Fortune Brands Home & Security Earnings 2018-12-31

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

Commission file number 1-35166

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

		Delaware		62-1411546
		(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

520 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015-5611

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)    (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 484-4400

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share		New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes    ☒        No    ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes    ☐        No    ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes    ☒        No    ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes    ☒        No    ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.        ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer      ☒      Accelerated filer      ☐       Non-accelerated filer      ☐      Smaller reporting company      ☐      Emerging growth company      ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.      ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes    ☐        No    ☒

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2018 (the last day of the registrant’s most recent second quarter) was $7,606,348,311. The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at February 1, 2019, was 140,549,295.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information contained in the registrant’s proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2019 (to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year) (the “2019 Proxy Statement”) is incorporated by reference into Part III  hereof.

Form 10-K Table of Contents

 

				Page
PART I
Item 1.		Business.			1
Item 1A.		Risk Factors.			6
Item 1B.		Unresolved Staff Comments.			12
Item 2.		Properties.			12
Item 3.		Legal Proceedings.			12
Item 4.		Mine Safety Disclosures.			13
Executive Officers of the Registrant.					13
PART II
Item 5.		Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.			15
Item 6.		Selected Financial Data.			17
Item 7.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.			18
		Results of Operations			21
		2018 Compared to 2017			22
		2017 Compared to 2016			26
		Liquidity and Capital Resources			28
		Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates			32
Item 7A.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.			38
Item 8.		Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.			40
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements			45
Item 9.		Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.			86
Item 9A.		Controls and Procedures.			86
Item 9B.		Other Information.			87
PART III
Item 10.		Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.			88
Item 11.		Executive Compensation.			88
Item 12.		Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.			88
Item 13.		Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.			88
Item 14.		Principal Accountant Fees and Services.			88
PART IV
Item 15.		Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules			89
Item 16.		Form 10-K Summary			93
Signatures					94
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts					95

PART I

Item 1. Business.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), regarding expected capital spending, expected pension contributions, the anticipated effects of recently issued accounting standards on our financial statements, planned business strategies, market potential, future financial performance and other matters. Statements that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations at the time this report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or, with respect to any documents incorporated by reference, available at the time such document was prepared or filed with the SEC. Although we believe that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those indicated in such statements. These factors include those listed in the section below entitled “Risk Factors.” Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or changes to future results over time or otherwise.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “Fortune Brands,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Our Company

We are a leading home and security products company that competes in attractive long-term growth markets in our product categories. With a foundation of market-leading brands across a diversified mix of channels, and lean and flexible supply chains, as well as a tradition of strong product innovation and customer service, we are focused on outperforming our markets in both growth and returns, and driving increased shareholder value. We have three business segments: Cabinets, Plumbing, and Doors & Security. We sell our products through a wide array of sales channels, including kitchen and bath dealers, wholesalers oriented toward builders or professional remodelers, industrial and locksmith distributors, “do-it-yourself” remodeling-oriented home centers and other retail outlets. We believe the Company’s impressive track record reflects the long-term attractiveness and potential of our categories and our leading brands. Despite increased pressures driven in part by tariffs, higher interest rates and inflation, our performance demonstrates the strength of our operating model and our ability to generate profitable growth as sales volume increases and we leverage our structural competitive advantages to gain share in our categories.

Our Strategy

Build on leading business and brand positions in attractive growth and return categories.    We believe that we have leading market positions and brands in many of our product categories. In 2018, we expanded into the outdoor living market by acquiring Fiber Composites LLC (“Fiberon”), a leading U.S. manufacturer of outdoor performance materials used in decking, railing and fencing products. The acquisition of Fiberon provides category expansion and product extension opportunities into the outdoor living space for our Doors & Security segment. We continue to invest in targeted advertising and other strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing brand awareness and educating

 

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consumers regarding the breadth, features and benefits of our product lines. For example, in the third quarter of 2018, Moen launched its new “Who designs for water” advertising and brand campaign showcasing its appreciation for Earth’s most crucial resource, while inspiring consumers to look at water from a renewed viewpoint. We also strive to leverage our brands by expanding into adjacent product categories and continue to develop new programs by working closely with our customers.

Continue to develop innovative products for customers, designers, installers and consumers.    Sustained investments in consumer-driven product innovation and customer service, along with our low cost structures, have contributed to our success in the marketplace and creating consumer demand. In 2018, our Global Plumbing Group developed partnerships and investments in the “whole home” water space, including partnering with Flo Technologies. In 2018, MasterBrand Cabinets, which provides a wide range of cabinets for the home, launched innovative new cabinet door designs, lighting systems, color palettes and features in a range of styles that allows consumers to create a custom kitchen look at an affordable price and introduced new, exclusive laminate door and finish options across multiple price segments. We continue to provide channel support with responsive websites featuring our cabinet brands that drives consumers to our partner dealers. The Therma-Tru portfolio of on-trend door and glass collections continued to evolve to meet current and emerging architectural design trends including wider and taller door styles, expanding panel configurations, as well as additional decorative, privacy and textured glass designs. Master Lock continued to be an innovation leader in security and safety products and services, driven by consumer and end user focused insights with continued emphasis on electronic enabled solutions for enhanced capability and convenience. In 2018, we launched our Vault Enterprise software and suite of Bluetooth^® enabled hardware for business, providing a convenient way for companies to control access, manage assets and improve accountability across many users simultaneously. SentrySafe continued to provide a full line portfolio of quality security, fire and water resistant safes to help consumers and small business owners protect documents and valuables.

Expand in international markets.    We expect to have opportunities to expand sales by further penetrating international markets, which represented approximately 16% of net sales in 2018. We continue to develop our relationship with dealers and distributors and their Moen-branded stores throughout China. In our Cabinets segment, Kitchen Craft remained a leading cabinetry brand in Canada, while WoodCrafters provided a company presence in Mexico. Within our Doors & Security segment, Master Lock continued to expand its presence in Europe and Asia, while Therma-Tru made inroads in Canada as consumers transitioned from traditional entry door materials to more advanced and energy-efficient fiberglass doors.

Leverage our global supply chains.    We are using lean manufacturing, design-to-manufacture and distributive assembly techniques to make our supply chains more flexible and improve supply chain quality, cost, response times and asset efficiency. We view our global supply chains and manufacturing presence as a strategic asset not only to support strong operating leverage as volumes increase, but also to enable the profitable growth of new products, adjacent market expansion and international growth.

Enhance returns and deploy our cash flow to high-return opportunities.    We continue to believe our most attractive opportunities are to invest in profitable organic growth initiatives, pursue accretive strategic acquisitions, non-controlling equity investments, and joint ventures, and return cash to stockholders through a combination of dividends and repurchases of shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program. In 2018, we repurchased approximately 12 million shares of our outstanding common stock under the Company’s share repurchase programs for $695 million. In September 2018, we acquired Fiberon providing category expansion and product extension opportunities into the outdoor living space for our Doors & Security segment.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe our competitive strengths include the following:

Leading brands.    We have leading brands in many of our product categories. We believe that established brands are meaningful to both consumers and trade customers in their respective categories

 

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and that we have the opportunity to, among other things, continue to expand many of our brands into adjacent product categories and international markets.

Strategic focus on attractive consumer-facing categories.    We believe we operate in categories that, while very competitive, are among the more attractive categories in the home products and security products markets. Some of the key characteristics that make these categories attractive in our view include the following:

 

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product quality, innovation, fashion, finish, durability and functionality, which are key determinants of product selection in addition to price;

 

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established brands, which are meaningful to both consumers and trade customers;

 

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the opportunity to add value to a complex consumer purchasing decision with excellent service propositions, reliability of products, ease of installation and superior delivery lead times;

 

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the value our products add to a home, particularly with kitchen and bath remodeling and additions, the curb appeal offered by stylish entry door systems and the expanding outdoor living market offered through our decking products;

 

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favorable long-term trends in household formations that benefit the outlook for our markets over time;

 

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the relatively stable demand for plumbing and security products; and

 

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the opportunity to expand into adjacent categories.

Operational excellence.    In 2018, we invested approximately $45 million to support long-term growth potential both in the U.S. and international markets. In addition, our supply chains and low cost manufacturing structures allow us to adapt to challenging market conditions. We believe that margin improvement will continue to be driven predominantly by organic volume growth that can be readily accommodated by current production capacity.

Commitment to innovation.    We have a long track record of successful product and process innovations that introduce valued new products and services to our customers and consumers. We are committed to continuing to invest in new product development and enhance customer service to strengthen our leading brands and penetrate adjacent markets.

Diverse sales end-use mix.    We sell in a variety of product categories and sales channels in the U.S. home and security products markets. In addition, our exposure to changing levels of U.S. residential new home construction activity is balanced with repair-and-remodel activity, which comprised a substantial majority of the overall U.S. home products market and about two-thirds of our U.S. home products sales in 2018. We also benefit from a stable market for plumbing and security products and international sales growth opportunities.

Diverse sales channels.    We sell through a wide array of sales channels, including kitchen and bath dealers, wholesalers oriented to builders or professional remodelers, industrial and locksmith distributors, “do-it-yourself” remodeling-oriented home centers and other retail outlets. We also sell security products to locksmiths, industrial distributors and mass merchants. We are able to leverage these existing sales channels to expand into adjacent product categories. In 2018, sales to our top ten customers represented less than half of total sales.

Decentralized business model.    Our business segments are focused on distinct product categories and are responsible for their own performance. This structure enables each of our segments to independently best position itself within each category in which it competes and reinforces strong accountability for operational and financial performance. Each of our segments focuses on its unique set of consumers, customers, competitors and suppliers, while also sharing best practices.

 

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Strong capital structure.    We exited 2018 with a strong balance sheet. In 2018, we repurchased 12.0 million of our shares. As of December 31, 2018, we had $262.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and total debt was $2,334.0 million, resulting in a net debt position of $2,071.1 million. In addition, we had $930.0 million available under our credit facility as of December 31, 2018.

Business Segments

In July 2018, we publicly announced an internal reorganization to combine our Doors and Security segments under common leadership to drive innovation, accelerate product development, and enhance investments and business processes for the combined segment. In conjunction with the reorganization, we changed how our chief operating decision maker evaluates and allocates the resources across our businesses. As a result, beginning in the third quarter of 2018, we have three business segments: Cabinets, Plumbing and Doors & Security. The following table shows net sales for each of these segments and key brands within each segment:

 

Segment		2018 Net Sales (in millions)				Percentage of Total 2018 Net Sales				Key Brands
Cabinets		$	2,418.6				44	%		Diamond, Aristokraft, Mid-Continent, Kitchen Craft, Homecrest, Omega, Ultracraft, StarMark, Schrock, Decora, Kemper
Plumbing			1,883.3				34	%		Moen, ROHL, Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert, Shaws
Doors & Security			1,183.2				22	%		Master Lock, American Lock, SentrySafe, Therma-Tru, Fypon, Fiberon
Total		$	5,485.1				100	%

Our segments compete on the basis of innovation, fashion, quality, price, service and responsiveness to distributor, retailer and installer needs, as well as end-user consumer preferences. Our markets are very competitive. Approximately 16% of 2018 net sales were to international markets, and sales to two of the Company’s customers, The Home Depot, Inc. (“The Home Depot”) and Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (“Lowe’s”), each accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s net sales in 2018. Sales to all U.S. home centers in the aggregate were approximately 26% of net sales in 2018.

Cabinets.    Our Cabinets segment manufactures custom, semi-custom and stock cabinetry, as well as vanities, for the kitchen, bath and other parts of the home through a regional supply chain footprint to deliver high quality cabinets and service to our customers. This segment sells a portfolio of brands that enables our customers to differentiate themselves against competitors. This portfolio includes brand names such as Aristokraft, Diamond, Mid-Continent, Kitchen Craft, Schrock, Homecrest, Omega, Thomasville, Kemper, StarMark and Ultracraft. Substantially all of this segment’s sales are in North America. This segment sells directly to kitchen and bath dealers, home centers, wholesalers and large builders. In aggregate, sales to The Home Depot and Lowe’s comprised approximately 36% of net sales of the Cabinets segment in 2018. This segment’s competitors include Masco and American Woodmark, as well as a large number of overseas, regional and local suppliers.

Plumbing.    Our Plumbing segment manufactures or assembles and sells faucets, accessories, kitchen sinks and waste disposals, predominantly under the Moen, ROHL, Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert and Shaws brands. Although this segment sells products principally in the U.S., China and Canada, this segment also sells in Mexico, Southeast Asia, Europe and South America. Approximately 28% of 2018 net sales were to international markets. This segment sells directly through its own sales force and indirectly through independent manufacturers’ representatives, primarily to wholesalers, home centers, mass merchandisers and industrial distributors. In aggregate, sales to The Home Depot and Lowe’s comprised approximately 23% of net sales of the Plumbing segment in 2018. This segment’s chief competitors include

 

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Masco, Kohler, Spectrum Brands, LIXIL Group, InSinkErator (owned by Emerson Electronic Company) and imported private-label brands.

Doors & Security.    Our Doors & Security segment manufactures and sells fiberglass and steel entry door systems under the Therma-Tru brand name, composite decking, railing and fencing under the Fiberon brand name, and urethane millwork under the Fypon brand name. It also manufactures, sources and distributes locks, safety and security devices, and electronic security products under the Master Lock brand and fire resistant safes, security containers and commercial cabinets under the SentrySafe brand. This segment sells products principally in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Central America, Japan and Australia. Approximately 14% of 2018 net sales were to international markets. This segment’s principal customers are home centers, hardware and other retailers, millwork building products and wholesale distributors, and specialty dealers that provide products to the residential new construction market, as well as to the remodeling and renovation markets. In addition, it sells lock systems and fire resistant safes to locksmiths, industrial and institutional users, and original equipment manufacturers. In aggregate, sales to The Home Depot and Lowe’s comprised approximately 19% of net sales of the Doors & Security segment in 2018. Therma-Tru, Fiberon and Fypon brands compete with Masonite, JELD-WEN, Trex, Azek, Plastpro, Pella and various regional and local suppliers. The Master Lock brand competes with Abus, W.H. Brady, Hampton, Spectrum Brands, Allegion, Assa Abloy and various imports. SentrySafe brands compete with Magnum, Fortress, Interlocks and Stack-On.

Annual net sales for each of the last three fiscal years for each of our business segments were as follows:

 

(In millions)		2018				2017				2016
Cabinets		$	2,418.6			$	2,467.1			$	2,397.8
Plumbing			1,883.3				1,720.8				1,534.4
Doors & Security			1,183.2				1,095.4				1,052.7
Total		$	5,485.1			$	5,283.3			$	4,984.9

For additional financial information for each of our business segments, refer to Note 19, “Information on Business Segments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Information

Raw materials.    The table below indicates the principal raw materials used by each of our segments. These materials are available from a number of sources. Volatility in the prices of commodities and energy used in making and distributing our products impacts the cost of manufacturing our products.

 

Segment		Raw Materials
Cabinets		Hardwoods (maple, cherry and oak), plywood and particleboard
Plumbing		Brass, zinc, resins, stainless steel, aluminum and copper
Doors & Security		Steel, resins, glass, wood, aluminum, insulating foam, brass and zinc

Intellectual property.    Product innovation and branding are important to the success of our business. In addition to the brand protection offered by our trademarks, patent protection helps distinguish our unique product features in the market by preventing copying and making it more difficult for competitors to benefit unfairly from our design innovation. We hold U.S. and foreign patents covering various features used in products sold within all of our business segments. Although each of our segments relies on a number of patents and patent groups that, in the aggregate, provide important protections to the Company, no single patent or patent group is material to any of the Company’s segments.

 

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Employees.    As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately 25,300 full-time employees. Approximately 3,200 of these employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Employee relations are generally good.

Seasonality.    All of our operating segments traditionally experience lower sales in the first quarter of the year when new home construction, repair-and-remodel activity and security buying are at their lowest. As a result of sales seasonality and associated timing of working capital fluctuations, our cash flow from operating activities is typically higher in the second half of the year.

Environmental matters.    We are involved in remediation activities to clean up hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Liabilities for remediation costs of each site are based on our best estimate of undiscounted future costs, excluding possible insurance recoveries or recoveries from other third parties. Uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, technology and information related to individual sites make it difficult to develop estimates of environmental remediation exposures. Some of the potential liabilities relate to sites we own, and some relate to sites we no longer own or never owned. Several of our subsidiaries have been designated as potentially responsible parties (“PRP”) under “Superfund” or similar state laws. As of December 31, 2018, ten such instances have not been dismissed, settled or otherwise resolved. In 2018, none of our subsidiaries were identified as a PRP in a new instance and no instances were settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved. In most instances where our subsidiaries are named as a PRP, we enter into cost-sharing arrangements with other PRPs. We give notice to insurance carriers of potential PRP liability, but very rarely, if ever, receive reimbursement from insurance for PRP costs. We believe that the cost of complying with the present environmental protection laws, before considering estimated recoveries either from other PRPs or insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had accruals of $0.6 and $0.7 million, respectively, relating to environmental compliance and cleanup including, but not limited to, the above mentioned Superfund sites.

Legal structure.    Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. is a holding company that was initially organized as a Delaware corporation in 1988. Wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company include MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group LLC, Fortune Brands Doors, Inc. and Fortune Brands Storage & Security LLC. As a holding company, we are a legal entity separate and distinct from our subsidiaries. Accordingly, the rights of the Company, and thus the rights of our creditors (including holders of debt securities and other obligations) and stockholders to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of any subsidiary is subject to the claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that claims of the Company itself as a creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized, in which event the Company’s claims may in certain circumstances be subordinate to certain claims of others. In addition, as a holding company, the source of our unconsolidated revenues and funds is dividends and other payments from subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are not limited by long-term debt or other agreements in their abilities to pay cash dividends or to make other distributions with respect to their capital stock or other payments to the Company.

Available Information.    The Company’s website address is www.FBHS.com. The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports are available free of charge on the Company’s website as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are filed or furnished electronically with the SEC. Reports filed with the SEC are also made available on its website at www.sec.gov. We also make available on our website, or in printed form upon request, free of charge, our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, Charters for the Committees of our Board of Directors and certain other information related to the Company.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our business that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and

 

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uncertainties that we currently believe to be material, but the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. If any of these risks materialize, our business, financial condition or operating results could suffer. In this case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Our business primarily relies on North American home improvement, repair and remodel and new home construction activity levels, all of which are impacted by risks associated with fluctuations in the housing market. Downward changes in the general economy, the housing market or other business conditions could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Our business primarily relies on home improvement, repair and remodel, and new home construction activity levels, principally in North America. The housing market is sensitive to changes in economic conditions and other factors, such as the level of employment, access to labor, consumer confidence, consumer income, government tax programs, availability of financing and interest rate levels. Adverse changes in any of these conditions generally, or in any of the markets where we operate, could decrease demand and could adversely impact our businesses by: causing consumers to delay or decrease homeownership; making consumers more price conscious resulting in a shift in demand to smaller, less expensive homes; making consumers more reluctant to make investments in their existing homes, including large kitchen and bath repair and remodel projects; or making it more difficult to secure loans for major renovations.

We operate in very competitive consumer and trade brand categories.

The markets in which we operate are very competitive. Although we believe that competition in our businesses is based largely on product quality, consumer and trade brand reputation, customer service and product features, as well as fashion trends, innovation and ease of installation, price is a significant factor for consumers as well as our trade customers. Some of our competitors may resort to price competition to sustain or grow market share and manufacturing capacity utilization. Also, certain large customers continue to offer private-label brands that compete with some of our product offerings as a lower-cost alternative. We also face increasing pressure from imported ‘flat pack’ cabinets. The strong competition that we face in all of our businesses may adversely affect our profitability and revenue levels, as well as our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Risks associated with our ability to improve organizational productivity and global supply chain efficiency and flexibility could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We regularly evaluate our organizational productivity and global supply chains and assess opportunities to increase capacity, reduce costs and enhance quality. We may be unable to enhance quality, speed and flexibility to meet changing and uncertain market conditions, as well as manage cost inflation, including wages, pension and medical costs. Our success depends in part on refining our cost structure and supply chains to promote consistently flexible and low cost supply chains that can respond to market changes to protect profitability and cash flow or ramp up quickly and effectively to meet demand. Import tariffs could potentially lead to increases in prices of raw materials or components which are critical to our business. Failure to achieve the desired level of quality, capacity or cost reductions could impair our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We may not successfully develop new products or processes or improve existing products or processes.

Our success depends on meeting consumer needs and anticipating changes in consumer preferences with successful new products and product improvements. We aim to introduce products and new or

 

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improved production processes proactively to offset obsolescence and decreases in sales of existing products. We may not be successful in product development and our new products may not be commercially successful. In addition, it is possible that competitors may improve their products or processes more rapidly or effectively, which could adversely affect our sales. Furthermore, market demand may decline as a result of consumer preferences trending away from our categories or trending down within our brands or product categories, which could adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Risks associated with global commodity and energy availability and price volatility, as well as the possibility of sustained inflation, could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We are exposed to risks associated with global commodity price volatility arising from restricted or uneven supply conditions, the sustained expansion and volatility of demand from emerging markets, potentially unstable geopolitical and economic variables, weather and other unpredictable external factors. We buy raw materials that contain commodities such as brass, zinc, steel, wood, and glass and petroleum-based products such as resins. In addition, our distribution costs are significantly impacted by the price of oil and diesel fuel. Decreased availability and increased or volatile prices for these commodities, as well as energy used in making, distributing and transporting our products, could increase the costs of our products. While in the past we have been able to mitigate the impact of these cost increases through productivity improvements and passing on increasing costs to our customers over time, there is no assurance that we will be able to offset such cost increases in the future, and the risk of potentially sustained high levels of inflation could adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. While we may use derivative contracts to limit our short-term exposure to commodity price volatility, the commodity exposures under these contracts could still be material to our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, in periods of declining commodity prices, these derivative contracts may have the short-term effect of increasing our expenditures for these raw materials.

We manufacture, source and sell products internationally and are exposed to risks associated with doing business globally.

We manufacture, source or sell our products in a number of locations throughout the world, predominantly in the U.S., Canada, China, Europe and Mexico. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with potential disruption caused by changes in political, economic and social environments, including civil and political unrest, terrorism, possible expropriation, local labor conditions, changes in laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments and trade disputes with the U.S., and U.S. laws affecting activities of U.S. companies abroad. Risks inherent to international operations include: potentially adverse tax laws, unfavorable changes or uncertainty relating to trade agreements or importation duties, uncertainty regarding clearance and enforcement of intellectual property rights, risks associated with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and difficulty enforcing contracts. While we hedge certain foreign currency transactions, a change in the value of the currencies will impact our financial statements when translated into U.S. dollars. In addition, fluctuations in currency can adversely impact the cost position of our products in local currency, making it more difficult for us to compete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage our businesses through the impact of these potential changes. In addition, we source certain raw materials, components and finished goods from China where we have experienced higher manufacturing costs and longer lead times due to currency fluctuations, higher wage rates, labor shortages and higher raw material costs.

Changes in government and industry regulatory standards could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Government regulations and policies pertaining to trade agreements, health and safety (including protection of employees as well as consumers), taxes and environmental concerns continue to emerge

 

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domestically, as well as internationally. In particular, there may be additional tariffs or taxes related to our imported inputs and finished goods. It is necessary for us to comply with current requirements (including requirements that do not become effective until a future date), and even more stringent requirements could be imposed on our products or processes in the future. Compliance with changes in taxes, tariffs and other regulations may require us to alter our manufacturing and installation processes and our sourcing. Such actions could increase our capital expenditures and adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Risks associated with strategic acquisitions and joint ventures could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We consider acquisitions and joint ventures as a means of enhancing shareholder value. Acquisitions and joint ventures involve risks and uncertainties, including difficulties integrating acquired companies and operating joint ventures; difficulties retaining the acquired businesses’ customers and brands; the inability to achieve the expected financial results and benefits of transactions; the loss of key employees from acquired companies; implementing and maintaining consistent standards, controls, policies and information systems; and diversion of management’s attention from other business matters. Future acquisitions could cause us to incur additional debt or issue additional shares, resulting in dilution in earnings per share and return on capital.

Our inability to secure and protect our intellectual property rights could negatively impact revenues and brand reputation.

We have many patents, trademarks, brand names and trade names that are important to our business. Unauthorized use of these intellectual property rights may not only erode sales of our products, but may also cause significant damage to our brand name and reputation, interfere with our ability to effectively represent the Company to our customers, contractors and suppliers, and increase litigation costs. There can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our brands and trademark rights will prevent violations. In addition, existing patent, trade secret and trademark laws offer only limited protection, and the laws of some countries in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold may not fully protect our intellectual property from infringement by others. There can be no assurance that our efforts to assess possible third party intellectual property rights will ensure the Company’s ability to manufacture, distribute, market or sell in any given country or territory. Furthermore, others may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us or our customers.

Our businesses rely on the performance of wholesale distributors, dealers and other marketing arrangements and could be adversely affected by poor performance or other disruptions in our distribution channels and customers.

We rely on a distribution network comprised of consolidating customers. Any disruption to the existing distribution channels could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The consolidation of distributors or the financial instability or default of a distributor or one of its major customers could potentially cause such a disruption. In addition to our own sales force, we offer our products through a variety of third-party distributors, representatives and retailers. Certain of our distributors, representatives or retailers may also market other products that compete with our products. The loss or termination of one or more of our major distributors, representatives or retailers, the failure of one or more of our distributors, representatives or retailers to effectively promote our products, or changes in the financial or business condition of these distributors, representatives or retailers could effect our ability to bring products to market.

Our pension costs and funding requirements could increase as a result of volatility in the financial markets and changes in interest rates and actuarial assumptions.

Increases in the costs of pension benefits may continue and negatively affect our business as a result of: the effect of potential declines in the stock and bond markets on the performance of our pension plan

 

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assets; potential reductions in the discount rate used to determine the present value of our benefit obligations; and changes to our investment strategy that may impact our expected return on pension plan assets assumptions. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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. Our accounting policy for defined benefit plans may subject earnings to volatility due to the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, particularly due to the change in the fair value of pension assets and interest rates. Funding requirements for our U.S. pension plans may become more significant. However, the ultimate amounts to be contributed are dependent upon, among other things, interest rates, underlying asset returns and the impact of legislative or regulatory changes related to pension funding obligations.

Risks associated with the disruption of operations could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We manufacture a significant portion of the products we sell. Any prolonged disruption in our operations, whether due to technical or labor difficulties, weather, lack of raw material or component availability, startup inefficiencies for new operations, destruction of or damage to any facility (as a result of natural disasters, fires and explosions, use and storage of hazardous materials or other events) or other reasons, could negatively impact our profitability and competitive position and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Our inability to obtain raw materials and finished goods in a timely and cost-effective manner from suppliers could adversely affect our ability to manufacture and market our products.

We purchase raw materials to be used in manufacturing our products and also rely on third-party manufacturers as a source for finished goods. We typically do not enter into long-term contracts with our suppliers or sourcing partners. Instead, most raw materials and sourced goods are obtained on a “purchase order” basis. In addition, in some instances we maintain single-source or limited-source sourcing relationships, either because multiple sources are not available or the relationship is advantageous due to performance, quality, support, delivery, capacity or price considerations. Financial, operating or other difficulties encountered by our suppliers or sourcing partners or changes in our relationships with them could result in manufacturing or sourcing interruptions, delays and inefficiencies, and prevent us from manufacturing or obtaining the finished goods necessary to meet customer demand. If we are unable to meet customer demand, there could be an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Our failure to attract and retain qualified personnel and other labor constraints could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Our success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of qualified personnel at all levels, including our senior management team and other key employees. Their motivation, skills, experience, contacts and industry knowledge significantly benefit our operations and administration. With low unemployment rates in the U.S., competition for qualified talent and attracting and retaining personnel in remote locations could result in the failure to attract, motivate and retain personnel, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Future tax law changes or the interpretation of existing tax laws may materially impact our effective income tax rate, the resolution of unrecognized tax benefits and cash tax payments.

Our businesses are subject to income taxation in the U.S., as well as internationally. We are routinely audited by income tax authorities in many jurisdictions. Although we believe that the recorded tax estimates are reasonable and appropriate, there are significant uncertainties in these estimates. As a

 

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result, the ultimate outcome from any audit could be materially different from amounts reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals. Future settlements of income tax audits may have a material adverse effect on earnings between the period of initial recognition of tax estimates in our financial statements and the point of ultimate tax audit settlement. In addition, significant judgement is required in determining our provision for income taxes. Our total income tax expense could be affected by changes in tax laws rates in the jurisdictions in which our businesses are subject to taxation, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities or changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such laws by tax authorities.

Potential liabilities and costs from claims and litigation could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We are, from time to time, involved in various claims, litigation matters and regulatory proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business and that could have an adverse effect on us. These matters may include contract disputes, intellectual property disputes, product recalls, personal injury claims, construction defects and home warranty claims, warranty disputes, environmental claims or proceedings, other tort claims, employment and tax matters and other proceedings and litigation, including class actions. It is not possible to predict the outcome of pending or future litigation, and, as with any litigation, it is possible that some of the actions could be decided unfavorably and could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We are subject to product safety regulations, recalls and direct claims for product liability that can result in significant liability and, regardless of the ultimate outcome, can be costly to defend. As a result of the difficulty of controlling the quality of products or components sourced from other manufacturers, we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of such products and to limitations on our recourse against such suppliers.

An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other acquired intangible assets could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. The carrying value of other intangible assets represents the fair value of customer relationships, tradenames and other acquired intangible assets as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized, but must be evaluated for impairment by management at least annually. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, the goodwill is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value via a non-cash charge to earnings. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its fair value, the intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value via a non-cash charge to earnings. Events or circumstances that could have a potential negative effect on the estimated fair value of our reporting units and indefinite-lived tradenames include: actual new construction and repair and remodel growth rates that fall below our assumptions, actions of key customers, increases in discount rates, continued economic uncertainty, higher levels of unemployment, weak consumer confidence, lower levels of discretionary consumer spending, a decrease in royalty rates and decline in the trading price of our common stock . If the value of goodwill or other acquired intangible assets is impaired, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

We may experience delays or outages in our information technology systems and computer networks. We may be subject to breaches of our information technology systems, which could damage our reputation and consumer relationships. Such breaches could subject us to significant financial, legal and operational consequences.

We, like most companies, may be subject to information technology system failures and network disruptions caused by delays or disruptions due to system updates, natural disasters, malicious attacks, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar events or disruptions. Our businesses may implement enterprise

 

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resource planning systems or add applications to replace outdated systems and to operate more efficiently. We may not be able to successfully implement the projects without experiencing difficulties. In addition, any expected benefits of implementing projects might not be realized or the costs of implementation might outweigh the benefits realized. In addition, information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. We believe we devote appropriate resources to network security, data encryption, and other security measures to protect our systems and data, but these security measures cannot provide absolute security. In the event of a breach, we would be exposed to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

There can be no assurance that we will have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to us.

From time to time we may need to access the long-term and short-term capital markets to obtain financing. Although we believe that the sources of capital currently in place permit us to finance our operations for the foreseeable future on acceptable terms and conditions, our access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors, including, but not limited to: our financial performance, our credit ratings, the liquidity of the overall capital markets and the state of the economy, including the U.S. housing market. There can be no assurance that we will have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to us. In addition, a prolonged global economic downturn may also adversely impact our access to long-term capital markets, result in increased interest rates on our corporate debt, and weaken operating cash flow and liquidity. Decreased cash flow and liquidity could potentially adversely impact our ability to pay dividends, fund acquisitions and repurchase shares in the future.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2.  Properties.

Our principal executive office is located at 520 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Illinois 60015. We operate 30 U.S. manufacturing facilities in 16 states and have 22 manufacturing facilities in international locations (9 in Mexico, 3 in Asia, 4 in Europe, 4 in Africa, and 2 in Canada). In addition, we have 53 distribution centers and warehouses worldwide, of which 42 are leased. The following table provides additional information with respect to these properties.

 

Segment		Manufacturing Facilities												Distribution Centers and Warehouses
		Owned				Leased				Total				Owned				Leased				Total
Cabinets			22				3				25				3				17				20
Plumbing			8				6				14				7				15				22
Doors & Security			10				3				13				1				10				11
Totals			40				12				52				11				42				53

We are of the opinion that the properties are suitable to our respective businesses and have production capacities adequate to meet the current needs of our businesses.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

The Company is a defendant in lawsuits that are ordinary routine litigation matters incidental to its businesses. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending actions, and, as with any litigation, it is possible that these actions could be decided unfavorably to the Company. The Company believes that

 

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there are meritorious defenses to these actions and that these actions will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and, where appropriate, these actions are being vigorously contested. Accordingly, the Company believes the likelihood of material loss is remote.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant.

 

Name		Age				Position
Christopher J. Klein			55			Chief Executive Officer
Patrick D. Hallinan			51			Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Nicholas I. Fink			44			President, Plumbing Segment
Brett E. Finley			48			President, Doors & Security Segment
David M. Randich			57			President, Cabinets Segment
Tracey L. Belcourt			52			Senior Vice President, Global Growth and Development
Robert K. Biggart			64			Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Sheri R. Grissom			54			Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Brian C. Lantz			56			Senior Vice President, Communications & Corporate Administration
Marty Thomas			60			Senior Vice President, Operations & Supply Chain Strategy
Dan Luburic			47			Vice President and Corporate Controller

Christopher J. Klein has served as Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Brands since January 2010.

Patrick D. Hallinan has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Fortune Brands since July 2017. From January 2017 to July 2017, Mr. Hallinan served as Senior Vice President of Finance of Fortune Brands. Prior to joining Fortune Brands’ executive team, Mr. Hallinan served as chief financial officer of Moen Incorporated, a subsidiary of Fortune Brands, from November 2013 to January 2017.

Nicholas I. Fink has served as President of the Plumbing segment since August 2016. From June 2015 to August 2016, Mr. Fink served as Senior Vice President-Global Growth and Development of Fortune Brands. From June 2006 to May 2015, Mr. Fink worked at Beam Suntory, Inc., a global spirits company, and its predecessor entities in various senior positions including as Senior Vice President and President, Asia-Pacific/South America.

Brett E. Finley has served as President of the Doors & Security segment since July 2018. From February 2016 to July 2018, Mr. Finley served as the President of Fortune Brands Doors, Inc. From February 2008 to February 2016, Mr. Finley held various leadership positions at IDEX Corporation, a global manufacturer of fluidics systems and specialty engineered products, including Senior Vice President, Group Executive, Fluid & Metering Technologies Segment and President- IDEX-Asia.

David M. Randich has served as President of the Cabinets segment since October 2012.

Tracey L. Belcourt has served as Senior Vice President of Global Growth and Development of Fortune Brands since December 2016. From 2012 to 2016, Ms. Belcourt served as Executive Vice President, Strategy of Mondelez International, Inc. a confectionary, food and beverage company.

Robert K. Biggart has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Fortune Brands since December 2013.

Sheri R. Grissom has served as Senior Vice President — Human Resources of Fortune Brands since February 2015. Ms. Grissom served as Executive Vice President — Global Human Resources of Actuant Corporation, a diversified industrial company, from October 2010 to February 2015.

 

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Brian C. Lantz has served as Senior Vice President, Communications & Corporate Administration since January 2017. Mr. Lantz joined Fortune Brands in June 2011 as Vice President of Investor Relations.

Marty Thomas has served as Senior Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain Strategy since September 2017. Mr. Thomas served as Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Engineering Services at Rockwell Automation, Inc., a provider of industrial automation and information products, from 2006 to 2016.

Dan Luburic has served as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Fortune Brands since October 2011.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information, Dividends and Holders of Record

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “FBHS”.

In December 2018, our Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by 10% to $0.22 per share of our common stock. Our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate dividend payment opportunities on a quarterly basis. There can be no assurance as to when and if future dividends will be paid, or at what level, because the payment of dividends is dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

On February 1, 2019, there were 9,946 record holders of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share. A substantially greater number of holders of the Company’s common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares of record are held by banks, brokers or other financial institutions.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Below are the repurchases of common stock by the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) for the three months ended December 31, 2018:

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2018		Total number of shares purchased(a)				Average price paid per share				Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs(a)				Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs(a)
October 1 – October 31			1,043,400			$	47.94				1,043,400			$	455,686,267
November 1 – November 30			951,700				44.08				951,700				413,734,259
December 1 – December 31			—				—				—				413,734,259
Total			1,995,100			$	46.10				1,995,100

 

(a)	Information on the Company’s share repurchase program follows:

 

Authorization date		Announcement date		Authorization amount of shares of outstanding common stock		Expiration date
April 30, 2018		April 30, 2018		$150 million		April 30, 2020
July 13, 2018		July 16, 2018		$400 million		July 13, 2020

 

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Stock Performance

 

 

The above graph compares the relative performance of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group Index. This graph covers the period from December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2018. This graph assumes $100 was invested in the stock or the index on December 31, 2013 and also assumes the reinvestment of dividends. The foregoing performance graph is being furnished as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K solely in accordance with the requirement under Rule 14a-3(b)(9) to furnish our stockholders with such information, and therefore, shall not be deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference into any filings by the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

Peer Group Index. The 2018 peer group is composed of the following publicly traded companies corresponding to the Company’s core businesses:

Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Fastenal Company, Leggett & Platt Incorporated, Lennox International Inc., Masco Corporation, Mohawk Industries, Inc., Newell Brands Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Company, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. and USG Corporation.

Calculation of Peer Group Index

The weighted-average total return of the entire peer group, for the period of December 31, 2013 through December 31, 2018, is calculated in the following manner:

 

(1)

the total return of each peer group member is calculated by dividing the change in market value of a share of its common stock during the period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends, by the value of a share of its common stock at the beginning of the period; and

 

(2)

each peer group member’s total return is then weighted within the index based on its market capitalization relative to the market capitalization of the entire index, and the sum of such weighted returns results in a weighted-average total return for the entire Peer Group Index.

 

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Item 6.

Selected Financial Data.

Five-year Consolidated Selected Financial Data

 

		Years Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts)		2018				2017				2016				2015				2014
Income statement data(a)
Net sales		$	5,485.1			$	5,283.3			$	4,984.9			$	4,579.4			$	4,013.6
Cost of products sold(b)			3,525.7				3,358.3				3,188.8				3,001.1				2,653.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses(b)			1,241.4				1,196.9				1,135.5				1,059.8				949.0
Amortization of intangible assets			36.1				31.7				28.1				21.6				13.1
Loss on sale of product line (see Note 4)			—				2.4				—				—				—
Asset impairment charges			62.6				3.2				—				—				—
Restructuring charges			24.1				8.3				13.9				16.6				7.0
Operating income			595.2				682.5				618.6				480.3				390.9
Income from continuing operations, net of tax(e)			390.0				475.3				412.4				306.5				273.6
Basic earnings per share — continuing operations			2.69				3.10				2.67				1.92				1.68
Diluted earnings per share — continuing operations			2.66				3.05				2.61				1.88				1.64
Other data(a)
Depreciation and amortization		$	149.6			$	130.3			$	122.7			$	115.1			$	98.8
Cash flow provided by operating activities(c)			604.0				600.3				650.5				429.2				266.2
Capital expenditures			(150.1	)			(165.0	)			(149.3	)			(128.5	)			(127.5	)
Proceeds from the disposition of assets			6.1				0.4				3.9				2.5				0.7
Dividends declared per common share			0.82				0.74				0.66				0.58				0.50
Balance sheet data
Total assets(d)		$	5,964.6			$	5,511.4			$	5,128.5			$	4,875.7			$	4,051.5
Third party debt(d)			2,334.0				1,507.6				1,431.1				1,168.7				668.6
Total invested capital			4,513.9				4,108.7				3,794.1				3,623.3				2,931.6

 

(a)	Income statement data excludes discontinued operations. Other data is derived from the Statement of Cash Flows and therefore includes discontinued operations. For additional information, refer to Note 19, “Information on Business Segments.”

(b)

Reflects adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07 “Presentation of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Cost” which resulted in the retrospective reclassification of amortization of prior service cost/credits, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and actuarial gains/losses from operating income to other income, net.

The Company’s defined benefit expense included recognition of pre-tax actuarial gains (losses) in each of the last five years as follows:

 

		2018				2017				2016				2015				2014
Pre-tax actuarial gains (losses)		$	(3.8	)		$	0.5			$	(1.9	)		$	(8.6	)		$	(13.7	)
Portion in other (income) expense			(3.8	)			0.5				(1.9	)			(2.5	)			(13.7	)
Portion in discontinued operations			—				—				—				(6.1	)			—

 

(c)	Reflects adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09 “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” which resulted in the retrospective reclassification of employee withholding taxes paid from operating into financing activities.

(d)	Reflects adoption of ASU 2015-03 “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which resulted in the retrospective reclassification of debt issuance costs from other current assets and other assets to long-term debt.

(e)

Includes an estimated net tax benefit of $25.7 million in 2017 resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 on December 22, 2017 (the “Tax Act”). During 2018, the Company completed its SAB 118 analysis with respect to income tax effects of the Tax Act. As a result, the Company recorded a tax expense in the amount of $5.5 million in 2018.

 

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Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Introduction

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and provides additional information on our business, recent developments, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources, cash flows and results of operations. MD&A is organized as follows:

 

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Overview:    This section provides a general description of our business, and a discussion of management’s general outlook regarding market demand, our competitive position and product innovation, as well as recent developments we believe are important to understanding our results of operations and financial condition or in understanding anticipated future trends.

 

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Basis of Presentation:    This section provides a discussion of the basis on which our consolidated financial statements were prepared.

 

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Results of Operations:    This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for each of the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources:    This section provides a discussion of our financial condition and an analysis of our cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. This section also provides a discussion of our contractual obligations, other purchase commitments and customer credit risk that existed at December 31, 2018, as well as a discussion of our ability to fund our future commitments and ongoing operating activities through internal and external sources of capital.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:    This section identifies and summarizes those accounting policies that significantly impact our reported results of operations and financial condition and require significant judgment or estimates on the part of management in their application.

Overview

The Company is a leader in home and security products focused on the design, manufacture and sale of market-leading branded products in the following categories: kitchen and bath cabinetry, plumbing and accessories, entry door systems, security products and outdoor performance materials used in decking, railing and fencing products.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, net sales based on country of destination were:

 

(In millions)
United States		$	4,606.6				84	%
Canada			433.1				8
China			260.6				5
Other international			184.8				3
Total		$	5,485.1				100	%

We believe the Company has certain competitive advantages including market-leading brands, a diversified mix of customer channels, lean and flexible supply chains, a decentralized business model and a strong capital structure as well as a tradition of strong innovation and customer service. We are focused on outperforming our markets in growth, profitability and returns in order to drive increased shareholder value. We believe the Company’s track record reflects the long-term attractiveness and potential of our categories and our leading brands. As consumer demand and the housing market continue to grow, we expect the benefits of operating leverage and strategic spending to support increased manufacturing capacity and long-term growth initiatives will help us to continue to achieve profitable organic growth.

 

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We believe our most attractive opportunities are to invest in profitable organic growth initiatives. We also believe that as the market grows, we have the potential to generate additional growth from leveraging our cash flows and balance sheet strength by pursuing accretive strategic acquisitions, non-controlling equity investments, and joint ventures, and by returning cash to shareholders through a combination of dividends and repurchases under our share repurchase program as explained in further detail under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

The U.S. market for our home products consists of spending on both new home construction and repair and remodel activities within existing homes, with the substantial majority of the markets we serve consisting of repair and remodel spending. Continued growth in the U.S. market for our home products will largely depend on consumer confidence, employment, home prices, stable mortgage rates and credit availability.

We may be impacted by fluctuations in raw materials, tariffs, transportation costs, foreign exchange rates and promotional activity among our competitors. We strive to offset the potential unfavorable impact of these items with productivity improvements and price increases.

During the three years ended December 31, 2018, our net sales grew at a compounded annual rate of 6.2% as we benefited from an improving U.S. home products market, acquisitions, and growth in international markets. Operating income grew at a compounded annual rate of 7.4% with consolidated operating margins improving from 10% in 2015 to 11% in 2018. Growth in operating income was primarily due to higher sales volume, changes to our portfolio of businesses, control and leverage of our operating expenses and the benefits of productivity programs.

During 2018, the U.S. home products market grew due to increases in new home construction and repair and remodel activities. We believe new housing construction experienced approximately 5% growth in 2018 compared to 2017 and spending for home repair and remodeling increased approximately 4%. In 2018, net sales grew 4% due to price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases, the acquisitions in our Plumbing and Doors & Security segments, higher sales volume primarily resulting from U.S. home products market growth, and the effect of favorable foreign exchange. In 2018, operating income decreased 12.8% due to unfavorable mix, asset impairment charges, higher employee-related costs and restructuring charges.

During 2017, the U.S. home products market grew due to increases in new home construction and repair and remodel activities. We believe new housing construction experienced approximately 7% growth in 2017 compared to 2016 and spending for home repair and remodeling increased by approximately 5%. In 2017, net sales grew 6% and operating income increased 9% due to higher sales volume primarily resulting from U.S. home products market growth, the acquisitions in our Plumbing segments, price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases, the effect of favorable foreign exchange and productivity improvements.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, our Plumbing segment entered into strategic partnerships with several companies who incorporate emerging technology into plumbing-related products, and at the same time acquired non-controlling equity interests in two of our partners. This includes an investment in Flo Technologies, Inc.

In September 2018, we issued $600 million of unsecured senior notes (“2018 Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2018 Senior Notes are due in 2023 with a coupon rate of 4%. All other terms and conditions of the 2018 Senior Notes are substantially consistent with our other senior notes issued in June 2015 (“2015 Senior Notes”, and collectively with the 2018 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”). We used the proceeds from the 2018 Senior Notes offering to pay down our revolving credit facility.

In September 2018, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of Fiber Composites LLC (“Fiberon”), a leading U.S. manufacturer of outdoor performance materials used in decking, railing and fencing products

 

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for a total purchase price of approximately $470.0 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The acquisition of Fiberon provides category expansion and product extension opportunities into the outdoor living space for our Doors & Security segment. We financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit and term loan facilities. Fiberon’s results of operations are included in the Doors & Security segment from the date of acquisition.

In July 2018, we publicly announced an internal reorganization to combine our historical Doors and Security segments under common leadership to drive innovation, accelerate product development, and enhance investments and business processes. In connection with the reorganization, we changed how our chief operating decision maker evaluates and allocates the resources for the combined business. Reporting for the new Doors & Security segment began in the third quarter of 2018 and historical financial segment information has been restated to conform to the new segment presentation.

In March 2018, the Company entered into a $350 million term loan for general corporate purposes that matures in March 2019. In August 2018, the Company amended its existing $350 million term loan to increase the borrowings under the term loan from $350 million to $525 million. All terms and conditions on the amended term loan remain the same as the previous $350 million term loan. Interest rates under the term loan are variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Company’s long-term credit rating and can range from LIBOR + 0.625% to LIBOR + 1.25%. Covenants under the term loan are the same as the existing $1.25 billion revolving credit agreement.

In October 2017, we acquired Domotec Holdings Limited (“Victoria + Albert”), a UK-based premium brand of standalone bathtubs, sinks, tub fillers, faucets and other accessories. In July 2017, we acquired Shaws Since1897 Limited (“Shaws”), a UK-based luxury plumbing products company that specializes in manufacturing and selling fireclay sinks and selling brassware and accessories. The total combined consideration paid was approximately $146 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments and deferred acquisition payments. We financed both of the acquisitions using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. These transactions broadened our plumbing portfolio.

During the third quarter of 2016, we announced the creation of GPG, which was designed to support the growth of multiple plumbing brands with an enhanced set of products and brands, while leveraging Moen’s existing global supply chain and broad distribution network.

In September 2016, we acquired ROHL LLC (“ROHL”), a California-based luxury plumbing company and in a related transaction, we acquired TCL Manufacturing Ltd, which gave us ownership of Perrin & Rowe, a UK manufacturer and designer of luxury kitchen and bathroom plumbing products. The total combined purchase price was approximately $166 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. We financed both acquisitions using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facility. These transactions broadened the plumbing portfolio and enhanced future growth opportunities.

In June 2016, we amended and restated our credit agreement to combine and rollover the existing revolving credit facility and term loan into a new standalone $1.25 billion revolving credit facility. Terms and conditions of the credit agreement, including the total commitment amount, essentially remained the same as our previous credit assesment. The revolving credit facility will mature in June 2021 and borrowings thereunder will be used for general corporate purposes.

In May 2016, we acquired Riobel Inc (“Riobel”), a Canadian plumbing company specializing in premium showroom bath and shower fittings, for a total purchase price of $94.6 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. We financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been derived from the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s consolidated financial

 

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statements are based on a fiscal year ending December 31. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending during the month of December. In December 2017, there were certain transactions that resulted in approximately $38 million of net cash outflows relating to payments made to third parties in the normal course of business during the period between the year-end of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the Company’s year-end (in 2018, amounts were immaterial).

In September 2018, we acquired Fiber Composites LLC (“Fiberon”). The financial results of Fiberon were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and statements of cash flow beginning in September 2018 and the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. The results of operations are included in the Doors & Security segment.

In October 2017, we acquired Victoria + Albert. In July 2017, we acquired Shaws. The financial results of both of the acquisitions were included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and statements of cash flow beginning in October 2017 and July 2017, respectively. The results of operations are included in the Plumbing segment.

In September 2016, we acquired ROHL and in a related transaction, we acquired TCL Manufacturing Ltd., which gave us ownership of Perrin & Rowe and in May 2016, we acquired Riobel. The financial results of ROHL and Riobel were included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and statements of cash flow beginning in September 2016 and May 2016, respectively. The results of operations are included in the Plumbing segment.

Results of Operations

The following discussion of both consolidated results of operations and segment results of operations refers to the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, and the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The discussion of consolidated results of operations should be read in conjunction with the discussion of segment results of operations and our financial statements and notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless otherwise noted, all discussion of results of operations are for continuing operations.

Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

 

(In millions)		2018				% change				2017				% change				2016
Net Sales:
Cabinets		$	2,418.6				(2.0	)%		$	2,467.1				2.9	%		$	2,397.8
Plumbing			1,883.3				9.4				1,720.8				12.1				1,534.4
Doors & Security			1,183.2				8.0				1,095.4				4.1				1,052.7
Total Fortune Brands		$	5,485.1				3.8	%		$	5,283.3				6.0	%		$	4,984.9
Operating Income:
Cabinets		$	143.5				(46.3	)%		$	267.2				3.6	%		$	257.8
Plumbing(a)			375.3				4.7				358.5				13.8				314.9
Doors & Security(a)			155.6				5.9				146.9				16.2				126.4
Corporate(a)			(79.2	)			12.1				(90.1	)			(11.9	)			(80.5	)
Total Fortune Brands		$	595.2				(12.8	)%		$	682.5				10.3	%		$	618.6

 

(a)	We revised our previously reported results in 2017 and 2016 to reflect our adoption of ASU 2017-07, Presentation of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Costs, and to reflect our new Doors & Security segment resulting from the reorganization we announced in July 2018.

Certain items had a significant impact on our results in 2018, 2017 and 2016. These included the acquisitions of Fiberon, Victoria + Albert, Shaws, Riobel, ROHL and Perrin & Rowe, restructuring and other charges, asset impairment charges and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

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In 2018, financial results included:

 

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the addition of the Fiberon acquisition in our Doors & Security segment,

 

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asset impairment charges of $62.6 related to impairment of two indefinite-lived tradenames within our Cabinets segment which was primarily the result of changes in the mix of revenue across our tradenames finalized during our annual planning process conducted during the fourth quarter, as well as restructuring actions announced during the third quarter,

 

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restructuring and other charges of $35.4 million before tax ($26.9 million after tax), primarily related to costs associated with our initiatives to consolidate our manufacturing footprint and product lines in our Cabinets segment and severance costs within all of our segments,

 

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the impact of foreign exchange primarily due to movement in the Canadian Dollar, British Pound, Mexican Peso and Chinese Yuan, which had a favorable impact compared to 2017, of approximately $9 million on net sales, approximately $6 million on operating income and approximately $6 million on net income and

 

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the favorable impact of changes from last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) to first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) for product groups in which metals comprise a significant portion of inventory cost, which resulted in income of approximately $7.3 million before tax ($5.5 million after tax).

 

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During 2018, the Company completed its SAB 118 analysis with respect to income tax effects resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 on December 22, 2017 (the “Tax Act”) As a result, the Company recorded a tax expense in the amount of $5.5 million in 2018.

In 2017, financial results included:

 

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the benefit of the acquisitions in our Plumbing segment,

 

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restructuring and other charges of $18.5 million before tax ($12.3 million after tax), primarily related to losses on disposal of inventory associated with exiting a product line in our Doors & Security segment and exiting a customer relationship in our Cabinets segment, as well as severance costs within our Doors & Security, Plumbing and Cabinets segments,

 

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impairment charge of $7.0 million pertaining to a cost method investment in a development stage home products company due to other-than-temporary decline in its fair value,

 

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the impact of foreign exchange primarily due to movement in the Canadian dollar, which had a favorable impact compared to 2016, of approximately $4 million on net sales, approximately $5 million on operating income and approximately $4 million on net income and

 

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an estimated net tax benefit of $25.7 million resulting from the of the Tax Act.

In 2016, financial results included:

 

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the benefit of the acquisitions in our Cabinets and Plumbing segments,

 

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restructuring and other charges of $19.3 million before tax ($13.6 million after tax), primarily associated with severance costs and charges associated with the relocation of a manufacturing facility within our Doors & Security segment and

 

>

the impact of foreign exchange primarily due to movement in the Canadian dollar, which had an unfavorable impact compared to 2015, of approximately $27 million on net sales, approximately $6 million on operating income and approximately $6 million on net income.

2018 Compared to 2017

Total Fortune Brands

Net sales

Net sales increased $201.8 million, or 3.8%. The increase was due to price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases, higher international sales, principally in China, our acquisitions

 

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during 2017 and 2018 in our Plumbing and Doors & Security segments, higher sales volume primarily from the growth in the U.S. home products market, the benefit from new product introductions and favorable foreign exchange of approximately $9 million. These benefits were partially offset by more moderate industry growth during the second half of 2018, unfavorable mix and higher promotions and rebates.

Cost of products sold

Cost of products sold increased $167.4 million, or 5.0%, due to higher net sales, increased commodity costs, higher restructuring and other charges related to costs associated with our initiatives to consolidate and rationalize our manufacturing footprint and discontinue certain product lines in our Cabinets segment, and higher amortization of the acquisition-related inventory fair value adjustment in our Plumbing and Doors & Security segments. These factors were partially offset by the benefit of productivity improvements.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $44.5 million, or 3.7%, due to higher employee-related costs, the impact from our acquisitions during 2017 and 2018 in our Plumbing and Doors & Security segments and higher transportation costs partially offset by the benefit from restructuring actions.

Amortization of intangible assets

Amortization of intangible assets increased $4.4 million due to our acquisitions during 2017 and 2018 in our Plumbing and Doors & Security segments offset by a decrease related to a definite-lived customer relationship intangible that was fully amortized during the second quarter of 2017.

Loss on sale of product line

In April 2017, we completed the sale of Field ID, our cloud-based inspection and safety compliance software product line included in our Doors & Security segment. We recorded a pre-tax loss of $2.4 million as the result of this sale.

Asset impairment charges

Asset impairment charges of $62.6 million in 2018 related to two indefinite-lived tradenames within our Cabinets segment. During the third quarter of 2018, we recognized an impairment of $27.1 million related to one tradename, which was primarily the result of reduced revenue growth expectations associated with Cabinets operations in Canada, including the announced closure of Company-owned retail locations during the third quarter of 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we recognized an impairment of $35.5 million related to another tradename, which was primarily the result of lower than forecasted sales during the fourth quarter of 2018 as well as projected changes in the mix of revenue across our tradenames in future periods, including the impact of more moderate industry growth expectations, which were finalized during our annual planning process conducted during the fourth quarter. Asset impairment charges of $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 related to our decision to sell Field ID.

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges of $24.1 million in 2018 primarily related to severance costs within all of our segments and costs associated with our initiatives to consolidate our manufacturing footprint and product lines in our Cabinets segment. Restructuring charges of $8.3 million in 2017 primarily related to severance costs across all segments and charges associated with the relocation of a manufacturing facility within our Cabinets segment.

Operating income

Operating income decreased $87.3 million or 12.8%. Operating income decreased due to unfavorable mix, asset impairment charges, higher employee-related costs and restructuring charges partially offset by

 

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higher net sales, including the benefit from acquisitions in our Plumbing segment and productivity improvements.

Interest expense

Interest expense increased $25.1 million to $74.5 million due to higher average borrowings to finance share repurchases and acquisitions and higher average interest rates.

Other income, net

Other income, net, was $16.3 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, compared to $1.7 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The increase in other income, net, is primarily due to hedge gains associated with our September 2018 debt issuance, favorable foreign currency adjustments and various tax credits within our Plumbing business partially offset by lower defined benefit plan income in 2018 ($3.0 million decrease). In addition, 2017 reflects a $7.0 million impairment charge related to a cost method investment.

Income taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2018 and 2017 were 27.4% and 25.1%, respectively. The 2018 effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the corporate tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% under The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). The 2018 effective income tax rate was unfavorably impacted by the repeal of the Domestic Production Activity (Internal Revenue Code Section 199) Deduction, a valuation allowance increase ($3 million), an adjustment to the provisional net benefit recorded in 2017 under the Tax Act ($5.5 million), state and local taxes, unfavorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions ($3.5 million), and increases in uncertain tax positions ($4.1 million).

The 2017 effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the Tax Act. The effective income tax rate for 2017 was favorably impacted by a tax benefit related to share-based compensation ($23.9 million), the tax benefit attributable to the Domestic Production Activity (Internal Revenue Code Section 199) Deduction ($10.9 million) and favorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions ($8.3 million), partially offset by state and local taxes and increases to uncertain tax positions ($11.6 million).

The Tax Act made significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, generally providing for an exemption from federal income tax for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, and imposing a one-time transition tax on the deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings and profits as of December 31, 2017. On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued, which deals with the application of U.S. GAAP to situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we calculated our best estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our 2017 effective income tax rate. As a result, the Company recorded a provisional net benefit of $25.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the Tax Act was enacted. This provisional amount included an estimated reduction in the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities of $62.4 million resulting from the decrease in the federal income tax rate; an estimated deemed repatriation tax liability of $28.5 million; and an estimated net increase to our provision for taxes on foreign earnings not considered permanently reinvested of $8.2 million. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company completed its analysis in conjunction with the SAB 118 measurement period ending on December 22, 2018. The total tax provision impact for the year ended December 31, 2018 was an unfavorable adjustment of $5.5 million related primarily to certain deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Income from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations was $390.0 million in 2018 compared to $475.3 million in 2017. The decrease of $85.3 million was primarily due to lower operating income.

 

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Loss from discontinued operations

The loss from discontinued operations was $0.2 million and $2.6 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively and is related to the prior sale of the Waterloo tool storage and Simonton window businesses.

Results By Segment

Cabinets

Net sales decreased $48.5 million, or 2.0%, predominantly due to the impact of exiting a customer relationship and unfavorable mix. These factors were partially offset by the benefit from new product introductions and price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases.

Operating income decreased $123.7 million, or 46.3%, primarily due to lower net sales, tradename asset impairment charges of $62.6 million, higher restructuring and other charges incurred to consolidate our manufacturing footprint and discontinue certain product lines and increased employee-related costs due to inflation, partially offset by the benefit from productivity improvements.

Plumbing

Net sales increased $162.5 million, or 9.4% due to higher sales unit volume in the U.S. China and Canada, new product introductions across our distribution channels, the benefit from the 2017 acquisitions of Victoria + Albert and Shaws and price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases partially offset by higher rebates. Foreign exchange was favorable by approximately $5 million.

Operating income increased $16.8 million, or 4.7%, due to the higher net sales and benefits from productivity improvements. These benefits were partially offset by commodity cost inflation, higher employee-related costs, unfavorable mix, amortization of the acquisition-related inventory fair value adjustments ($5.5 million) related to our 2017 acquisitions and increased marketing and advertising costs. In addition, 2017 operating income reflects the impact of adopting ASU 2017-07 during 2018 and the reclassification of approximately $5.1 million from Plumbing operating income to other income, net.

Doors & Security

Net sales increased $87.8 million, or 8.0%, due to higher sales volume, resulting from the benefit from new product introductions, the acquisition of Fiberon in 2018, price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and the impact of favorable foreign exchange, which were partly offset by increased non-repeating sales promotions and unfavorable mix.

Operating income increased $8.7 million, or 5.9%, due to higher net sales and an inventory valuation accounting change benefit of $12.8 million, which were partially offset by non-repeating sales promotions and inventory step up amortization related to the Fiberon acquisition.

Corporate

Corporate expenses decreased by $10.9 million mainly due to lower employee-related costs. In addition, 2017 corporate expense reflects the impact of adopting ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018 and the related reclassification of approximately $4.5 million of 2017 income from Corporate expenses to other income, net.

 

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2017 Compared to 2016

Total Fortune Brands

Net sales

Net sales increased $298.4 million, or 6.0%. The increase was due to higher sales volume primarily from improvement in U.S. market conditions for home products, new product introductions, the benefit from the acquisitions in our Plumbing segment and price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases as well as the benefit from favorable foreign exchange of approximately $4 million. These benefits were partially offset by unfavorable mix, higher sales promotions, and sales rebates.

Cost of products sold

Cost of products sold increased $169.5 million, or 5.3%, due to higher net sales, including the impact of the acquisitions in our Plumbing segment and raw material cost increases, partially offset by the benefit of productivity improvements.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $61.4 million, or 5.4%, due to higher employee-related costs and advertising costs as well as the impact of the acquisitions in our Plumbing segment.

Amortization of intangible assets

Amortization of intangible assets increased $3.6 million primarily due to the acquisitions in our Plumbing segment, partially offset by a decrease relating to a definite-lived customer relationship intangible in our Doors & Security segment that was fully amortized during the second quarter of 2017.

Loss on sale of product line

In April 2017, we completed the sale of Field ID, our cloud-based inspection and safety compliance software product line included in our Doors & Security segment. We recorded a pre-tax loss of $2.4 million as the result of this sale.

Asset impairment charges

Asset impairment charges of $3.2 million relate to our decision in the first quarter of 2017 to sell Field ID.

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges of $8.3 million in 2017 primarily related to severance costs within all of our segments as well as charges associated with a plant relocation in our Cabinets segment. Restructuring charges of $13.9 million in 2016 primarily related to the severance costs and charges associated with the relocation of a manufacturing facility within our Doors & Security segment.

Operating income

Operating income increased $63.9 million or 10.3%. Operating income increased due to higher net sales, including the benefit from acquisitions in our Plumbing segment and productivity improvements. These benefits were partially offset by unfavorable mix, higher employee-related costs, raw material, labor inflation and advertising costs. 2017 and 2016 were adjusted to reflect the impact of adopting ASU 2017-07 and reclassification of $9.6 million and $14.1 million, respectively from operating income to other income, net.

 

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Interest expense

Interest expense of $49.4 million was $0.3 million higher as compared to last year primarily due to higher average interest rates which was partially offset by lower average borrowings and the absence of the write-off of debt issuance costs incurred in 2016.

Other income, net

Other income, net, was of $1.7 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $12.6 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2016. The decrease of $10.9 million was primarily due to a $7.0 million impairment charge in 2017 pertaining to a cost method investment and a decrease in defined benefit income of $4.5 million.

Income taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2017 and 2016 were 25.1% and 29.2% respectively. The 2017 effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the Tax Act ($25.7 million). The effective income tax rates for 2017 and 2016 were favorably impacted by the tax benefit attributable to share-based compensation (ASU 2016-09) deduction ($23.9 million and $27.8 million, respectively), the Domestic Production Activity (Internal Revenue Code Section 199) deduction ($10.9 million and $13.0 million, respectively) and favorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions ($8.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively), offset by state and local taxes and increases to uncertain tax positions ($11.6 million and $13.2 million, respectively).

Income from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations was $475.3 million in 2017 compared to $412.4 million in 2016. The increase of $62.9 million was primarily due to higher operating income.

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

The loss from discontinued operations of $2.6 million in 2017 primarily related to the prior sale of the Waterloo tool storage and Simonton window businesses. The income from discontinued operations of $0.8 million in 2016 included the effect of tax adjustments relating to the Waterloo business.

Results By Segment

Cabinets

Net sales increased $69.3 million, or 2.9%, due to higher sales volume driven primarily by continuing improvement in the U.S. home products market and the benefit from new product introductions, price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and a $3 million benefit from favorable foreign exchange. These benefits were partially offset by unfavorable mix and higher sales promotions.

Operating income increased $9.4 million, or 3.6%, due to the increase in net sales and productivity improvements. These benefits were partially offset by unfavorable mix, higher employee-related costs, higher labor inflation and higher transportation costs.

Plumbing

Net sales increased $186.4 million, or 12.1%, due to higher sales volume driven by continuing improvement in the U.S. home products market and the benefit from new product introductions, higher sales in international markets, principally China, and the benefit from the acquisitions of Riobel, ROHL and Perrin & Rowe in 2016 as well as Shaws and Victoria + Albert in 2017. These benefits were partially offset by higher sales rebates.

 

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Operating income increased $43.6 million, or 13.8%, due to higher net sales, productivity improvements and favorable mix as well as a $4 million benefit from favorable foreign exchange. These benefits were partially offset by employee-related costs, higher raw materials costs and higher advertising costs. In addition, 2017 and 2016 operating income reflects the impact of adopting ASU 2017-07 and reclassification of approximately $5.1 million and $11.4 million, respectively from operating income to other income, net.

Doors & Security

Net sales increased $42.7 million, or 4.1%, due to higher sales volume, including the benefit from new product introductions, and price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases. These benefits were partially offset by the impact of exiting two security product lines in our commercial distribution channels.

Operating income increased $20.5 million, or 16.2%, primarily due to the higher net sales, the benefits from productivity improvements, lower restructuring and other charges (approximately $6 million) relating to the completion in 2016 of a manufacturing facility relocation, favorable foreign exchange and the related cost savings resulting from the facility relocation. In addition, 2017 and 2016 operating income reflects the impact of adopting ASU 2017-07 and reclassification of zero and $2.1 million, respectively from operating income to other income, net.

Corporate

Corporate expenses increased by $9.6 million mainly due to the impairment of a long lived asset. In addition, 2017 and 2016 operating income reflects the impact of adopting ASU 2017-07 and reclassification of $4.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively from operating income to other income, net.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary liquidity needs are to support working capital requirements, fund capital expenditures and service indebtedness, as well as to finance acquisitions, repurchase shares of our common stock and pay dividends to stockholders, as deemed appropriate. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities, availability under our credit facility and debt issuances in the capital markets. Our operating income is generated by our subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Fortune Brands. In December 2018, our Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by 10% to $0.22 per share of our common stock. Our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate dividend payment opportunities on a quarterly basis. There can be no assurance as to when and if future dividends will be paid, and at what level, because the payment of dividends is dependent on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

In September 2018, we issued $600 million of unsecured senior notes (“2018 Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2018 Senior Notes are due in 2023 with a coupon rate of 4%. We used the proceeds from the Senior Notes offering to pay down our revolving credit facility. On December 31, 2018, the outstanding amount of the 2018 Senior Notes, net of underwriting commissions, price discounts, and debt issuance costs, was $595.0 million.

In March 2018, the Company entered into a $350 million term loan for general corporate purposes that matures in March 2019. In August 2018, the Company amended its existing $350 million term loan to increase the borrowings under the term loan from $350 million to $525 million. All terms and conditions on the amended term loan remain the same as the previous $350 million term loan. The amended term loan is for general corporate purposes and matures in March 2019. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, amounts due under the term loan were $525.0 million and zero, respectively, which are included within short term debt in our consolidated balance sheet. Interest rates under the term loan are variable

 

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based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Company’s long-term credit rating and can range from LIBOR + 0.625% to LIBOR + 1.25%. Covenants under the term loan are the same as the existing $1.25 billion revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants under this term loan.

We periodically review our portfolio of brands and evaluate potential strategic transactions to increase shareholder value. However, we cannot predict whether or when we may enter into acquisitions, joint ventures or dispositions, make any purchases of shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program, or pay dividends, or what impact any such transactions could have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, whether as a result of the issuance of debt or equity securities, or otherwise. Our cash flows from operations, borrowing availability and overall liquidity are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those described in the section “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

In June 2016, the Company amended and restated its 2011 credit agreement to combine and rollover the prior revolving credit facility and term loan into a new standalone $1.25 billion revolving credit facility. This amendment and restatement of the credit agreement was a non-cash transaction for the Company. Terms and conditions of the credit agreement, including the total commitment amount, essentially remained the same as under the 2011 credit agreement. The revolving credit facility will mature in June 2021 and borrowings thereunder will be used for general corporate purposes. On December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our outstanding borrowings under these facilities were $320.0 million and $615.0 million, respectively, all of which is included in long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheet. Interest rates under the facility are variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Company’s long-term credit rating and can range from LIBOR + 0.9% to LIBOR + 1.5%. As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. As a result of the refinancing, we wrote off prepaid debt issuance costs of approximately $1.3 million as of June 30, 2016.

In June 2015, we issued $900 million of unsecured senior notes (“2015 Senior Notes”, and collectively with the 2018 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2015 Senior Notes consist of two tranches: $400 million of five-year notes due in 2020 with a coupon rate of 3% and $500 million of ten-year notes due in 2025 with a coupon rate of 4%. We used the proceeds from the 2015 Senior Notes offering to pay down our revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. On December 31, 2018, the outstanding amount of the 2015 Senior Notes, net of underwriting commissions, price discounts, and debt issuance costs, was $894.1 million.

On April 30, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150 million of shares of our common stock over the two years ending April 30, 2020. On July 13, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $400 million of shares of our common stock over the two years ending July 13, 2020. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s total remaining share repurchase authorization under the repurchase programs was approximately $413.7 million. The share repurchase programs do not obligate the Company to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of shares and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. In 2018, we repurchased 12.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock under the Company’s share repurchase programs for $694.6 million.

We currently have uncommitted bank lines of credit in China, which provide for unsecured borrowings for working capital of up to $23.5 million in aggregate as of both December 31, 2018 and 2017, of which zero were outstanding, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The weighted-average interest rates on these borrowings were 0%, 0% and 1.5% in 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

Acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic partnerships in 2018, 2017 and 2016 include:

 

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During the fourth quarter of 2018, our Plumbing segment entered into strategic partnerships with several companies which incorporate emerging technology into plumbing-related products, and at the same time acquired non-controlling equity interests in two of our partners. This includes an investment in Flo Technologies, Inc. (“Flo”), a U.S. manufacturer of a comprehensive water monitoring and shut-off

 

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system with leak detection and proactive leak detection technologies. Our investments in our strategic partners are recorded at cost, plus or minus any changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

 

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In September 2018, we acquired 100% of membership interests of Fiberon, a leading U.S. manufacturer of outdoor performance materials used in decking, railing and fencing products for a total purchase price of approximately $470.0 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The acquisition of Fiberon provides category expansion and product extension opportunities for our Doors & Security segment into the outdoor living space. The results of operations, subsequent to the closing of the acquisition, are included in the Doors & Security segment.

 

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In October 2017, the Company acquired Victoria + Albert, a UK-based premium brand of standalone bathtubs, sinks, tub fillers, faucets and other accessories. In July 2017, we acquired Shaws, a UK-based luxury plumbing products company that specializes in manufacturing and selling fireclay sinks, and selling brassware and accessories. The combined consideration paid was approximately $146 million, including $19.9 million of additional purchase price consideration paid related to post-closing adjustments and deferred acquisition payments during the year ended December 31, 2018. The combined consideration paid is subject to further deferred acquisition payments. The results of operations of the acquired companies are included in the Plumbing segment from the respective dates of acquisition. We financed the transactions using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

 

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In September 2016, we acquired ROHL, a California-based luxury plumbing company. We also acquired Perrin & Rowe, a UK manufacturer and designer of luxury kitchen and bathroom plumbing products. The total combined purchase price was approximately $166 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. We financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facility.

 

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In May 2016, we acquired Riobel, a Canadian plumbing company for a purchase price of $94.6 million in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. We financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities.

In 2018, we invested approximately $45 million in incremental capacity to support long-term growth potential. We expect capital spending in 2019 to be in the range of $135 to $145 million.

On December 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $262.9 million, of which $260.1 million was held at non-U.S. subsidiaries. We manage our global cash requirements considering (i) available funds among the subsidiaries through which we conduct business, (ii) the geographic location of our liquidity needs, and (iii) the cost to access international cash balances. The repatriation of non-U.S. cash balances from certain subsidiaries could have adverse tax consequences as we may be required to pay and record tax expense on those funds that are repatriated.

Our operating cash flows are significantly impacted by the seasonality of our businesses. We typically generate most of our operating cash flow in the third and fourth quarters of each year.

Cash Flows

Below is a summary of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

(In millions)		2018				2017				2016
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	604.0			$	600.3			$	650.5
Net cash used in investing activities			(634.3	)			(287.7	)			(385.1	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(6.8	)			(250.1	)			(250.4	)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash			(15.2	)			9.0				(2.0	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	(52.3	)		$	71.5			$	13.0

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities was $604.0 million in 2018 compared to $600.3 million in 2017 and $650.5 million in 2016. The $3.7 million increase in cash provided was due to lower build in working capital, primarily driven by lower accounts receivable balances and increases in accrued taxes. The $50.2 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities from 2017 to 2016 was primarily due to higher build in working capital, primarily driven by higher inventory purchases in 2017, partially offset by a higher net income.

Net cash used in investing activities was $634.3 million in 2018 compared to $287.7 million in 2017 and $385.1 million in 2016. The increase in cash used of $346.6 million from 2017 to 2018 was primarily due to a $341.0 million increase in cost of acquisitions. The decrease of $97.4 million from 2016 to 2017 was primarily due to lower cost of acquisitions of $115.1 million, partially offset by $15.7 million of higher capital expenditures.

Net cash used by financing activities was $6.8 million in 2018 compared to $250.1 million in 2017 and $250.4 million in 2016. The decrease in net cash used of $243.3 million was primarily due to higher net borrowings in 2018 compared to 2017 ($751.2 million increase), partly offset by higher share repurchases in 2018 compared to 2017 ($479.8 million increase).

Pension Plans

Subsidiaries of Fortune Brands sponsor their respective defined benefit pension plans that are funded by a portfolio of investments maintained within our benefit plan trust. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, we contributed $10.0 million, $28.4 million and zero, respectively, to qualified pension plans. In 2019, we expect to make pension contributions of approximately $8.0 million. As of December 31, 2018, the fair value of our total pension plan assets was $599.6 million, representing funding of 79% of the accumulated benefit obligation liability. For the foreseeable future, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet the minimum funding that may be required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Foreign Exchange

We have operations in various foreign countries, principally Canada, China, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and Japan. Therefore, changes in the value of the related currencies affect our financial statements when translated into U.S. dollars.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

The following table describes other obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, such as debt and lease agreements, and under contingent commitments, such as debt guarantees, as of December 31, 2018.

 

(In millions)		Payments Due by Period as of December 31, 2018
Contractual Obligations		Total				Less than 1 year				1-3 years				4-5 years				After 5 years
Short-term and long-term debt		$	2,334.0			$	525.0			$	719.0			$	595.0			$	495.0
Interest payments on long-term debt(a)			300.6				71.6				111.0				88.0				30.0
Operating leases			182.3				37.8				53.0				32.7				58.8
Purchase obligations(b)			369.9				342.4				21.8				4.7				1.0
Deferred acquisition payments			19.5				19.5				—				—				—
Defined benefit plan contributions(c)			8.0				8.0				—				—				—
Total		$	3,214.3			$	1,004.3			$	904.8			$	720.4			$	584.8

 

(a)	Interest payments on long-term debt were calculated using the borrowing rate in effect on December 31, 2018.

 

(b)	Purchase obligations include contracts for raw material and finished goods purchases; selling and administrative services; and capital expenditures.

 

(c)	Pension and postretirement contributions cannot be determined beyond 2019.

 

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Due to the uncertainty of the timing of settlement with taxing authorities, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement of unrecognized tax benefits. Therefore, $83.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 have been excluded from the Contractual Obligations table above.

In addition to the contractual obligations and commitments listed and described above, we also had other commercial commitments for which we are contingently liable as of December 31, 2018. Other corporate commercial commitments include standby letters of credit of $43.6 million, in the aggregate, all of which expire in less than one year, and surety bonds of $8.0 million, of which $7.0 million matures in less than 1 year and $1.0 million matures in 1-3 years. These contingent commitments are not expected to have a significant impact on our liquidity.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are material or reasonably likely to be material to our financial condition or results of operations.

Foreign Currency Risk

Certain anticipated transactions, assets and liabilities are exposed to foreign currency risk. Principal currencies hedged include the Canadian dollar, British pound, the Mexican peso and the Chinese yuan. We regularly monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. For additional information on this risk, see Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Derivative Financial Instruments

In accordance with ASC requirements for Derivatives and Hedging, we recognize all derivative contracts as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet, and the measurement of those instruments is at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge and is effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in the same period. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are recognized in the consolidated statement of income when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as an effective economic hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation, the changes in the fair value of the derivative is reported in the cumulative translation adjustment section of OCI. Similar to foreign currency translation adjustments, these changes in fair value are recognized in earnings only when realized upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity.

Deferred currency gains/(losses) of $2.2 million, $0.4 million and $(3.5) million (before tax impact) were reclassified into earnings for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Based on foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2018, we estimate that $3.3 million of net currency derivative gain included in OCI as of December 31, 2018 will be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The adoption of recent accounting standards, as discussed in Note 2, “Recently Issued Accounting Standards,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, has not had and is not expected to have a significant impact on our revenue, earnings or liquidity.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Consolidated

 

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Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP. Preparation of the financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial statements and revenues and expenses reported for the relevant reporting periods. We believe the policies discussed below are the Company’s critical accounting policies as they include the more significant, subjective and complex judgments and estimates made when preparing our consolidated financial statements.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for discounts and doubtful accounts. The allowances for doubtful accounts represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations (usually due to customers’ potential insolvency) or discounts related to early payment of accounts receivables by our customers. The allowances include provisions for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowances include a provision for customer defaults on a general formula basis when it is determined that the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with specific customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical collection experience and existing economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.7 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Inventories

Inventory provisions are recorded to reduce inventory to the net realizable dollar value for obsolete or slow moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions, inventory levels and turns, product spoilage and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance, engineering/material changes, or regulatory-related changes. In accordance with this policy, our inventory provision was $45.3 million and $45.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Long-lived Assets

In accordance with ASC requirements for Property, Plant and Equipment, a long-lived asset (including amortizable identifiable intangible assets) or asset group held for use is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate of future cash flows derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is calculated based on fair value. Fair value is estimated primarily using discounted expected future cash flows on a market-participant basis.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

In accordance with ASC requirements for Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, and written down when impaired. An interim impairment test is performed if an event occurs or conditions change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value.

We evaluate the recoverability of goodwill using a weighting of the income (80%) and market (20%) approaches. For the income approach, we use a discounted cash flow model, estimating the future cash flows of the reporting units to which the goodwill relates and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived discount rate. In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on management’s plans for that business; business

 

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trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. Furthermore, our cash flow projections used to assess impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets are significantly influenced by our projection for the U.S. home products market, our annual operating plans finalized in the fourth quarter of each year, and our ability to execute on various planned cost reduction initiatives supporting operating income improvements. Our projection for the U.S. home products market is inherently uncertain and is subject to a number of factors, such as employment, home prices, credit availability, new home starts and the rate of home foreclosures. For the market approach, we apply market multiples for peer groups to the current operating results of the reporting units to determine each reporting unit’s fair value. The Company’s reporting units are operating segments, or one level below operating segments when appropriate. When the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we measure and recognize the amount of the goodwill impairment loss based on that difference.

The significant assumptions that are used to determine the estimated fair value for goodwill impairment testing include the following: third-party market forecasts of U.S. new home starts and home repair and remodel spending; management’s sales, operating income and cash flow forecasts; peer company EBITDA earnings multiples; the market-participant-based discount rate; and the perpetuity growth rate. Our estimates of reporting unit fair values are based on certain assumptions that may differ from our historical and future actual operating performance. Specifically, assumptions related to growth in the new construction and repair and remodel segments of the U.S. home products markets drive our forecasted sales growth. The market forecasts are developed using independent third-party forecasts from multiple sources. In addition, estimated future operating income and cash flow consider our historical performance at similar levels of sales volume and management’s future operating plans as reflected in annual and long-term plans that are reviewed and approved by management.

Purchased intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives unless those lives are determined to be indefinite. The determination of the useful life of an intangible asset other than goodwill is based on factors including historical tradename performance with respect to consumer name recognition, geographic market presence, market share, plans for ongoing tradename support and promotion, customer attrition rates, and other relevant factors. Certain of our tradenames have been assigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these tradenames will contribute cash flows to the Company indefinitely. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life is appropriate. We measure the fair value of identifiable intangible assets upon acquisition and we review for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, and whenever market or business events indicate there may be a potential impairment of that intangible. Impairment losses are recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. The significant assumptions that are used to determine the estimated fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets upon acquisition and subsequent impairment testing are forecasted revenue growth rates; the assumed royalty rate; and the market-participant discount rate. Impairment losses are recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. We measure fair value of our indefinite-lived tradenames using the standard relief-from-royalty approach which estimates the present value of royalty income that could be hypothetically earned by licensing the brand name to a third party over the remaining useful life. The determination of fair value using this technique requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to projected tradename revenue growth, the assumed royalty rate and the discount rate. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. Qualitative factors include changes in volume, customers and the industry. If it is deemed more likely than not that an intangible asset is impaired, we will perform a quantitative impairment test.

In the third quarter of 2018, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $27.1 million related to an indefinite-lived tradename in our Cabinets segment. This charge was primarily the result of reduced revenue growth expectations associated with Cabinets operations in Canada, including the announced closure of Company-owned retail locations during the third quarter of 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $35.5 million related to another indefinite-lived

 

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tradename in our Cabinets segment as part of our annual impairment testing performed in the fourth quarter. This charge was primarily the result of reduced revenue growth expectations identified during our annual planning process conducted during the fourth quarter, which includes more moderate industry growth expectations. The fair values of the impaired tradenames were measured using the relief-from-royalty approach, which estimates the present value of royalty income that could be hypothetically earned by licensing the tradename to a third party over their remaining useful life. Some of the more significant assumptions inherent in estimating the fair value include estimated future annual net sales for the tradename, assumed royalty rate, income tax rate, and a discount rate that reflects the level of risk associated with the tradename’s future sales and profitability. We selected the assumptions used in the financial forecasts using historical data, supplemented by current and anticipated market conditions, estimated growth rates, and management plans. These assumptions represent level 3 inputs of the fair value hierarchy (refer to Note 10 “Fair Value Measurements” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K). As of December 31, 2018, the carrying value of the tradenames that were impaired was $152.0 million. A further reduction in the estimated fair value of these tradenames could trigger future impairments.

In 2017 and 2016, we did not record any asset impairment charges in operating income associated with goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Defined Benefit Plans

We have a number of pension plans in the United States, covering many of the Company’s employees. In addition, the Company provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain retirees. Service cost for 2018 relates to benefit accruals in an hourly Union defined benefit plan in our Doors & Security segment. Benefit accruals under all other defined benefit pension plans were frozen as of December 31, 2016.

We recognize changes in the fair value of pension plan assets and net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the fair value of pension plan assets or each plan’s projected benefit obligation (the “corridor”) in earnings immediately upon remeasurement, which is at least annually in the fourth quarter of each year. Net actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from any of the assumptions used to value defined benefit plans or when assumptions change as they may each year. The primary factors contributing to actuarial gains and losses are changes in the discount rate used to value obligations as of the measurement date and the differences between expected and actual returns on pension plan assets. This accounting method results in the potential for volatile and difficult to forecast gains and losses. The pre-tax recognition of actuarial (gains) losses was $3.8 million, $(0.5) million and $1.9 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The total net actuarial losses in accumulated other comprehensive income for all defined benefit plans were $71.5 million as of December 31, 2018, compared to $67.4 million as of December 31, 2017.

We record amounts relating to these defined benefit plans based on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current economic conditions and trends. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans are reasonable based on our experience and on advice from our independent actuaries; however, differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions may materially affect our financial condition or results of operations. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the nature of the plans’ investments, our current asset allocation and our expectations for long-term rates of return. The weighted-average long-term expected rate of return on pension plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 6.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Compensation increases reflect expected future compensation trends. The discount rate used to measure obligations is based on a spot-rate yield curve on a plan-by-plan basis that matches projected future benefit payments with the appropriate interest rate applicable to the timing of the projected future benefit payments. The bond portfolio used for the selection of the discount rate is from the top quartile of bonds

 

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rated by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, and includes only non-callable bonds and those that are deemed to be sufficiently marketable with a Moody’s credit rating of Aa or higher. The weighted-average discount rate for defined benefit liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 4.4% and 3.8%, respectively.

For postretirement benefits, our health care trend rate assumption is based on historical cost increases and expectations for long-term increases. As of December 31, 2018, for postretirement medical and prescription drugs in the next year, our assumption was an assumed rate of increase of 6.9% for pre-65 retirees and 8.0% for post-65 retirees, declining until reaching an ultimate assumed rate of increase of 4.5% per year in 2027. As of December 31, 2017, for postretirement medical and prescription drugs in the next year, our assumption was an assumed rate of increase of 7.1% for pre-65 retirees and 8.4% for post-65 retirees, declining until reaching an ultimate assumed rate of increase of 4.5% per year in 2026.

Below is a table showing pre-tax pension and postretirement expenses, including the impact of actuarial gains and losses:

 

(In millions)		2018				2017				2016
Total pension (income) expense		$	(5.9	)		$	(2.5	)		$	6.8
Actuarial loss component of expense above			3.9				0.9				—
Total postretirement income			(0.1	)			(6.5	)			(11.3	)
Actuarial (gain) loss component of expense above			(0.1	)			(1.4	)			1.9
Amortization of prior service credit component of expense above			—				(5.1	)			(13.5	)

The actuarial losses in 2018 were principally due to lower asset returns. The actuarial gains in 2017 were principally due to our normal re-measurement of prior year defined benefit plan liabilities. The actuarial losses in 2016 were principally due to the re-measurement relating to a retiree medical plan. Discount rates in 2018 used to determine benefit obligations increased by an average of 60 basis points for pension benefits. Discount rates for 2018 postretirement benefits increased an average of 80 basis points. Discount rates in 2017 used to determine benefit obligations decreased by an average of 50 basis points for pension benefits. Discount rates for postretirement benefits remained the same in 2017 as in 2016. Discount rates in 2016 used to determine benefit obligations decreased by an average of 30 basis points for pension benefits and an average of 70 basis points for postretirement benefits. Our actual return on plan assets in 2018 was (3.5)% compared to an actuarial assumption of an average 6.0% expected return. Our actual return on plan assets in 2017 was 16.3% compared to an actuarial assumption of an average 6.4% expected return. Significant actuarial losses in future periods would be expected if discount rates decline, actual returns on plan assets are lower than our expected return, or a combination of both occurs.

A 25 basis point change in our discount rate assumption would lead to an increase or decrease in our pension and postretirement liability of approximately $23 million. A 25 basis point change in the long-term rate of return on plan assets used in accounting for our pension plans would have a $1.5 million impact on pension expense. In addition, if required, actuarial gains and losses will be recorded in accordance with our defined benefit plan accounting method as previously described. It is not possible to forecast or predict whether there will be actuarial gains and losses in future periods, and if required, the magnitude of any such adjustment. These gains and losses are driven by differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions that are beyond our control, such as changes in interest rates and the actual return on pension plan assets.

In January 2018, we adopted ASU 2017-07, which requires entities to present the defined benefit plan non-service related costs outside the operating income subtotal. The new guidance was applied retrospectively in the consolidated statement of income. As a result, we reclassified $9.6 million and

 

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$14.1 million of income from the operating income subtotal to other income, in the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The retrospective impact of adopting ASU 2017-07 is as follows:

 

(In millions)		2017				2016
Increase to cost of products sold		$	7.5			$	8.5
Increase to selling, general and administrative expenses			2.1				5.6
Decrease to operating income		$	(9.6	)		$	(14.1	)

Income Taxes

In accordance with ASC requirements for Income Taxes, we establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and subsequently adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance reducing deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.

We record liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is recognition, where we evaluate whether an individual tax position has a likelihood of greater than 50% of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions that are currently estimated to have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained, no tax benefit is recorded. For tax positions that have met the recognition threshold in the first step, we perform the second step of measuring the benefit to be recorded. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from our estimates. In future periods, changes in facts, circumstances, and new information may require us to change the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and consolidated balance sheet in the period in which such changes occur. As of December 31, 2018, we had liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions totaling $83.5 million. It is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may decrease in the range of $1.4 million to $3.5 million in the next 12 months primarily as a result of the conclusion of U.S. federal, state and foreign income tax proceedings.

The Tax Act made significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, generally providing for an exemption from federal income tax for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, and imposing a one-time transition tax on the deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings and profits as of December 31, 2017. On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued, which deals with the application of U.S. GAAP to situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we calculated our best estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on our 2017 effective income tax rate. As a result, the Company recorded a provisional net benefit of $25.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the Tax Act was enacted. This provisional amount included an estimated reduction in the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities of $62.4 million resulting from the decrease in the federal income tax rate; an estimated deemed repatriation tax liability of $28.5 million; and an estimated net increase to our provision for taxes on foreign earnings not considered permanently reinvested of $8.2 million. In the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company completed its analysis in conjunction with the SAB 118 measurement period ending on December 22, 2018. The total tax provision impact for the year ended December 31, 2018 was an unfavorable adjustment of $5.5 million related primarily to certain deferred tax assets and liabilities.

The Tax Act included a provision for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI), the Company elected an accounting policy to treat GILTI as a period cost when incurred. The GILTI provision is effective for taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after December 31, 2017.

 

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Customer Program Costs

Customer programs and incentives are a common practice in our businesses. Our businesses incur customer program costs to obtain favorable product placement, to promote sales of products and to maintain competitive pricing. We record estimates to reduce revenue for customer programs and incentives, which are considered variable consideration, and include price discounts, volume-based incentives, promotions and cooperative advertising when revenue is recognized in order to determine the amount of consideration the Company will ultimately be entitled to receive. These estimates are based on historical and projected experience for each type of customer. In addition, for certain customer program incentives, we receive an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration given and record the associated expenditure in selling, general and administrative expenses. Volume allowances are accrued based on management’s estimates of customer volume achievement and other factors incorporated into customer agreements, such as new products, store sell-through, merchandising support, levels of returns and customer training. Management periodically reviews accruals for these rebates and allowances, and adjusts accruals when circumstances indicate (typically as a result of a change in volume expectations). The costs typically recognized in “selling, general and administrative expenses” include product displays, point of sale materials and media production costs.

Litigation Contingencies

Our businesses are subject to risks related to threatened or pending litigation and are routinely defendants in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of business. Liabilities and costs associated with litigation-related loss contingencies require estimates and judgments based on our knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding each matter and the advice of our legal counsel. We record liabilities for litigation-related losses when a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss in accordance with ASC requirements for Contingencies. We evaluate the measurement of recorded liabilities each reporting period based on the then-current facts and circumstances specific to each matter. The ultimate losses incurred upon final resolution of litigation-related loss contingencies may differ materially from the estimated liability recorded at any particular balance sheet date. Changes in estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which such changes occur.

Environmental Matters

We are involved in remediation activities to clean up hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Liabilities for remediation costs of each site are based on our best estimate of undiscounted future costs, excluding possible insurance recoveries or recoveries from other third parties. Uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, technology and information related to individual sites make it difficult to develop estimates of environmental remediation exposures. Some of the potential liabilities relate to sites we own, and some relate to sites we no longer own or never owned. Several of our subsidiaries have been designated as potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) under “Superfund” or similar state laws. As of December 31, 2018, ten such instances have not been dismissed, settled or otherwise resolved. In 2018, none of our subsidiaries were identified as a PRP in a new instance and no instances were settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved. In most instances where our subsidiaries are named as a PRP, we enter into cost-sharing arrangements with other PRPs. We give notice to insurance carriers of potential PRP liability, but very rarely, if ever, receive reimbursement from insurance for PRP costs. We believe that the cost of complying with the present environmental protection laws, before considering estimated recoveries either from other PRPs or insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had accruals of $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, relating to environmental compliance and cleanup including, but not limited to, the above mentioned Superfund sites.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates

 

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and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The counterparties are major financial institutions.

Interest Rate Risk

A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates affecting the Company’s external variable rate borrowings as of December 31, 2018, would be $8.5 million on a pre-tax basis.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

We enter into forward foreign exchange contracts principally to hedge currency fluctuations in transactions denominated in certain foreign currencies, thereby limiting our risk that would otherwise result from changes in exchange rates. The periods of the forward foreign exchange contracts correspond to the periods of the hedged transactions.

The estimated fair value of foreign currency contracts represents the amount required to enter into offsetting contracts with similar remaining maturities based on quoted market prices.

The estimated potential loss under foreign exchange contracts from movement in foreign exchange rates would not have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. As part of our risk management procedure, we use a value-at-risk (“VAR”) sensitivity analysis model to estimate the maximum potential economic loss from adverse changes in foreign exchange rates over a one-day period given a 95% confidence level. The VAR model uses historical foreign exchange rates to estimate the volatility and correlation of these rates in future periods. The estimated maximum one-day loss in the fair value of the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts using the VAR model was $0.8 million at December 31, 2018. The 95% confidence interval signifies our degree of confidence that actual losses under foreign exchange contracts would not exceed the estimated losses. The amounts disregard the possibility that foreign currency exchange rates could move in our favor. The VAR model assumes that all movements in the foreign exchange rates will be adverse. These amounts should not be considered projections of future losses, since actual results may differ significantly depending upon activity in the global financial markets. The VAR model is a risk analysis tool and should not be construed as an endorsement of the VAR model or the accuracy of the related assumptions.

Commodity Price Risk

We are subject to commodity price volatility caused by weather, supply conditions, geopolitical and economic variables, and other unpredictable external factors. From time to time, we use derivative contracts to manage our exposure to commodity price volatility.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

Consolidated Statements of Income		Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

		For years ended December 31
(In millions, except per share amounts)		2018				2017				2016
NET SALES		$	5,485.1			$	5,283.3			$	4,984.9
Cost of products sold			3,525.7				3,358.3				3,188.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses			1,241.4				1,196.9				1,135.5
Amortization of intangible assets			36.1				31.7				28.1
Loss on sale of product line (see Note 4)			—				2.4				—
Asset impairment charges			62.6				3.2				—
Restructuring charges			24.1				8.3				13.9
OPERATING INCOME			595.2				682.5				618.6
Interest expense			74.5				49.4				49.1
Other income, net			(16.3	)			(1.7	)			(12.6	)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			537.0				634.8				582.1
Income taxes			147.0				159.5				169.7
Income from continuing operations, net of tax			390.0				475.3				412.4
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax			(0.2	)			(2.6	)			0.8
NET INCOME			389.8				472.7				413.2
Less: Noncontrolling interests			0.2				0.1				—
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO FORTUNE BRANDS		$	389.6			$	472.6			$	413.2
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Continuing operations		$	2.69			$	3.10			$	2.67
Discontinuing operations			—				(0.02	)			0.01
Net income attributable to Fortune Brands common shareholders		$	2.69			$	3.08			$	2.68
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Continuing operations		$	2.66			$	3.05			$	2.61
Discontinuing operations			—				(0.02	)			0.01
Net income attributable to Fortune Brands common shareholders		$	2.66			$	3.03			$	2.62
Basic average number of shares outstanding			144.6				153.2				154.3
Diluted average number of shares outstanding			146.4				155.8				157.8

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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