until the date of sale. The Company assesses the fair value of a disposal group, less any costs to sell, each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and reports any subsequent changes as an adjustment to the carrying value of the disposal group, as long as the new carrying value does not exceed the carrying value of the disposal group at the time it was initially classified as held for sale.
Upon determining that a disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company reports the assets and liabilities of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale in the consolidated statements of financial position. Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
At September 30, 2019, the Company held restricted cash of approximately $16 million, all of which was recorded within other current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position. These amounts related to cash restricted for payment of asbestos liabilities. At September 30, 2018, the Company held restricted cash of approximately $15 million, of which $6 million was recorded within other current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position and $9 million was recorded within other noncurrent assets in the consolidated statements of financial position.
Receivables
Receivables consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers and unbilled costs and accrued profits related to revenues on long-term contracts that have been recognized for accounting purposes but not yet billed to customers. The Company extends credit to customers in the normal course of business and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts resulting from the inability
or unwillingness of customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience, existing economic conditions and any specific customer collection issues the Company has identified. The Company enters into supply chain financing programs to sell certain accounts receivable without recourse to third-party financial institutions. Sales of accounts receivable are reflected as a reduction of accounts receivable on the consolidated statements of financial position and the proceeds are included in cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Finished goods and work-in-process inventories include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The estimated useful lives generally range from 3 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, subscriber systems up to 15 years, and from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. The Company capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses multiples of earnings based on the average of published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics and applies to the Company's average of historical and future financial results. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Refer to Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the goodwill impairment testing performed in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trademarks and tradenames and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including tangible assets and other intangible assets with definitive lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," ASC 350-30, "General Intangibles Other than Goodwill" and ASC 985-20, "Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset group is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 350-30 requires intangible assets acquired in a business combination that are used in research and development activities to be considered indefinite lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. During the period that those assets are considered indefinite lived, they shall not be amortized but shall be tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity shall recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. ASC 985-20 requires the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset shall be written off. Refer to Note 17, "Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the impairment testing performed in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts to design, manufacture and install building products and systems as well as unscheduled repair or replacement services on an over time basis, with progress towards completion measured using a cost-to-cost input method based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. The cost-to-cost input method is used as it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer that occurs as the Company incurs costs. Changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract and such estimates are reviewed monthly. If contract modifications result in additional goods or services that are distinct from those transferred before the modification, they are accounted for prospectively as if the Company entered into a new contract. If the goods or services in the modification are not distinct from those in the original contract, sales and gross profit are adjusted using the cumulative catch-up method for revisions in estimated total contract costs and contract values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified. The Company does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as at contract inception the Company expects to receive the payment within twelve months of transfer of goods or services.
The Company enters into extended warranties and long-term service and maintenance agreements with certain customers. For these arrangements, revenue is recognized over time on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term.
The Company also sells certain HVAC and refrigeration products and services in bundled arrangements with multiple performance obligations, such as equipment, commissioning, service labor and extended warranties. Approximately four to twelve months separate the timing of the first deliverable until the last piece of equipment is delivered, and there may be extended warranty arrangements with duration of one to five years commencing upon the end of the standard warranty period. In addition, the Company sells security monitoring systems that may have multiple performance obligations, including equipment, installation, monitoring services and maintenance agreements. Revenues associated with sale of equipment and related installations are recognized over time on a cost-to-cost input method, while the revenue for monitoring and maintenance services are recognized over time as services are rendered. The transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative selling price method. In order to estimate relative selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. If the standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates the standalone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach or expected cost plus margin approach. For transactions in which the Company retains ownership of the subscriber system asset, fees for monitoring and maintenance services are recognized over time on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Non-refundable fees received in connection with the initiation of a monitoring contract, along with associated direct and incremental selling costs, are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the contract.
In all other cases, the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time when control over the goods or services transfers to the customer.
The Company considers the contractual consideration payable by the customer and assesses variable consideration that may affect the total transaction price, including discounts, rebates, refunds, credits or other similar sources of variable consideration, when determining the transaction price of each contract. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable consideration is subsequently resolved. These estimates are based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to.
Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in sales and the related costs are included in cost of sales when control transfers to the customer. The Company presents amounts collected from customers for sales and other taxes net of the related amounts remitted.
Subscriber System Assets, Dealer Intangibles and Related Deferred Revenue Accounts
The Company considers assets related to the acquisition of new customers in its electronic security business in three asset categories: internally generated residential subscriber systems outside of North America, internally generated commercial subscriber systems (collectively referred to as subscriber system assets) and customer accounts acquired through the ADT dealer program, primarily outside of North America (referred to as dealer intangibles). Subscriber system assets include installed property, plant and equipment for which the Company retains ownership and deferred costs directly related to the customer acquisition and system installation. Subscriber system assets represent capitalized equipment (e.g. security control panels, touchpad, motion detectors, window sensors, and other equipment) and installation costs associated with electronic security monitoring arrangements under which the Company retains ownership of the security system assets in a customer's place of business, or outside of North America, residence. Installation
costs represent costs incurred to prepare the asset for its intended use. The Company pays property taxes on the subscriber system assets and upon customer termination, may retrieve such assets. These assets embody a probable future economic benefit as they generate future monitoring revenue for the Company.
Costs related to the subscriber system equipment and installation are categorized as property, plant and equipment rather than deferred costs. Deferred costs associated with subscriber system assets represent direct and incremental selling expenses (such as commissions) related to acquiring the customer. Commissions related to up-front consideration paid by customers in connection with the establishment of the monitoring arrangement are determined based on a percentage of the up-front fees and do not exceed deferred revenue. Such deferred costs are recorded as other current and noncurrent assets within the consolidated statements of financial position.
Subscriber system assets and any deferred revenue resulting from the customer acquisition are accounted for over the expected life of the subscriber. In certain geographical areas where the Company has a large number of customers that behave in a similar manner over time, the Company accounts for subscriber system assets and related deferred revenue using pools, with separate pools for the components of subscriber system assets and any related deferred revenue based on the same month and year of acquisition. The Company depreciates its pooled subscriber system assets and related deferred revenue using a straight-line method with lives up to 12 years and considering customer attrition. The Company uses a straight-line method with a 15-year life for non-pooled subscriber system assets (primarily in Europe, Latin America and Asia) and related deferred revenue, with remaining balances written off upon customer termination.
Certain contracts and related customer relationships result from purchasing residential security monitoring contracts from an external network of independent dealers who operate under the ADT dealer program, primarily outside of North America. Acquired contracts and related customer relationships are recorded at their contractually determined purchase price.
During the first 6 months (12 months in certain circumstances) after the purchase of the customer contract, any cancellation of monitoring service, including those that result from customer payment delinquencies, results in a chargeback by the Company to the dealer for the full amount of the contract purchase price. The Company records the amount charged back to the dealer as a reduction of the previously recorded intangible asset.
Intangible assets arising from the ADT dealer program described above are amortized in pools determined by the same month and year of contract acquisition on a straight-line basis over the period of the customer relationship. The estimated useful life of dealer intangibles ranges from 12 to 15 years.
Research and Development Costs
Expenditures for research activities relating to product development and improvement are charged against income as incurred and included within selling, general and administrative expenses for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income. Such expenditures for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $319 million, $310 million and $307 million, respectively.
Earnings Per Share
The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the reporting period that are calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options, unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards. See Note 13, "Earnings per Share," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the calculation of earnings per share.
Foreign Currency Translation
Substantially all of the Company’s international operations use the respective local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of international entities have been translated at period-end exchange rates, and income and expenses have been translated using average exchange rates for the period. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies are adjusted to reflect period-end exchange rates. The aggregate transaction gains (losses), net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, included in income from continuing operations for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $(10) million, $1 million and $60 million, respectively.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company has written policies and procedures that place all financial instruments under the direction of Corporate treasury and restrict all derivative transactions to those intended for hedging purposes. The use of financial instruments for speculative purposes is strictly prohibited. The Company selectively uses financial instruments to manage the market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, stock-based compensation liabilities and interest rates.
The fair values of all derivatives are recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position. The change in a derivative’s fair value is recorded each period in current earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and if so, the type of hedge transaction. See Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.
Investments
The Company invests in debt and equity securities which are marked to market at the end of each accounting period. For fiscal 2019, unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of income. For periods prior to fiscal 2019, the unrealized gains and losses on these securities, other than the deferred compensation plan assets, were recognized in AOCI within the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity unless an unrealized loss is deemed to be other than temporary, in which case such loss was charged to earnings. The deferred compensation plan assets are marked to market at the end of each accounting period and all unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
The Company utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension and postretirement benefit expenses, including measuring the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 15, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans.
Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarially determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.
Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Asbestos related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. Annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.
In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable. The Company's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Company for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Company considers available insurance, allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the book and tax basis of particular assets and liabilities and operating loss carryforwards, using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the carrying or book value of deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, including consideration of tax planning strategies, it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Retrospective Changes
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company determined that its Power Solutions business met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, which required retrospective application to financial information for all periods presented. Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations" of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.
In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)." The ASU requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 was effective retrospectively for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had approximately $2.0 billion of restricted cash related to restricted proceeds deposited into escrow from the issuance of $2.0 billion aggregate principal of unsecured, unsubordinated notes by Adient Global Holdings Ltd., that were released upon the completion of the Adient spin-off in October 2016. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, the release of the restricted proceeds are presented in the fiscal 2017 consolidated statements of cash flow as a financing activity outflow from discontinued operations. The remaining impact of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the periods presented, as the restricted cash balance for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $16 million and $15 million, respectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." ASU No. 2016-15 provides clarification guidance on eight specific cash flow presentation issues in order to reduce the diversity in practice. ASU No. 2016-15 was effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December
31, 2018. The adoption of this guidance had an impact on the presentation of equity swap funding and settlement activities since the activity changed from an operating activity to an investing activity.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118," to add various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") to ASC 740 "Income Taxes." SAB 118 was issued by the SEC in December 2017 to provide immediate guidance for accounting implications of U.S. Tax Reform under the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" in the period of enactment. SAB 118 provides for a provisional one year measurement period for entities to finalize their accounting for certain income tax effects related to the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act." The Company applied this guidance to its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company completed its analysis of all enactment-date income tax effects of the U.S. tax law change. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." The ASU requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented with other compensation costs. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The ASU also allows only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017-07 was effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The guidance was effective retrospectively except for the capitalization of the service cost component which was applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company does not present a subtotal of income from operations within its consolidated statements of income.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory." The ASU requires the tax effects of all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory to be recognized in the period in which the transaction occurs. The guidance was effective for the Company for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The changes were applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment which resulted in a reduction to retained earnings and other noncurrent assets of $546 million.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU No. 2016-01 amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including marketable securities. Additionally in February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-03, "Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which provides additional clarification on certain topics addressed in ASU No. 2016-01. ASU No. 2016-01 and ASU No. 2018-03 were effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2018. The changes were applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment which resulted in an increase to retained earnings of $8 million. The new standard requires the mark-to-market of marketable securities investments previously recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income on the statement of financial position be recorded in the statement of income on a prospective basis beginning as of the adoption date. As these restricted investments do not relate to the underlying operating performance of its business, the Company’s definition of segment earnings excludes the mark-to-market adjustments beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Refer to Note 19, "Segment Information," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU No. 2014-09 and its related amendments (collectively, the “New Revenue Standard”) clarify the principles for recognizing revenue when an entity either enters into a contract with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into a contract for the transfer of non-financial assets. The Company adopted the New Revenue Standard on October 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. Under the New Revenue Standard, revenue recognition is mostly consistent with the previous guidance, with the exception of the Power Solutions business, which is now reported as a discontinued operation beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Within the Power Solutions business, certain customers return battery cores which are now included in the transaction price as noncash consideration. The New Revenue Standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position, consolidated statements of income or its consolidated statements of cash flows. As of October 1, 2018, the Company applied the New Revenue Standard to contracts that were not completed as of this date and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of a reduction to retained earnings of $45 million, which relates primarily to deferred revenue recorded for certain battery core
returns that represent a material right provided to customers. The prior period comparative information has not been revised and continues to be reported under the previous guidance.
The impact of adoption of the New Revenue Standard to the Company's consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 for continuing operations was an increase to net sales of approximately $3 million, with the impact to income before taxes of less than $1 million. The impact of adoption of the New Revenue Standard to the Company's consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 for discontinued operations was an increase to net sales of $667 million, with the impact to income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of approximately $26 million.
The impact of adoption of the New Revenue Standard to the Company's consolidated statement of financial position as of September 30, 2019 is as follows (in millions):
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." ASU No. 2016-02 requires recognition of operating leases as lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The original standard was effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2019 with early adoption permitted; however, in July 2018 the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements," which provides an additional transition method that permits changes to be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company has elected this transition method at the adoption date of October 1, 2019. The FASB further amended Topic 842 by issuing ASU No. 2018-01, "Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842," which provides an optional transition practical expedient for existing or expired land easements that were not previously recorded as leases, ASU No. 2018-10, "Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases," ASU No. 2018-20, "Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors," and ASU No. 2019-01, "Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements." The Company has populated its leases into new lease accounting software and is designing and implementing new processes and controls for the accounting for leases under the new guidance. The Company is the lessee under various agreements for facilities and equipment that are currently accounted for as operating leases. The new guidance will require the Company to record operating leases on the balance sheet with a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and corresponding lease liability for future payment obligations. The Company has elected to apply the package of transitional practical expedients, under which the Company will not reassess prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs of existing leases as of the date of adoption. The Company expects the ROU asset and operating lease liability to be less than 3% of its total assets. However, the Company does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated statements of income and its consolidated statements of cash flows.
Other recently issued accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
2.ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Fiscal Year 2019
On April 30, 2019, the Company completed the sale of its Power Solutions business to BCP Acquisitions LLC for a purchase price of $13.2 billion. The net cash proceeds after tax and transaction-related expenses were $11.6 billion. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a gain, net of transaction and other costs, of $5.2 billion ($4.0 billion after tax), subject to post-closing working capital and net debt adjustments, within income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of income. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company determined that its Power Solutions business met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation and, as a result, Power Solutions' historical financial results are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation. Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's discontinued operations.
During fiscal 2019, the Company completed certain divestitures within the Global Products and Building Solutions EMEA/LA businesses. The combined selling price was $18 million, $16 million of which was received as of September 30, 2019. In connection with the sale, the Company reduced goodwill by $1 million within the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment. The divestitures were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
During fiscal 2019, the Company completed certain acquisitions for a combined purchase price of $32 million, $25 million of which was paid as of September 30, 2019. The acquisitions were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $11 million within the Global Products segment, $8 million within the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment, and $6 million within the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment.
Fiscal Year 2018
During fiscal 2018, the Company completed certain acquisitions for a combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $21 million, all of which was paid as of September 30, 2018. The acquisitions in the aggregate were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In connection with the acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $14 million within the Global Products segment and $1 million within the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed the sale of its Scott Safety business to 3M Company. The selling price, net of cash divested, was $2.0 billion, all of which was received as of September 30, 2018. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $114 million within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income and reduced goodwill in assets held for sale by $1.2 billion. The gain, net of tax, recorded was $84 million. Net cash proceeds from the transaction of approximately $1.9 billion were used to repay a significant portion of the Tyco International Holding S.a.r.L.'s ("TSarl") $4.0 billion of merger-related debt.
Also during fiscal 2018, the Company completed certain divestitures primarily within the Global Products business. The combined selling price was $204 million, all of which was received as of September 30, 2018. In connection with the divestitures, the Company reduced goodwill by $35 million. The divestitures were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Fiscal Year 2017
During fiscal 2017, the Company completed three acquisitions for a combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $9 million, $6 million of which was paid as of September 30, 2017. The acquisitions in the aggregate were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In connection with the acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $2 million.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company completed the sale of its ADT security business in South Africa within the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment. The selling price, net of cash divested, was $129 million, all of which was received as of September 30, 2017. In connection with the sale, the Company reduced goodwill in assets held for sale by $92 million. The divestiture was not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
During fiscal 2017, the Company completed two divestitures for a combined selling price, net of cash divested, of $44 million, of which $40 million was received as of September 30, 2017. The divestitures were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the divestitures, the Company reduced goodwill by $19 million and $2 million in the Global Products segment and in the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment, respectively.
During fiscal 2017, the Company completed one additional divestiture for a sales price of $4 million, all of which was received as of September 30, 2017. The divestiture decreased the Company's ownership from a controlling to noncontrolling interest, and
as a result, the Company deconsolidated cash of $5 million. The divestiture was not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
During fiscal 2017, the Company received $52 million in net cash proceeds related to prior year business divestitures and paid $75 million related to prior year business acquisitions.
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Power Solutions
On November 13, 2018, the Company entered into a Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with BCP Acquisitions LLC (“Purchaser”). The Purchaser is a newly-formed entity controlled by investment funds managed by Brookfield Capital Partners LLC. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions therein, the Company agreed to sell, and Purchaser agreed to acquire, the Company’s Power Solutions business for a purchase price of $13.2 billion. The transaction closed on April 30, 2019 with net cash proceeds of $11.6 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company determined that its Power Solutions business met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation and, as a result, Power Solutions' historical financial results are reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation, and assets and liabilities were retrospectively reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale. The Company did not allocate any general corporate overhead to discontinued operations.
The following table summarizes the results of Power Solutions reclassified as discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (in millions). As the Power Solutions sale occurred on April 30, 2019, there are only seven months of results included in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, income from discontinued operations before income taxes included a gain on sale of the Power Solutions business, net of transaction and other costs, of $5.2 billion and a favorable impact of $117 million for ceasing depreciation and amortization expense as the business was held for sale.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the effective tax rate was more than the Irish statutory rate of 12.5% primarily due to the tax impacts of the divestiture of the Power Solutions business and tax rate differentials. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the effective tax rate was more than the Irish statutory rate of 12.5% primarily due to legal entity restructuring associated with the Power Solutions business and tax rate differentials. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was more than the Irish statutory rate of 12.5% primarily due to a tax expense due to changes in entity tax status, the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of certain nonconsolidated subsidiaries and tax rate differentials.
Adient plc
On October 31, 2016, the Company completed the spin-off of its Automotive Experience business by way of the transfer of the Automotive Experience business from Johnson Controls to Adient plc. The Company did not retain any equity interest in Adient plc. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company determined that Adient met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation and, as a result, Adient’s historical financial results are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation. The Company did not allocate any general corporate overhead to discontinued operations.
The following table summarizes the results of Adient, reclassified as discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 (in millions). As the Adient spin-off occurred on October 31, 2016, there is only one month of Adient results included in the year ended September 30, 2017.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the income from discontinued operations before income taxes included separation costs of $79 million.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was more than the Irish statutory rate of 12.5% primarily due to the tax impacts of separation costs and Adient spin-off related tax expense, partially offset by non-U.S. tax rate differentials.
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Power Solutions assets and liabilities held for sale at September 30, 2018 (in millions):
During the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company determined that a business within its Global Products segment met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The assets and liabilities of this business are presented as held for sale in the consolidated statements of financial position as of September 30, 2019. Assets and liabilities held for sale are required to be recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $235 million within restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 to write down the carrying value of the assets held for sale to fair value less any costs to sell. Refer to Note 17, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the impairment charge. The divestiture of the business held for sale could result in a gain or loss on sale to the extent the ultimate selling price differs from the current carrying value of the net assets recorded. The business did not meet the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation as the divestiture of the business will not have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results.
4.REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregated Revenue
The following table presents the Company's revenues disaggregated by segment and by products and systems versus services revenue for the year ended September 30, 2019 (in millions):
The following table presents further disaggregation of Global Products segment revenues by product type for the year ended September 30, 2019 (in millions):
Contract Balances
Contract assets relate to the Company’s right to consideration for performance obligations satisfied but not billed and consist of unbilled receivables and costs in excess of billings. Contract liabilities relate to customer payments received in advance of satisfaction of performance obligations under the contract. Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue. Contract balances are classified as assets or liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
The following table presents the location and amount of contract balances in the Company's consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
For the year ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized revenue of approximately $1.2 billion that was included in the beginning of period contract liability balance.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a distinct good, service, or bundle of goods and services promised in a contract. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. When contracts with customers require significant and complex integration, contain goods or services which are highly interdependent or interrelated, or are goods or services which significantly modify or customize other promises in the contracts and, therefore, are not distinct, then the entire contract is accounted for as a single performance obligation. For any contracts with multiple performance obligations, the contract’s transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. For product sales, each product sold to a customer typically represents a distinct performance obligation.
Performance obligations are satisfied as of a point in time or over time. The timing of satisfying the performance obligation is typically indicated by the terms of the contract. As of September 30, 2019, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was approximately $14.4 billion, of which approximately 60% is expected to be recognized as revenue over the next two years. The remaining performance obligations expected to be recognized in revenue beyond two years primarily relate to large, multi-purpose contracts to construct hospitals, schools and other governmental buildings, which include services to be performed over the building's lifetime, with initial contract terms of 25 to 35 years. Future contract modifications could affect both the timing and the amount of the remaining performance obligations. The Company excludes the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less.
Costs to Obtain or Fulfill a Contract
The Company recognizes the incremental costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer as an asset when these costs are recoverable. These costs consist primarily of sales commissions and bid/proposal costs. Costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are capitalized and amortized to revenue over the period of contract performance.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company recorded the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract of $212 million, of which $110 million is recorded within other current assets and $102 million is recorded within other noncurrent assets in the consolidated statements of financial position.
During the year ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized amortization expense of $157 million related to costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. There were no impairment losses recognized in the year ended September 30, 2019.
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following (in millions):
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
Interest costs capitalized during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $6 million, $17 million and $14 million, respectively.
7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in millions):
The fiscal 2019 Global Products business divestiture amount includes $22 million of goodwill transferred to noncurrent assets held for sale on the consolidated statements of financial position related to plans to dispose of a business within the Global Products segment.
At September 30, 2017, accumulated goodwill impairment charges included $47 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA - Latin America reporting unit.
There were no goodwill impairments resulting from fiscal 2019 and 2018 annual impairment tests. No reporting unit was determined to be at risk of failing step one of the goodwill impairment test. The Company continuously monitors for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value, including long-term revenue growth projections, profitability, discount rates, recent market valuations from transactions by comparable companies, volatility in the Company's market capitalization, and general industry, market and macro-economic conditions. It is possible that future changes in such circumstances, or in the variables associated with the judgments, assumptions and estimates used in assessing the fair value of the reporting unit, would require the Company to record a non-cash impairment charge.
The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. The primary assumptions used in the impairment tests were management's projections of future cash flows. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit.
The Company’s other intangible assets, primarily from business acquisitions valued based on independent appraisals, consisted of (in millions):
Amortization of other intangible assets included within continuing operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $377 million, $376 million and $481 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Company anticipates amortization for fiscal 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 will be approximately $390 million, $389 million, $387 million, $374 million and $361 million, respectively. There were no indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments resulting from fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 annual impairment tests.
8. LEASES
Certain administrative, production and other facilities and equipment are leased under arrangements that are accounted for as operating leases. Most leases contain renewal options for varying periods, and leases generally require the Company to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance of the property.
Total rental expense for continuing operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $452 million, $408 million and $432 million, respectively.
Future minimum operating lease payments at September 30, 2019 were as follows (in millions):
9. DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Short-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):
The Company had no commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and $879 million as of September 30, 2018.
In June 2019, TSarl, a subsidiary of the Company, terminated its $1.25 billion committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in August 2020. In connection with the termination, the Company repaid all of the outstanding obligations in respect of principal, interest and fees under the credit facility. In relation to the termination of the credit facility, TSarl completed all of its obligations under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2016 (the "Term Facility") by repaying all of the outstanding obligations under the Term Facility, which included $364 million term loan scheduled to mature in March 2020. Other debt held at TSarl was also repaid, including a 364-day $250 million floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in March 2020 and an 18-month 215 million euro floating rate euro term loan scheduled to mature in July 2019. No amounts remain outstanding on the $4.0 billion TSarl merger-related debt as of September 30, 2019.
In March 2019, a 364-day $250 million committed revolving credit facility expired. The Company entered into a new $250 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in March 2020. As of September 30, 2019 there were no draws on the facility.
In February 2019, a 364-day $150 million committed revolving credit facility expired. The Company entered into a new $150 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in February 2020. As of September 30, 2019 there were no draws on the facility.
In February 2019, a 364-day $150 million committed revolving credit facility expired. The Company entered into a new $150 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in February 2020. As of September 30, 2019 there were no draws on the facility.
In January 2019, the Company entered into a $750 million term loan due the earlier of January 2020 or five business days from the closing on the sale of the Power Solutions business. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes. Following the sale of the Power Solutions business, the loan was repaid in May 2019.
In January 2019, a 364-day $200 million committed revolving credit facility expired. The Company entered into a new $350 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in January 2020. Following the sale of the Power Solutions business, the facility was reduced to $200 million. As of September 30, 2019 there were no draws on the facility.
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions; due dates by fiscal year):
The installments of long-term debt maturing in subsequent fiscal years are: 2020 - $501 million; 2021 - $1,075 million; 2022 - $425 million; 2023 - $1,001 million; 2024 - $485 million; 2025 and thereafter - $3,753 million. The Company’s long-term debt includes various financial covenants, none of which are expected to restrict future operations.
Total interest paid on both short and long-term debt for continuing operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $369 million, $401 million and $432 million, respectively.
Financing Arrangements
In June 2019, the Company repurchased at par, $2.5 million of its 5.25% fixed rate notes, plus accrued interest, scheduled to mature in 2041.
In May 2019, the Company completed the debt tender offer to purchase up to $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of certain of its outstanding notes for $1.6 billion total consideration. The Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $60 million, which was recorded within net financing charges in the consolidated statements of income.
In May 2019, the Company repaid 10 billion yen of the 35 billion yen five-year syndicated floating rate term loan, plus accrued interest, scheduled to mature in September 2022.
In April 2019, the Company repurchased at a discount, 4.7 million euro of its 1.375% fixed rate euro notes, plus accrued interest, scheduled to mature in 2025.
In February 2019, the Company repurchased at a discount, $12 million of its 3.9% fixed rate notes, plus accrued interest, scheduled to mature in 2026.
Net Financing Charges
The Company's net financing charges line item in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 contained the following components (in millions):
10. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, stock-based compensation liabilities and interest rates. Under Company policy, the use of derivatives is restricted to those intended for hedging purposes; the use of any derivative instrument for speculative purposes is strictly prohibited. A description of each type of derivative utilized by the Company to manage risk is included in the following paragraphs. In addition, refer to Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information related to the fair value measurements and valuation methods utilized by the Company for each derivative type.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company has global operations and participates in the foreign exchange markets to minimize its risk of loss from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange rate risk primarily using foreign currency exchange hedge contracts. The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. As cash flow hedges under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," the hedge gains or losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of AOCI and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings. These contracts were highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in currency exchange rates at September 30, 2019 and 2018.
The Company selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to commodity price risk, primarily using commodity hedge contracts, to minimize overall price risk associated with the Company’s purchases of copper and aluminum in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Prior to the divestiture of Power Solutions, the Company also used commodity hedge contracts to minimize risk associated with purchases of lead, polypropylene and tin. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As cash flow hedges, hedge
gains or losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of AOCI and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities. These contracts were highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in commodity prices at September 30, 2019 and 2018.
The Company had the following outstanding contracts to hedge forecasted commodity purchases for continuing and discontinued operations (in metric tons):
Net Investment Hedges
The Company enters into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of the debt obligations are reflected in the AOCI account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset currency gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally. At September 30, 2019, the Company had 888 million euro, 750 million euro, 423 million euro and 54 million euro in bonds designated as net investment hedges in the Company's net investment in Europe and 25 billion yen of foreign denominated debt designated as net investment hedge in the Company's net investment in Japan. At September 30, 2018, the Company had one billion euro, 750 million euro, 423 million euro and 58 million euro in bonds and a 215 million euro term loan designated as net investment hedges in the Company's net investment in Europe and 35 billion yen of foreign denominated debt designated as net investment hedge in the Company's net investment in Japan.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The Company selectively uses equity swaps to reduce market risk associated with certain of its stock-based compensation plans, such as its deferred compensation plans. These equity compensation liabilities increase as the Company’s stock price increases and decrease as the Company’s stock price decreases. In contrast, the value of the swap agreement moves in the opposite direction of these liabilities, allowing the Company to fix a portion of the liabilities at a stated amount. As of September 30, 2019, the Company hedged approximately 1.4 million of its ordinary shares, which have a cost basis of $60 million. As of September 30, 2018 the Company hedged approximately 1.8 million of its ordinary shares, which have a cost basis of $73 million.
The Company also holds certain foreign currency forward contracts which do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The change in fair value of foreign currency exchange derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 are recorded in the consolidated statements of income.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following table presents the location and fair values of derivative instruments and hedging activities included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
Counterparty Credit Risk
The use of derivative financial instruments exposes the Company to counterparty credit risk. The Company has established policies and procedures to limit the potential for counterparty credit risk, including establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties. As a matter of practice, the Company deals with major banks worldwide having strong investment grade long-term credit ratings. To further reduce the risk of loss, the Company generally enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") master netting agreements with substantially all of its counterparties. The Company's derivative contracts do not contain any credit risk related contingent features and do not require collateral or other security to be furnished by the Company or the counterparties. The Company's exposure to credit risk associated with its derivative instruments is measured on an individual counterparty basis, as well as by groups of counterparties that share similar attributes. The Company does not anticipate any non-performance by any of its counterparties, and the concentration of risk with financial institutions does not present significant credit risk to the Company.
The Company enters into ISDA master netting agreements with counterparties that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under the derivative contracts. The master netting agreements generally provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. The Company has not elected to offset the fair value positions of the derivative contracts recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position. Collateral is generally not required of the Company or the counterparties under the master netting agreements. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, no cash collateral was received or pledged under the master netting agreements.
The gross and net amounts of derivative assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
Derivatives Impact on the Statements of Income and Statements of Comprehensive Income
The following table presents the pre-tax gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedges for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
The following table presents the location and amount of the pre-tax gains (losses) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI into the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
The following table presents the location and amount of pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
The pre-tax gains (losses) recorded in foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") within other comprehensive income (loss) related to net investment hedges were $145 million, $45 million and $(138) million for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, no gains or losses were reclassified from CTA into income for the Company’s outstanding net investment hedges.
11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement," defines fair value as 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 also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes information used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability as follows:
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3: Unobservable inputs where there is little or no market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
ASC 820 requires the use of observable market data, when available, in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in millions):
1Classified as restricted investments for payment of asbestos liabilities. See Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies" of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
Valuation Methods
Foreign currency exchange derivatives: The foreign currency exchange derivatives are valued under a market approach using publicized spot and forward prices.
Commodity derivatives: The commodity derivatives are valued under a market approach using publicized prices, where available, or dealer quotes.
Equity swaps: The equity swaps are valued under a market approach as the fair value of the swaps is equal to the Company’s stock price at the reporting period date.
Deferred compensation plan assets: Assets held in the deferred compensation plans will be used to pay benefits under certain of the Company's non-qualified deferred compensation plans. The investments primarily consist of mutual funds which are publicly traded on stock exchanges and are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices.
Exchange traded funds: Exchange traded funds are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes of identical or comparable instruments. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized unrealized gains of $12 million in the consolidated statements of income on these investments that were still held as of September 30, 2019, all of which related to restricted investments. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. The fair value of long-term debt was $7.6 billion and $9.6 billion at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of public debt was $7.4 billion and $8.6 billion at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which was determined primarily using market quotes classified as Level 1 inputs within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. The fair value of other long-term debt
was $0.2 billion and $1.0 billion at September 30, 2019 and 2018 respectively, which was determined based on quoted market prices for similar instruments classified as Level 2 inputs within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy.
12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
On September 2, 2016, the shareholders of the Company approved amendments to the Johnson Controls International plc 2012 Share and Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The types of awards authorized by the Plan comprise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance units and other stock-based awards. The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors determines the types of awards to be granted to individual participants and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Plan provides that 76 million shares of the Company's common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan, and 34 million shares remain available for issuance at September 30, 2019.
The Company has four share-based compensation plans, which are described below. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, compensation cost charged against income for continuing operations, excluding the offsetting impact of outstanding equity swaps, for those plans was approximately $103 million, $89 million and $122 million, respectively, all of which was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
The Company has elected to utilize the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of stock-based compensation. The total income tax benefit recognized for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income for share-based compensation arrangements was approximately $26 million, $22 million and $48 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The tax expense from the exercise and vesting of equity settled awards was $6 million and $3 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and recorded as part of the income tax provision upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The tax benefit from the exercise and vesting of equity settled awards was $4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, and was recorded in capital in excess of par value. The Company does not settle stock options granted under share-based payment arrangements to cash.
Stock Options
Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. Stock option awards typically vest between two and three years after the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date.
The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected life of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, assessed separately for executives and non-executives. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. For fiscal 2019 and 2018, the expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock since October 2016 blended with the historical volatility of certain peer companies' stock prior to October 2016 over the most recent period corresponding to the expected life as of the grant date. For fiscal 2017, the expected volatility is based on historical volatility of certain peer companies over the most recent period corresponding to the expected life as of the grant date. The expected dividend yield is based on the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the market value of the Company’s ordinary shares as of the grant date. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model.
A summary of stock option activity at September 30, 2019, and changes for the year then ended, is presented below:
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $5.56, $7.04 and $7.81, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $73 million, $38 million and $81 million, respectively.
In conjunction with the exercise of stock options granted, the Company received cash payments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 of approximately $171 million, $66 million and $157 million, respectively.
At September 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted for continuing operations. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs")
SARs vest under the same terms and conditions as stock option awards; however, they are settled in cash for the difference between the market price on the date of exercise and the exercise price. As a result, SARs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position as a liability until the date of exercise.
The fair value of each SAR award is estimated using a similar method described for stock options. The fair value of each SAR award is recalculated at the end of each reporting period and the liability and expense are adjusted based on the new fair value.
The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the SAR awards at September 30, 2019 were as follows:
A summary of SAR activity at September 30, 2019, and changes for the year then ended, is presented below:
In conjunction with the exercise of SARs granted, the Company made payments of $3 million, $3 million and $4 million during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Restricted (Nonvested) Stock / Units
The Plan provides for the award of restricted stock or restricted stock units to certain employees. These awards are typically share settled unless the employee is a non-U.S. employee or elects to defer settlement until retirement at which point the award would be settled in cash. Restricted awards typically vest over a period of three years from the grant date. The Plan allows for different vesting terms on specific grants with approval by the Board of Directors. The fair value of each share-settled restricted award is based on the closing market value of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of grant. The fair value of each cash-settled restricted award is recalculated at the end of each reporting period based on the closing market value of the Company's ordinary shares at the end of the reporting period, and the liability and expense are adjusted based on the new fair value.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock awards at September 30, 2019, and changes for the fiscal year then ended, is presented below:
At September 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $72 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock arrangements granted for continuing operations. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
Performance Share Awards
The Plan permits the grant of performance-based share unit ("PSU") awards. The PSUs are generally contingent on the achievement of pre-determined performance goals over a performance period of three years as well as on the award holder's continuous employment until the vesting date. The PSUs are also indexed to the achievement of specified levels of total shareholder return versus a peer group over the performance period. Each PSU that is earned will be settled with shares of the Company's ordinary shares following the completion of the performance period, unless the award holder elected to defer a portion or all of the award until retirement which would then be settled in cash.
The fair value of each PSU is estimated on the date of grant with the use of a Monte Carlo simulation that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the contractual life of the PSU is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. For fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock since October 2016 blended with the historical volatility of certain peer companies' stock prior to October 2016 over the most recent three-year period as of the grant date.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested PSUs at September 30, 2019, and changes for the fiscal year then ended, is presented below:
At September 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $31 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested performance-based share unit awards granted for continuing operations. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company presents both basic and diluted EPS amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the reporting period that are calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options, unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards. The treasury stock method assumes that the Company uses the proceeds from the exercise of stock option awards to repurchase ordinary shares at the average market price during the period. The assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method include the purchase price that the grantee will pay in the future and compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized. For unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards, assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method would include unamortized compensation cost.
The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions):
14. EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Dividends
The authority to declare and pay dividends is vested in the Board of Directors. The timing, declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of the Company's ordinary shares is determined by the Company's Board of Directors and depends upon many factors, including the Company's financial condition and results of operations, the capital requirements of the Company's businesses, industry practice and any other relevant factors.
Under Irish law, dividends may only be paid (and share repurchases and redemptions must generally be funded) out of "distributable reserves." The creation of distributable reserves was accomplished by way of a capital reduction, which the Irish High Court approved on December 18, 2014 and as acquired in conjunction with the Merger.
Share Repurchase Program
In November 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $1 billion increase to its existing share repurchase authorization. In March 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved an additional $8.5 billion increase to its existing share repurchase authorization, subject to the completion of the previously announced sale of the Company's Power Solutions business, which closed on April 30, 2019. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice.
On May 1, 2019, the Company announced a "modified Dutch auction" tender offer for up to $4.0 billion of its ordinary shares with a price range between $36.00 and $40.00 per share. The tender offer expired on May 31, 2019. Through the tender offer, the Company accepted for payment 102 million shares at a purchase price of $39.25 per share, for a total of approximately $4,035 million, including fees and commissions. The shares purchased through the tender offer were immediately retired. Ordinary shares were reduced by the number of shares retired at $0.01 par value per share. The excess purchase price over par value was recorded in retained earnings in the consolidated statements of financial position.
In addition to the equity tender offer described above, during fiscal year 2019, the Company repurchased and retired approximately $1,948 million of its ordinary shares. As of September 30, 2019, approximately $4.6 billion remains available under the share repurchase program. During fiscal years 2018 and 2017, the Company repurchased approximately $300 million and $651 million of its ordinary shares, respectively.
Other comprehensive income includes activity relating to discontinued operations. The following schedules present changes in consolidated equity attributable to Johnson Controls and noncontrolling interests (in millions, net of tax):
As previously disclosed, during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." As a result, the Company recorded $45 million to beginning retained earnings, which relates primarily to deferred
revenue recorded for the Power Solutions business for certain battery core returns that represent a material right provided to customers.
As previously disclosed, during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-16, "Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory." As a result, the Company recognized deferred taxes of $546 million related to the tax effects of all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of October 1, 2018.
As previously disclosed, during the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09. As a result, the Company recognized deferred tax assets of $179 million related to certain operating loss carryforwards resulting from the exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock vestings on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of October 1, 2017.
On October 31, 2016, the Company completed the Adient spin-off. As a result of the spin-off, the Company divested net assets of approximately $4.0 billion.
The Company consolidates certain subsidiaries in which the noncontrolling interest party has within their control the right to require the Company to redeem all or a portion of its interest in the subsidiary. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported at their estimated redemption value. Any adjustment to the redemption value impacts retained earnings but does not impact net income. Redeemable noncontrolling interests which are redeemable only upon future events, the occurrence of which is not currently probable, are recorded at carrying value. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company does not have any subsidiaries for which the noncontrolling interest party has within their control the right to require the Company to redeem any portion of its interests.
The following schedules present changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions):
The following schedules present changes in AOCI attributable to Johnson Controls (in millions, net of tax):
* During fiscal 2018, $12 million of cumulative CTA was recognized as part of the divestiture-related gain recognized as part of the divestiture of Scott Safety.
** Refer to Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the line items on the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to derivatives.
*** As previously disclosed, during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." As a result the Company reclassified $8 million of unrealized gains on marketable securities to retained earnings as of October 1, 2018.
**** During fiscal 2018, the Company sold certain marketable common stock for approximately $3 million. As a result, the Company recorded $2 million of realized gains within selling, general and administrative expenses.
15. RETIREMENT PLANS
Pension Benefits
The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The benefits provided are primarily based on years of service and average compensation or a monthly retirement benefit amount. Certain of the Company’s U.S. pension plans have been amended to prohibit new participants from entering the plans and no longer accrue benefits. Funding for U.S. pension plans equals or exceeds the minimum requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Funding for non-U.S. plans observes the local legal and regulatory limits. Also, the Company makes contributions to union-trusteed pension funds for construction and service personnel.
For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations ("ABO") that exceed plan assets for continuing and discontinued operations, the projected benefit obligation ("PBO"), ABO and fair value of plan assets of those plans were $5,450 million, $5,388 million and $4,484 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2019 and $5,166 million, $5,072 million and $4,525 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2018.
In fiscal 2019, total employer contributions for continuing operations to the defined benefit pension plans were $50 million, none of which were voluntary contributions made by the Company. The Company expects to contribute approximately $50 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2020. Projected benefit payments from the plans as of September 30, 2019 are estimated as follows (in millions):
Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees and their dependents primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Most non-U.S. employees are covered by government sponsored programs, and the cost to the Company is not significant.
Eligibility for coverage is based on meeting certain years of service and retirement age qualifications. These benefits may be subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations, and the Company has reserved the right to modify these benefits. Effective January 31, 1994, the Company modified certain U.S. salaried plans to place a limit on the Company’s cost of future annual retiree medical benefits at no more than 150% of the 1993 cost.
The health care cost trend assumption does not have a significant effect on the amounts reported.
In fiscal 2019, total employer contributions for continuing operations to the postretirement plans were $3 million. The Company expects to contribute approximately $4 million in cash to its postretirement plans in fiscal 2020 for continuing operations. Projected benefit payments from the plans as of September 30, 2019 are estimated as follows (in millions):
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 ("Act") for employers sponsoring postretirement care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans providing a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.1. Under the Act, the Medicare subsidy amount is received directly by the plan
sponsor and not the related plan. Further, the plan sponsor is not required to use the subsidy amount to fund postretirement benefits and may use the subsidy for any valid business purpose. Projected subsidy receipts are estimated to be less than $1 million per year over the next ten years.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors various defined contribution savings plans that allow employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax and/or after-tax income in accordance with plan specified guidelines. Under specified conditions, the Company will contribute to certain savings plans based on predetermined percentages of compensation earned by the employee and/or will match a percentage of the employee contributions up to certain limits. Defined contribution plan contributions charged to expense for continuing and discontinued operations amounted to $198 million, $205 million and $190 million for the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Multiemployer Benefit Plans
The Company contributes to multiemployer benefit plans based on obligations arising from collective bargaining agreements related to certain of its hourly employees in the U.S. These plans provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. The trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the administration of the plans.
The risks of participating in these multiemployer benefit plans are different from single-employer benefit plans in the following aspects:
•
Assets contributed to the multiemployer benefit plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
•
If a participating employer stops contributing to the multiemployer benefit plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
•
If the Company stops participating in some of its multiemployer benefit plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on its allocable share of the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
The Company participates in approximately 285 multiemployer benefit plans, none of which are individually significant to the Company. The number of employees covered by the Company’s multiemployer benefit plans has remained consistent over the past three years, and there have been no significant changes that affect the comparability of fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 contributions. The Company recognizes expense for the contractually-required contribution for each period. The Company contributed $69 million, $68 million and $67 million to multiemployer benefit plans in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Based on the most recent information available, the Company believes that the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities in certain of these multiemployer benefit plans may exceed the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits. Currently, the Company is not aware of any significant multiemployer benefits plans for which it is probable or reasonably possible that the Company will be obligated to make up any shortfall in funds. Moreover, if the Company were to exit certain markets or otherwise cease making contributions to these funds, the Company could trigger a withdrawal liability. Currently, the Company is not aware of any multiemployer benefit plans for which it is probable or reasonably possible that the Company will have a significant withdrawal liability. Any accrual for a shortfall or withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and it can be reasonably estimated.
Plan Assets
The Company’s investment policies employ an approach whereby a mix of equities, fixed income and alternative investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. The investment portfolio primarily contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments. Equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value and small to large capitalizations. Fixed income investments include corporate and government issues, with short-, mid- and long-term maturities, with a focus on investment grade when purchased and a target duration close to that of the plan liability. Investment and market risks are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through regular investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements and periodic asset/liability studies. The majority of the real estate component of the portfolio is invested in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, operating properties with cash yields greater than the targeted appreciation. Investments in other alternative asset classes, including hedge funds and commodities, diversify the expected investment returns
relative to the equity and fixed income investments. As a result of the Company's diversification strategies, there are no significant concentrations of risk within the portfolio of investments.
The Company’s actual asset allocations are in line with target allocations. The Company rebalances asset allocations as appropriate, in order to stay within a range of allocation for each asset category.
The expected return on plan assets is based on the Company’s expectation of the long-term average rate of return of the capital markets in which the plans invest. The average market returns are adjusted, where appropriate, for active asset management returns. The expected return reflects the investment policy target asset mix and considers the historical returns earned for each asset category.
The Company’s plan assets at September 30, 2019 and 2018, by asset category, are as follows (in millions):
* The fair value of certain investments in real estate do not have a readily determinable fair value and requires the fund managers to independently arrive at fair value by calculating net asset value ("NAV") per share. In order to calculate NAV per share, the fund managers value the real estate investments using any one, or a combination of, the following methods: independent third party appraisals, discounted cash flow analysis of net cash flows projected to be generated by the investment and recent sales of comparable investments. Assumptions used to revalue the properties are updated every quarter. Due to the fact that the fund managers calculate NAV per share, the Company utilizes a practical expedient for measuring the fair value of its real-estate investments, as provided for under ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." In applying the practical expedient, the Company is not required to further adjust the NAV provided by the fund manager in order to determine the fair value of its investment as the NAV per share is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of ASC 946, "Financial Services - Investment Companies," and as of the Company's measurement date. The Company believes this is an appropriate methodology to obtain the fair value of these assets. For the component of the real estate portfolio under development, the investments are carried at cost until they are completed and valued by a third party appraiser. In accordance with ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)," investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient should be disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of total plan assets to the amounts presented in the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. Certain assets are held within commingled funds which are valued at the unitized NAV or percentage of the net asset value as determined by the manager of the fund. These values are based on the fair value of the underlying net assets owned by the fund.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: The fair value of cash is valued at cost.
Equity Securities: The fair value of equity securities is determined by direct quoted market prices. The underlying holdings are direct quoted market prices on regulated financial exchanges.
Fixed Income Securities: The fair value of fixed income securities is determined by direct or indirect quoted market prices. If indirect quoted market prices are utilized, the value of assets held in separate accounts is not published, but the investment managers report daily the underlying holdings. The underlying holdings are direct quoted market prices on regulated financial exchanges.
Commodities: The fair value of the commodities is determined by quoted market prices of the underlying holdings on regulated financial exchanges.
Hedge Funds: The fair value of hedge funds is accounted for by the custodian. The custodian obtains valuations from underlying managers based on market quotes for the most liquid assets and alternative methods for assets that do not have sufficient trading activity to derive prices. The Company and custodian review the methods used by the underlying managers to value the assets. The Company believes this is an appropriate methodology to obtain the fair value of these assets.
Real Estate: The fair value of real estate is determined by quoted market prices of the underlying Real Estate Investment Trusts
("REITs"), which are securities traded on an open exchange.
The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
There were no Level 3 assets as of September 30, 2019 or 2018 or any Level 3 asset activity during fiscal 2019 or 2018.
Funded Status
The table that follows contains the ABO and reconciliations of the changes in the PBO, the changes in plan assets and the funded status (in millions):
(1)
Plan assets and obligations are determined based on a September 30 measurement date at September 30, 2019 and 2018.
(2)
The Company considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a result, the Company uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of
participants and the expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company uses a discount rate provided by an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For the non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark indices for determining the various discount rates. The Company has elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for pension and other postretirement for plans that utilize a yield curve approach. The full yield curve approach applies the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The amounts in AOCI on the consolidated statements of financial position, exclusive of tax impacts, that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at September 30, 2019 and 2018 related to pension and postretirement benefits are $6 million and less than $1 million, respectively.
The amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) over the next fiscal year related to pension and postretirement benefits are not significant.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The table that follows contains the components of net periodic benefit costs, which are primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income (in millions):
16. SIGNIFICANT RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS
To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company commits to restructuring plans as necessary.
In fiscal 2018, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan (2018 Plan) and recorded $255 million of restructuring and impairment costs for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income. This was the total amount incurred to date and the total amount expected to be incurred for this restructuring plan. The restructuring actions related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Building Technologies & Solutions businesses and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments. Of the restructuring and impairment costs recorded, $113 million related to the Global Products segment, $56 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment, $50 million related to Corporate, $20 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment and $16 million related to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. The restructuring actions are expected to be substantially complete in 2020.
Additionally, the Company recorded $8 million of restructuring and impairment costs related to Power Solutions in fiscal 2018. This is reported within discontinued operations.
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s 2018 Plan reserve, included within other current liabilities in
the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
In fiscal 2017, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan (2017 Plan) and recorded $347 million of restructuring and impairment costs for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income. This was the total amount incurred to date and the total amount expected to be incurred for this restructuring plan. The restructuring actions related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Building Technologies & Solutions businesses and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments. Of the restructuring and impairment costs recorded, $166 million related to Corporate, $74 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment, $59 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment, $32 million related to the Global Products segment and $16 million related to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. The restructuring actions are expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2020.
Additionally, the Company recorded $20 million of restructuring and impairment costs related to Power Solutions in fiscal 2017. This is reported within discontinued operations.
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s 2017 Plan reserve, included within other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
In fiscal 2016, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan (2016 Plan) and recorded $222 million of restructuring and impairment costs for continuing operations in the consolidated statements of income. The restructuring actions related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Building Technologies & Solutions businesses and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures, asset impairments and change-in-control payments. Of the restructuring and impairment costs recorded, $161 million related to Corporate, $44 million related to the Global Products segment and $17 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment. The restructuring actions are substantially complete, and final payments are expected to be made in fiscal 2020. Included in the reserve is $56 million of committed restructuring actions taken by Tyco for liabilities assumed as part of the Tyco acquisition.
Additionally, the Company recorded $398 million of restructuring and impairment costs within discontinued operations related to Adient and Power Solutions in fiscal 2016. This is reported within discontinued operations.
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s 2016 Plan reserve, included within other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
The Company's fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 restructuring plans included workforce reductions of approximately 11,300 employees (9,100 for the Building Technologies & Solutions business and 2,200 for Corporate). Restructuring charges associated with employee severance and termination benefits are paid over the severance period granted to each employee or on a lump sum basis in accordance with individual severance agreements. As of September 30, 2019, approximately 6,200 of the employees have been separated from the Company pursuant to the restructuring plans. In addition, the restructuring plans included twelve plant closures in the Building Technologies & Solutions business. As of September 30, 2019, eleven of the twelve plants have been closed.
Company management closely monitors its overall cost structure and continually analyzes each of its businesses for opportunities to consolidate current operations, improve operating efficiencies and locate facilities in close proximity to customers. This ongoing analysis includes a review of its manufacturing, engineering and purchasing operations, as well as the overall global footprint for all its businesses.
17. IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including tangible assets and other intangible assets with definitive lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," ASC 350-30, "General Intangibles Other than Goodwill" and ASC 985-20, "Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset group is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 350-30 requires intangible assets acquired in a business combination that are used in research and development activities be considered indefinite lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. During the period that those assets are considered indefinite lived, they shall not be amortized but shall be tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity shall recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. ASC 985-20 requires the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software
product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset shall be written off.
In fiscal 2019, the Company concluded it had a triggering event requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with the plans to dispose of a business within its Global Products segment that met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. Assets and liabilities held for sale are required to be recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $235 million within restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income in fiscal 2019 to write down the carrying value of the assets held for sale to fair value less any costs to sell. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
In fiscal 2018, the Company concluded it had a triggering event requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2018. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $36 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income. Of the total impairment charges, $31 million related to the Global Products segment and $5 million related to Corporate assets. In addition, the Company recorded $6 million of asset impairments within discontinued operations related to the Power Solutions segment in fiscal 2018. Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured under a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. This method is consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
In fiscal 2017, the Company concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2017. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $70 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total impairment charges, $30 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment, $20 million related to the Global Products segment, $19 million related to Corporate assets and $1 million related to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. In addition, the Company recorded $7 million of asset impairments within discontinued operations related to the Power Solutions segment in fiscal 2017. Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured, depending on the asset, under either an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash flows or a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. These methods are consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
At September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company concluded it did not have any other triggering events requiring assessment of impairment of its long-lived assets. Refer to Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," and Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for discussion of the Company’s goodwill impairment testing.
18. INCOME TAXES
The more significant components of the Company’s income tax provision from continuing operations are as follows (in millions):
The statutory tax rate in Ireland is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland. The effective rate for continuing operations is below the statutory rate of 12.5% for fiscal 2019 primarily due to tax audit reserve adjustments, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments, a tax indemnification reserve release, the tax benefits of an asset held for sale impairment charge and continuing global tax planning initiatives, partially offset by valuation allowance adjustments as a result of tax law changes, a discrete tax charge related to newly enacted regulations related to U.S. Tax Reform and tax rate differentials. The effective rate for continuing operations is above the statutory rate of 12.5% for fiscal 2018 primarily due to the discrete net impacts of U.S. Tax Reform, the final income tax effects of the completed divestiture of the Scott Safety business, and valuation allowance adjustments, partially offset by tax audit closures, tax benefits due to changes in entity tax status, the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives and tax rate differentials. The effective rate is above the statutory rate of 12.5% for fiscal 2017 primarily due to the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries related to the divestiture of the Scott Safety business, the income tax effects of mark-to-market adjustments and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the jurisdictional mix of significant restructuring and impairment costs, Tyco Merger transaction and integration costs, purchase accounting adjustments, tax audit closures, a tax benefit due to changes in entity tax status and the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives.
Valuation Allowances
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizablility of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering feasible tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets primarily within the U.S., Belgium, Japan and the United Kingdom would not be realized, and it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets of the U.S. and France will be realized. The valuation allowance adjustments resulted in an immaterial net impact to income tax expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, as a result of changes to U.S. tax law, the Company recorded a discrete tax charge of $76 million related to valuation allowances on certain U.S. deferred tax assets.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering feasible tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets primarily within Germany would not be realized. Therefore, the Company recorded $56 million of valuation allowances as income tax expense in the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets primarily in Canada, China and Mexico would not be able to be realized, and it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets in Germany would be realized. Therefore, the Company recorded $27 million of net valuation allowances as income tax expense in the three-month period ended September 30, 2017.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining its worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company is regularly under audit by tax authorities.
At September 30, 2019, the Company had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations of $2,451 million of which $2,121 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2019 was approximately $181 million (net of tax benefit).
At September 30, 2018, the Company had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations of $2,358 million of which $2,225 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2018 was approximately $119 million (net of tax benefit).
At September 30, 2017, the Company had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations of $2,161 million of which $2,034 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2017 was approximately $99 million (net of tax benefit).
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
During fiscal 2019, the Company settled tax examinations impacting fiscal years 2015 to 2016 and adjusted various tax audit reserves which resulted in a $586 million net benefit to income tax expense in the fourth quarter. In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a discrete charge related to newly enacted regulations related to U.S. Tax Reform and a discrete charge related to non-U.S. tax examinations which impacted the Company’s reserves for uncertain tax positions resulting in a $226 million net charge to income tax expense.
During fiscal 2018, the Company settled tax examinations impacting fiscal years 2010 to fiscal 2012 which resulted in a $25 million net benefit to income tax expense.
During fiscal 2017, the Company settled a significant number of tax examinations impacting fiscal years 2006 to fiscal 2014. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, income tax audit resolutions resulted in a net $191 million benefit to income tax expense.
The Company is currently under exam in the following major non-U.S. jurisdictions for continuing operations:
It is reasonably possible that certain tax examinations and/or tax litigation will conclude within the next twelve months, which could have a material impact to tax expense.
Other Tax Matters
In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a $235 million impairment charge related to assets held for sale. Refer to Note 17, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the impairment charge. The impairment charge generated a $53 million tax benefit.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company released a $226 million tax indemnification reserve, which was recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 21, "Guarantees," of the notes
to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the reserve release. The reserve release generated no income tax expense.
During fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company recorded transaction and integration costs for continuing operations of $317 million, $226 million and $427 million, respectively. These costs generated tax benefits of $35 million, $27 million and $69 million, respectively, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in these jurisdictions.
During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded mark-to-market gains (losses) of $(618) million, $24 million and $384 million, respectively. These gains (losses) generated tax expense (benefit) of $(130) million, $1 million and $113 million, respectively, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in these jurisdictions.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $139 million due to changes in entity tax status.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed the sale of its Scott Safety business to 3M Company. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $114 million and income tax expense of $30 million. In addition, during fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a discrete non-cash tax charge of $490 million related to establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference of the Company's investment in certain subsidiaries of the Scott Safety business. Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
During fiscal 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred significant charges for restructuring and impairment costs for continuing operations of $255 million and $347 million, respectively. Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. These costs generated tax benefits of $36 million and $58 million, respectively, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in these jurisdictions.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a discrete tax benefit of $75 million due to changes in entity tax status.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a discrete tax benefit of $101 million due to changes in entity tax status.
Impacts of Tax Legislation and Change in Statutory Tax Rates
On September 28, 2018 the Swiss Parliament approved the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (“TRAF”), which was subsequently approved by the Swiss electorate on May 19, 2019. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Swiss Federal Council enacted TRAF which becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The impacts of the federal enactment did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements. TRAF also provides for parameters which enable the Swiss cantons to adjust tax rates and establish new regulations for companies. As of September 30, 2019, the canton of Schaffhausen had not concluded its public referendum; however, the enactment did take place in October 2019. The Company is still evaluating the impact on the deferred tax assets in the canton of Schaffhausen and the revaluation of these assets could have a noncash impact of less than $100 million to the Company’s financial statements.
On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (H.R. 1) was enacted and significantly revised U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, imposing a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, and implementing a territorial tax system and various base erosion minimum tax provisions.
In connection with the Company’s analysis of the impact of the U.S. tax law changes, the Company recorded a provisional net tax charge of $108 million during fiscal 2018 consistent with guidance prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin 118. This provisional net tax charge arises from a benefit of $108 million due to the remeasurement of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities, offset by the Company’s tax charge relating to the one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings, inclusive of all relevant taxes, of $216 million. The Company’s estimated benefit of the remeasurement of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities increased from $101 million as of December 31, 2017 to $108 million as of September 30, 2018 due to calculation refinement of the Company’s estimated impact. The Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21% or the blended fiscal 2018 rate of 24.5%. The Company’s tax charge for transition tax decreased from $305 million as of December 31, 2017 to $216 million as of September 30, 2018 due to further analysis of the Company’s post-1986 non-U.S. earnings and profits (“E&P”) previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and refinement of the estimated impact of tax law changes. During fiscal 2019, the Company completed its analysis of all enactment-date income tax effects of the U.S. tax law change with no further adjustment to the provisional amounts recorded as of September 30, 2018.
During the fiscal years ended 2019, 2018 and 2017, other tax legislation was adopted in various jurisdictions. These law changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Continuing Operations
Components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes on continuing operations were as follows (in millions):
Consolidated U.S. income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was income (loss) of $(259) million, $261 million and $335 million, respectively. Consolidated non-U.S. income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was income of $1,315 million, $1,285 million and $816 million, respectively.
Continuing operations income taxes paid for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $377 million, $81 million and $497 million, respectively. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded within the continuing operations consolidated statements of financial position in other current assets approximately $1,069 million and $257 million, respectively, of income tax assets. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded within the continuing operations consolidated statements of financial position in other current liabilities approximately $159 million and $336 million, respectively, of accrued income tax liabilities.
The Company has not provided U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on approximately $20.1 billion of outside basis differences of consolidated subsidiaries of Johnson Controls International plc. The Company is indefinitely reinvested in these basis differences. The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Company's intent is to reduce the outside basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. Given the numerous ways in which the basis differences may be reduced, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognized withholding taxes and deferred tax liability on the outside basis differences.
Deferred taxes were classified in the consolidated statements of financial position as follows (in millions):
Temporary differences and carryforwards which gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities included (in millions):
At September 30, 2019, the Company had available net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $23.3 billion, of which $13.8 billion will expire at various dates between 2020 and 2039, and the remainder has an indefinite carryforward period. The Company had available U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards at September 30, 2019 of $35 million which will expire in 2029. The valuation allowance, generally, is for loss and credit carryforwards for which realization is uncertain because it is unlikely that the losses and/or credits will be realized given the lack of sustained profitability and/or limited carryforward periods in certain countries.
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09. As a result, the Company recognized deferred tax assets of $179 million in the consolidated statements of financial position related to certain operating loss carryforwards resulting from the exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock vestings on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of October 1, 2017.
19. SEGMENT INFORMATION
ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. In applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company has determined that it has four reportable segments for financial reporting purposes.
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Building Solutions North America designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC and controls systems, integrated electronic security systems (including monitoring), and integrated fire detection and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, retail, small business, institutional and governmental customers in North America. Building Solutions North America also provides energy efficiency solutions and technical services, including inspection, scheduled maintenance, and repair and replacement of mechanical and control systems, to non-residential building and industrial applications in the North American marketplace.
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Building Solutions EMEA/LA designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC, controls, refrigeration, integrated electronic security, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, and provides technical services to markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
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Building Solutions Asia Pacific designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC, controls, refrigeration, integrated electronic security, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, and provides technical services to the Asia Pacific marketplace.
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Global Products designs and produces heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial applications, and markets products and refrigeration systems to replacement and new construction market customers globally. The Global Products business also designs, manufactures and sells fire protection and security products, including intrusion security,
anti-theft devices, and access control and video management systems, for commercial, industrial, retail, residential, small business, institutional and governmental customers worldwide. Global Products also includes the Johnson Controls-Hitachi joint venture.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company determined that the Power Solutions business met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, which required retrospective application to financial information for all periods presented. Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.
On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The new standard requires the mark-to-market of marketable securities investments previously recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income on the statement of financial position be recorded in the statement of income on a prospective basis beginning as of the adoption date. As these restricted investments do not relate to the underlying operating performance of its business, the Company’s definition of segment earnings excludes the mark-to-market adjustments beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
Management evaluates the performance of its business segments primarily on segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA"), which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.
Financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is as follows (in millions):
(1)
Building Solutions North America segment EBITA for the year ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 excludes $20 million and $59 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs.
(2)
Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment EBITA for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 excludes $56 million and $74 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs. For the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, EMEA/LA segment EBITA includes $12 million, $1 million and $5 million, respectively, of equity income.
(3)
Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment EBITA for the year ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 excludes $16 million and $16 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs. For the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Asia Pacific segment EBITA includes $1 million, $1 million and $1 million, respectively, of equity income.
(4)
Global Products segment EBITA for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 excludes $235 million, $113 million and $32 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs. For the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Global Products segment EBITA includes $179 million, $175 million and $151 million, respectively, of equity income.
(5)
Corporate expenses for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 excludes $50 million and $166 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs.
(6)
Current year and prior year amounts exclude assets held for sale. Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's disposal groups classified as held for sale.
(7)
Buildings Solutions North America assets as of September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 include $8 million, $8 million and $8 million, respectively, of investments in partially-owned affiliates.
(8)
Building Solutions EMEA/LA assets as of September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 include $109 million, $99 million and $107 million, respectively, of investments in partially-owned affiliates.
(9)
Building Solutions Asia Pacific assets as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 include $6 million and $1 million, respectively, of investments in partially-owned affiliates.
(10)
Global Products assets as of September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 include $730 million, $740 million and $629 million, respectively, of investments in partially-owned affiliates.
In fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 no customer exceeded 10% of consolidated net sales.
Geographic Segments
Financial information relating to the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows (in millions):
Net sales attributed to geographic locations are based on the location of the assets producing the sales. Long-lived assets by geographic location consist of net property, plant and equipment.
20. NONCONSOLIDATED PARTIALLY-OWNED AFFILIATES
Investments in the net assets of nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates are stated in the "Investments in partially-owned affiliates" line in the consolidated statements of financial position as of September 30, 2019 and 2018. Equity in the net income of nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates is stated in the "Equity income" line in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
The following table presents summarized financial data for the Company’s nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates. The amounts included in the table below represent 100% of the results of continuing operations of such nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates accounted for under the equity method.
Summarized balance sheet data as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (in millions):
Summarized income statement data for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 is as follows (in millions):
21. GUARANTEES
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries at the business segment level have guaranteed the performance of third-parties and provided financial guarantees for uncompleted work and financial commitments. The terms of these guarantees vary with end dates ranging from the current fiscal year through the completion of such transactions and would typically be triggered in the event of nonperformance. Performance under the guarantees, if required, would not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company offers warranties to its customers depending upon the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that the Company replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. The Company records an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates and other known factors. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the Company’s warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The Company monitors its warranty activity and adjusts its reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates.
The Company’s product warranty liability for continuing operations is recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position in deferred revenue or other current liabilities if the warranty is less than one year and in other noncurrent liabilities if the warranty extends longer than one year.
The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s total product warranty liability for continuing operations, including extended warranties for which deferred revenue is recorded, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in millions):
As a result of the Tyco merger in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded, as part of the acquired liabilities of Tyco, $290 million of post sale contingent tax indemnification liabilities. The liabilities are recorded at fair value and relate to certain tax related matters borne by the buyer of previously divested subsidiaries of Tyco which Tyco has indemnified certain parties and the amounts are probable of being paid. At September 30, 2018, the Company recorded liabilities of $255 million, of which $235 million was related to prior divested businesses and the remainder relates to Tyco’s tax sharing agreements from its 2007 and 2012 spin-off transactions. These are certain guarantees or indemnifications extended among Tyco, Medtronic, TE Connectivity, ADT and Pentair in accordance with the terms of the 2007 and 2012 separation and tax sharing agreements. In fiscal 2019, the majority of tax indemnification liabilities were resolved including a $226 million release as a result of changes to the likelihood of payments due to the expiration of certain statute of limitations.
22. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental Matters
The Company accrues for potential environmental liabilities when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. As of September 30, 2019, reserves for environmental liabilities for continuing operations totaled $159 million, of which $52 million was recorded within other current liabilities and $107 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Reserves for environmental liabilities for continuing operations totaled $37 million at September 30, 2018, of which $10 million was recorded within other current liabilities and $27 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.
Tyco Fire Products L.P. (“Tyco Fire Products”), in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ("WDNR"), has been conducting an environmental assessment of its Fire Technology Center ("FTC") located in Marinette, Wisconsin and surrounding areas in the City of Marinette and Town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. In connection with the assessment, perfluorooctane sulfonate ("PFOS") and perfluorooctanoic acid ("PFOA") and/or other per- and poly fluorinated substances ("PFAS") have been detected at the FTC and in groundwater and surface water outside of the boundaries of the FTC. Tyco Fire Products continues to investigate the extent of potential migration of these compounds and is working closely with WDNR to address these issues insofar as they related to this migration.
During the third quarter of 2019, the Company increased its environmental reserves which included $140 million related to remediation efforts to be undertaken to address contamination relating to fire-fighting foams containing PFAS compounds at or near the FTC, as well as the continued remediation of arsenic and other contaminants at the Tyco Fire Products Stanton Street manufacturing facility also located in Marinette, Wisconsin (the “Stanton Street Facility”). The Company is not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in excess of the established accruals at this time.
A substantial portion of the increased reserves relates to remediation resulting from the use of fire-fighting foams containing PFAS at the FTC. The use of fire-fighting foams at the FTC was primarily for training and testing purposes in order to ensure that such products sold by the Company’s affiliates, Chemguard, Inc. ("Chemguard") and Tyco Fire Products, were effective at suppressing high intensity fires that may occur at military installations, airports or elsewhere. The reserve was recorded in the quarter ended June 30, 2019 following a comprehensive review by independent environmental consultants related to the presence of PFAS at or near the FTC, as well as remediation discussions with the WDNR.
On June 21, 2019, the WDNR announced that it had received from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (“WDHS”) a recommendation for groundwater quality standards as to, among other compounds, PFOA and PFOS. The WDHS recommended a groundwater enforcement standard for PFOA and PFOS of 20 parts per trillion. On August 22, 2019, the Governor of Wisconsin issued an executive order that, among other things, directed the WDNR to create a PFAS Coordinating Council and to work with other Wisconsin agencies (including WDHS) to establish final groundwater quality standards based on the WDHS’s prior recommendation.
In July 2019, the Company received a letter from the WDNR directing the expansion of the evaluation of PFAS in the Marinette region to include (1) biosolids sludge produced by the City of Marinette Waste Water Treatment Plant and spread on certain fields in the area and (2) the Menominee and Peshtigo Rivers. Tyco Fire Products voluntarily responded to the WDNR’s letter to request additional necessary information. On October 16, 2019, the WDNR issued a “Notice of Noncompliance” to Tyco Fire Products and Johnson Controls, Inc. regarding the WDNR’s July 3, 2019 letter. The letter stated that “if you fail to take the actions required by Wis. Stat. § 292.11 to address this contamination, the DNR will move forward under Wis. Stat. § 292.31 to implement the SI workplan and evaluate further environmental enforcement actions and cost recovery under Wis. Stat. § 292.31(8).” The WDNR issued a further letter regarding the issue on November 4, 2019. Tyco Fire Products and Johnson Controls, Inc. believe that they have complied with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The Company cannot predict what regulatory or enforcement actions, if any, might result from the WDNR’s actions, or the consequences of any such actions.
Tyco Fire Products has been engaged in remediation activities at the Stanton Street Facility since 1990. Its corporate predecessor, Ansul Incorporated (“Ansul”) manufactured arsenic-based agricultural herbicides at the Stanton Street Facility, which resulted in significant arsenic contamination of soil and groundwater on the site and in parts of the adjoining Menominee River. In 2009, Ansul entered into an Administrative Consent Order (the "Consent Order") with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address the presence of arsenic at the site. Under this agreement, Tyco Fire Products’ principal obligations are to contain the arsenic contamination on the site, pump and treat on-site groundwater, dredge, treat and properly dispose of contaminated sediments in the adjoining river areas, and monitor contamination levels on an ongoing basis. Activities completed under the Consent Order since 2009 include the installation of a subsurface barrier wall around the facility to contain contaminated groundwater, the installation of a groundwater extraction and treatment system and the dredging and offsite disposal of treated river sediment. The increase in the reserve related to the Stanton Street Facility was recorded following a further review of the Consent Order, which resulted in the identification of several structural upgrades needed to preserve the effectiveness of prior remediation efforts.
Potential environmental liabilities accrued by the Company do not take into consideration possible recoveries of future insurance proceeds. They do, however, take into account the likely share other parties will bear at remediation sites. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of additional environmental studies or other factors could change the Company's expectations with respect to future charges and cash outlays, and such changes could be material to the Company's future results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in addition to the amounts accrued will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company has identified asset retirement obligations for environmental matters that are expected to be addressed at the retirement, disposal, removal or abandonment of existing owned facilities. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded conditional asset retirement obligations for continuing operations of $30 million and $29 million, respectively.
Asbestos Matters
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases have typically involved product liability claims based primarily on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos containing components.
As of September 30, 2019, the Company's estimated asbestos related net liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Company's consolidated statements of financial position was $141 million. The net liability within the consolidated statements of financial position was comprised of a liability for pending and future claims and related defense costs of $507 million, of which $50 million was recorded in other current liabilities and $457 million was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. The Company also maintained separate cash, investments and receivables related to insurance recoveries within the consolidated statements of financial position of $366 million, of which $46 million was recorded in other current assets and $320 million was recorded in other noncurrent assets. Assets included $16 million of cash and $273 million of investments, which have all been designated as
restricted. In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable; the amount of such recoveries recorded at September 30, 2019 was $77 million. As of September 30, 2018, the Company's estimated asbestos related net liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Company's consolidated statements of financial position was $173 million. The net liability within the consolidated statements of financial position was comprised of a liability for pending and future claims and related defense costs of $550 million, of which $55 million was recorded in other current liabilities and $495 million was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. The Company also maintained separate cash, investments and receivables related to insurance recoveries within the consolidated statements of financial position of $377 million, of which $33 million was recorded in other current assets and $344 million was recorded in other noncurrent assets. Assets included $6 million of cash and $281 million of investments, which have all been designated as restricted. In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable; the amount of such recoveries recorded at September 30, 2018 was $90 million.
The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Asbestos related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. At least annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.
The amounts recorded by the Company for asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets are based on the Company's strategies for resolving its asbestos claims, currently available information, and a number of estimates and assumptions. Key variables and assumptions include the number and type of new claims that are filed each year, the average cost of resolution of claims, the identity of defendants, the resolution of coverage issues with insurance carriers, amount of insurance, and the solvency risk with respect to the Company's insurance carriers. Many of these factors are closely linked, such that a change in one variable or assumption will impact one or more of the others, and no single variable or assumption predominately influences the determination of the Company's asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets. Furthermore, predictions with respect to these variables are subject to greater uncertainty in the later portion of the projection period. Other factors that may affect the Company's liability and cash payments for asbestos-related matters include uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, reforms of state or federal tort legislation and the applicability of insurance policies among subsidiaries. As a result, actual liabilities or insurance recoveries could be significantly higher or lower than those recorded if assumptions used in the Company's calculations vary significantly from actual results.
Insurable Liabilities
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, the insurable liabilities totaled $379 million and $417 million, respectively, of which $99 million and $95 million was recorded within other current liabilities, $22 million and $22 million was recorded within accrued compensation and benefits, and $258 million and $300 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position, respectively. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The amount of such receivables recorded at September 30, 2019 was $23 million, of which $5 million was recorded within other current assets and $18 million was recorded within other noncurrent assets. The amount of such receivables recorded at September 30, 2018 was $26 million, of which $6 million was recorded within other current assets and $20 million was recorded within other noncurrent assets, respectively. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam ("AFFF") Litigation
Two of our subsidiaries, Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products, have been named, along with other defendant manufacturers, in a number of class action and other lawsuits relating to the use of fire-fighting foam products by the U.S. Department of Defense (the "DOD") and others for fire suppression purposes and related training exercises. Plaintiffs generally allege that the firefighting foam products manufactured by defendants contain or break down into the chemicals PFOS and PFOA and/or other PFAS
compounds and that the use of these products by others at various airbases, airports and other sites resulted in the release of these chemicals into the environment and ultimately into communities’ drinking water supplies neighboring those airports, airbases and other sites. PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS compounds are being studied by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and other environmental and health agencies and researchers. The EPA has not issued binding regulatory limits, but has stated that it will propose regulatory standards for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water by the end of 2019, in accordance with its PFAS Action Plan released in February 2019. While those studies continue, the EPA has issued a health advisory level for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Both PFOA and PFOS are types of synthetic chemical compounds that have been present in firefighting foam. However, both are also present in many existing consumer products. According to EPA, PFOA and PFOS have been used to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food and other materials (e.g., cookware) that are resistant to water, grease or stains.
Plaintiffs generally seek compensatory damages, including damages for alleged personal injuries, medical monitoring, diminution in property values, investigation and remediation costs, and natural resources damages, and also seek punitive damages and injunctive relief to address remediation of the alleged contamination.
In September 2018, the Company filed a Petition for Multidistrict Litigation with the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) seeking to consolidate all existing and future federal cases into one jurisdiction. On December 7, 2018, the JPML issued an order transferring various AFFF cases to a multi-district litigation (“MDL”) before the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Additional cases have been identified for transfer to the MDL.
AFFF Putative Class Actions
Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products are named in 24 putative class actions in federal and state courts in Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington New Hampshire, Guam, and Michigan. Each of these cases has been transferred to the MDL. The following putative class actions were filed since the beginning of fiscal year 2019:
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Grubb v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 30, 2018 in the United States District Court, District of Delaware.
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County of Dutchess v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 12, 2018 in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
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Battisti et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed December 20, 2018 in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida.
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Jackson et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed February 5, 2019 in the United States District Court, Western District of Washington.
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Smith et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed May 24, 2019 in the United States District Court, District of New Hampshire.
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Cadrette et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed May 24, 2019 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan.
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Aguon et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 3, 2019, in the United States District Court, District of Guam.
AFFF Individual or Mass Actions
There are approximately 61 individual or “mass” actions pending in federal court in Colorado (41 cases), New York (4 cases), Pennsylvania (11 cases), New Mexico (2 cases) and South Carolina (3 cases) against Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products and other defendants in which the plaintiffs generally seek compensatory damages, including damages for alleged personal injuries, medical monitoring, and alleged diminution in property values. The cases involve approximately 7,000 plaintiffs in Colorado, approximately 126 plaintiffs in New York, 15 plaintiffs in Pennsylvania, two plaintiffs in New Mexico, one plaintiff in New Hampshire, and two plaintiffs in Louisiana. These matters have been transferred to or directly-filed in the MDL. The Company is also on notice of approximately 660 other possible individual product liability claims by filings made in Pennsylvania state court, but complaints have not been filed in those matters, but the Company anticipates that they soon will be.
AFFF Municipal Cases
Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products are also defendants in 31 cases in federal and state courts involving municipal or water provider plaintiffs in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. These municipal plaintiffs generally allege that the use of the defendants’ fire-fighting foam products at fire training academies, municipal airports, Air National Guard bases, or Navy bases released PFOS and PFOA into public water supply wells, allegedly requiring remediation of public property. All of these cases have been transferred to the MDL. The following municipal actions were filed since the beginning of fiscal year 2019:
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Dutchess County v. The 3M Company et al. filed October 12, 2018 (removed to the United States District Court, Southern District of New York) and styled as a class action.
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City of Dayton v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 3, 2018 in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio.
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City of Stuart v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 18, 2018 in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida.
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City of Tucson and Town of Marana v. The 3M Company et al., filed November 8, 2018 in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, County of Pima (removed to the United States District Court for the District of Arizona).
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New Jersey-American Water Company, Inc. v. The 3M Company et al., filed November 8, 2018 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
•
Village of Farmingdale v. The 3M Company et al., filed December 19, 2018 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau (removed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York).
•
Town of East Hampton v. The 3M Company et al., filed December 28, 2018 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk.
•
Ridgewood Water v. The 3M Company et al., filed February 25, 2019, in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Bergen County (removed to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey).
•
Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority v. The 3M Company et al., filed April 10, 2019 in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey.
•
Town of Vienna v. The 3M Company et al., filed March 30, 2019 in the United States District Court, District of Maryland.
•
New York American Water Company, Inc. v. The 3M Company et al., filed April 11, 2019 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York.
•
City of Fairbanks v. The 3M Company et al., filed April 26, 2019 in the United States District Court, District of Alaska.
•
County of Westchester v. The 3M Company et al., filed May 24, 2019 in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
•
Diane Hebrank et al. v. City of Newburgh v. The 3M Company et al., third-party complaint filed June 10, 2019, in the Supreme Court of New York, Orange County.
•
California-American Water v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on June 21, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
City of Sioux Falls v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on June 26, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on June 28, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
Warminster Township Municipal Authority v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on August 30, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
Warrington Township v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on August 30, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
Horsham Water and Sewer Authority v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on August 30, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
Security Water District and Pike Peak Community Foundation v. United States et al., filed on March 5, 2019, in the United States District Court, District of Colorado.
•
Bakman Water Co. v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on September 30, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
California Water Service Co. v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on October 14, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
•
Town of Ayer v. The 3M Company et al., direct-filed on November 4, 2019 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
In May 2018, the Company was also notified by the Widefield Water and Sanitation District in Colorado Springs, Colorado that it may assert claims regarding its remediation costs in connection with PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of those products at the Peterson Air Force Base.
State Attorneys General Litigation related to AFFF
In June 2018, the State of New York filed a lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al., No. 904029-18 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)) against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at locations across New York, including Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh and Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Southampton, Plattsburgh Air Force Base in Plattsburgh, Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, and unspecified “other” sites throughout the State. The lawsuit seeks to recover costs and natural resource damages associated with contamination at these sites. This suit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and transferred to the MDL.
In February 2019, the State of New York filed a second lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al., (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)), against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at additional locations across New York. This suit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and transferred to the MDL. In July 2019, the State of New York filed a third lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al., (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)), against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at further additional locations across New York. This suit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and transferred to the MDL. In November 2019, the State of New York filed a fourth lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al., (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)), against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at further additional locations across New York. This suit has not been served yet.
In January 2019, the State of Ohio filed a lawsuit in Ohio state court (State of Ohio v. The 3M Company et al., No. G-4801-CI-021804752-000 (Court of Common Pleas of Lucas County, Ohio)) against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various specified and unspecified locations across Ohio. The lawsuit seeks to recover costs and natural resource damages associated with the contamination. This lawsuit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and transferred to the MDL.
In addition, in May and June 2019, three other states filed lawsuits in their respective state courts against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various specified and unspecified locations across their jurisdictions (State of New Hampshire v. The 3M Company et al.; State of Vermont v. The 3M Company et al.; State of New Jersey v. The 3M Company et al.). All three of these suits have been removed to federal court and transferred to the MDL.
In September 2019, the government of Guam filed a lawsuit in the superior court of Guam against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to PFOS and POA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various locations within its jurisdiction. This complaint has been removed to federal court and transferred to the MDL.
AFFF Matters Related to the Tyco Fire Products Fire Technology Center in Marinette, Wisconsin
Tyco Fire Products and Chemguard are defendants in one lawsuit in Marinette County, Wisconsin alleging damages due to the historical use of AFFF products at Tyco’s Fire Technology Center in Marinette, Wisconsin. The putative class action, Joan & Richard Campbell for themselves and on behalf of other similarly situated v. Tyco Fire Products LP and Chemguard Inc., et al. (Marinette County Circuit Court, filed Dec. 17, 2018) alleges PFAS (including PFOA/PFOS) contaminated groundwater migrated off Tyco’s property and into residential drinking water wells causing both personal injuries and property damage to the plaintiffs; Tyco and Chemguard removed this case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and it has been transferred to the MDL. A second lawsuit, Duane and Janell Goldsmith individually and on behalf of H.G. and K.G v. Tyco Fire Products LP and Chemguard Inc., et al. (Marinette County Circuit Court, filed Dec. 17, 2018) was also filed by a family alleging personal injuries due to contaminated groundwater; this case has been dismissed without prejudice.
The Company is vigorously defending the above AFFF matters and believes that it has meritorious defenses to class certification and the claims asserted. However, there are numerous factual and legal issues to be resolved in connection with these claims, and it is extremely difficult to predict the outcome or ultimate financial exposure, if any, represented by these matters, but there can be no assurance that any such exposure will not be material. The Company is also pursuing insurance coverage for these matters.
Bosch Litigation
On March 15, 2019, a German subsidiary of the Company received a complaint from Robert Bosch GmbH (“Bosch”), filed in a German court. The complaint relates to an automotive starter batteries joint venture in which the Company and Bosch were 80/20 parties to this joint venture. At the time the complaint was filed, JCI’s ownership interest in the joint venture was to be transferred to entities controlled by the Purchaser upon consummation of the previously announced sale of the Company’s Power Solutions business.
The complaint alleges that certain internal Company reorganization transactions were not in compliance with the arrangements relating to such joint venture. The complaint seeks a declaration that such internal reorganization transactions are void. In the alternative, the complaint seeks a declaration of damages that represent an alleged difference between (i) the value ascribed to the joint venture interests in connection with the Power Solutions sale and (ii) the value that was assigned to those interests in connection with such internal reorganization transactions. The Company believes that it has several strong defenses to the substance of the complaint and that the complaint substantially overstates any reasonable valuation of the joint venture interests. The Company does not believe the complaint has merit, and intends to defend it vigorously. While litigation is inherently uncertain, the Company believes that any ultimate liability that may arise from this proceeding would be immaterial to its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Under the previously announced Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement dated November 13, 2018 between the Company and the Purchaser, the Company has agreed to indemnify the Purchaser for any damages that could arise from this litigation. The German court litigation is currently stayed as the parties continue to work towards a resolution of the matter.
Other Matters
The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of its businesses, including those pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and health, intellectual property, employment, commercial and contractual matters, and various other casualty matters. Although the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to us, it is management’s opinion that none of these will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Costs related to such matters were not material to the periods presented.
23. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties, such as equity affiliates. Such transactions consist of facility management services, the sale or purchase of goods and other arrangements.
The net sales to and purchases from related parties included in the consolidated statements of income were $217 million and $66 million, respectively, for fiscal 2019; $220 million and $63 million, respectively, for fiscal 2018; and $226 million and $61 million, respectively, for fiscal 2017.
The following table sets forth the amount of accounts receivable due from and payable to related parties in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In millions)
ITEM 9
ITEM 9
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A
ITEM 9A
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluations, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, and that information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management has concluded that, as of September 30, 2019, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019 as stated in its report which is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B
ITEM 9B
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
In response to Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, parts of the Company’s definitive proxy statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after Registrant’s fiscal year-end of September 30, 2019) for its annual meeting to be held on March 4, 2020, are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.
ITEM 10
ITEM 10
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information relating to directors and nominees of Johnson Controls is set forth under the caption “Proposal Number One” in Johnson Controls’ proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on March 4, 2020 (the “Johnson Controls Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated by reference herein. Information about executive officers is included in Part I, Item 4 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information required by Items 405, 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Governance of the Company - Nomination of Directors and Board Diversity,” “Governance of the Company - Board Committees”, and “Committees of the Board - Audit Committee” of the Johnson Controls Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated by reference herein.
Code of Ethics
Johnson Controls has adopted a code of ethics for directors, officers (including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) and employees, known as the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is available in the “Investors - Corporate Governance” section of its website at www.johnsoncontrols.com. The Company posts any amendments to or waivers of its Code of Ethics (to the extent applicable to the Company’s directors or executive officers) at the same location on the Company’s website. In addition, copies of the Code of Ethics may be obtained in print without charge upon written request by any stockholder to the office of the Company at One Albert Quay, Cork, Ireland.
ITEM 11
ITEM 11
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” (excluding the information under the caption “Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation”), “Executive Compensation Tables” and “Compensation of Non-Employee Directors” of the Johnson Controls Proxy Statement. Such information is incorporated by reference.
The information required by Items 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K is contained under the captions “Committees of the Board - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Discussion & Analysis - Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation” of the Johnson Controls Proxy Statement. Such information (other than the Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation, which shall not be deemed to be “filed”) is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12
ITEM 12
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information in the Johnson Controls Proxy Statement set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" is incorporated herein by reference.
The following table provides information about the Company's equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2019:
ITEM 13
ITEM 13
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information in the Johnson Controls Proxy Statement set forth under the captions “Committees of the Board,” “Governance of the Company - Director Independence,” and “Governance of the Company - Other Directorships, Conflicts and Related Party Transactions,” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14
ITEM 14
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information in the Johnson Controls Proxy Statement set forth under “Proposal Number Two” related to the appointment of auditors is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15
ITEM 15
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
Financial statements of 50% or less-owned companies have been omitted because the proportionate share of their profit before income taxes and total assets are individually less than 20% of the respective consolidated amounts, and investments in such companies are less than 20% of consolidated total assets. Refer to Note 20, "Non-Consolidated Partially-Owned Affiliates" of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the summarized financial data for the Company’s nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates.
ITEM 16
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below as of November 21, 2019, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:
/s/ George R. Oliver
George R. Oliver
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Brian J. Stief
Brian J. Stief
Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Robert M. VanHimbergen
Robert M. VanHimbergen
Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Jean Blackwell
Jean Blackwell
Director
/s/ Pierre Cohade
Pierre Cohade
Director
/s/ Mike Daniels
Mike Daniels
Director
/s/ Juan Pablo del Valle Perochena
Juan Pablo del Valle Perochena
Director
/s/ Roy Dunbar
Roy Dunbar
Director
/s/ Gretchen R. Haggerty
Gretchen R. Haggerty
Director
/s/ Simone Menne
Simone Menne
Director
/s/ Jürgen Tinggren
Jürgen Tinggren
Director
/s/ Mark P. Vergnano
Mark P. Vergnano
Director
/s/ David Yost
David Yost
Director
/s/ John D. Young
John D. Young
Director
Johnson Controls International plc
Index to Exhibits
(a) (1) and (2) Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - See Item 8
(b) Exhibit Index:
Johnson Controls International plc
Index to Exhibits
Johnson Controls International plc
Index to Exhibits
Johnson Controls International plc
Index to Exhibits
Johnson Controls International plc
Index to Exhibits