UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10–K
R | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2016
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For The Transition Period From ________ To
Commission File Number 1-5097
JOHNSON CONTROLS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Wisconsin | 39-0380010 | |
(State of Incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
5757 North Green Bay Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 53209 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(414) 524-1200
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes R No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No R
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 R No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes R 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, or a non-accelerated filer. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | R | Accelerated filer | ¨ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | Smaller reporting company | ¨ | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No R
Johnson Controls, Inc. meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format. Items 1, 2 and 7 have been reduced and Items 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 have been omitted in accordance with Instruction I.
JOHNSON CONTROLS, INC.
Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K
Year Ended September 30, 2016
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Unless otherwise indicated, references to "Johnson Controls," the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K refer to Johnson Controls, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
The Company has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are, or could be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this document, statements regarding future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, synergies and integration opportunities, capital expenditures and debt levels are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Johnson Controls’ control, that could cause Johnson Controls’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: any delay or inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions such as the Merger with Tyco and the spin-off of Adient, changes in tax laws, regulations, rates, policies or interpretations, the loss of key senior management, the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions, significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions, the outcome of actual or potential litigation relating to such transactions, the risk that disruptions from recent transactions will harm Johnson Controls’ business, the strength of the U.S. or other economies, automotive vehicle production levels, mix and schedules, energy and commodity prices, the availability of raw materials and component products, currency exchange rates, and cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Johnson Controls’ business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" (refer to Part I, Item 1A, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Johnson Controls assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document.
PART I
ITEM 1 | BUSINESS |
General
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The Company creates quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and seating and interior systems for automobiles.
Johnson Controls was originally incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1885 as Johnson Electric Service Company to manufacture, install and service automatic temperature regulation systems for buildings. The Company was renamed to Johnson Controls, Inc. in 1974. In 1978, the Company acquired Globe-Union, Inc., a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of automotive batteries for both the replacement and original equipment markets. The Company entered the automotive seating industry in 1985 with the acquisition of Michigan-based Hoover Universal, Inc. In 2005, the Company acquired York International, a global supplier of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment and services. In 2014, the Company acquired Air Distribution Technologies, Inc. (ADTi), one of the largest independent providers of air distribution and ventilation products in North America.
The Company is going through a multi-year portfolio transformation. Included in this transformation are several strategic transactions including the divestiture of its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business and the contribution of its Automotive Experience Interiors business to the newly created joint venture with Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems, both of which occurred during fiscal 2015. On October 1, 2015, the Company formed a joint venture with Hitachi to expand its Building Efficiency product offerings.
On September 2, 2016, the Company and Tyco International plc (“Tyco”) completed their combination pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of January 24, 2016, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 1, 2016, by and among the Company, Tyco and certain other parties named therein, including Jagara Merger Sub LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Tyco (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on September 2, 2016, Merger Sub merged with and into the Company, with the Company being the surviving corporation in the merger and a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Tyco (the “Merger”). Following the Merger, Tyco changed its name to Johnson Controls International plc ("JCI plc").
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On October 31, 2016, the JCI plc completed the spin-off of its Automotive Experience business by way of the transfer of the Automotive Experience Business from JCI plc to Adient plc and the issuance of ordinary shares of Adient directly to holders of JCI plc ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. Prior to the open of business on October 31, 2016, each of the JCI plc's shareholders received one ordinary share of Adient plc for every 10 ordinary shares of JCI plc held as of the close of business on October 19, 2016, the record date for the distribution. JCI plc shareholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares of Adient, if any. Following the separation and distribution, Adient plc is now an independent public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "ADNT." Neither the Company nor JCI plc retained any equity interest in Adient plc.
The Building Efficiency business is a global market leader in designing, producing, marketing and installing integrated heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, building management systems, controls, security and mechanical equipment. In addition, the Building Efficiency business provides technical services and energy management consulting. The Company also provides residential air conditioning and heating systems and industrial refrigeration products.
The Automotive Experience business is one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, providing innovative seating and interior systems through our design and engineering expertise. The Company’s technologies extend into virtually every area of the interior including seating, door systems, floor consoles and instrument panels. Customers include most of the world’s major automakers.
The Power Solutions business is a leading global supplier of lead-acid automotive batteries for virtually every type of passenger car, light truck and utility vehicle. The Company serves both automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the general vehicle battery aftermarket. The Company also supplies advanced battery technologies to power start-stop, hybrid and electric vehicles.
Financial Information About Business Segments
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. In applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company has determined that it has seven reportable segments for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s seven reportable segments are presented in the context of its three primary businesses - Building Efficiency, Automotive Experience and Power Solutions.
Refer to Note 18, "Segment Information," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for financial information about business segments.
For the purpose of the following discussion of the Company’s businesses, the four Building Efficiency reportable segments and the two Automotive Experience reportable segments are presented together due to their similar customers and the similar nature of their products, production processes and distribution channels.
Products/Systems and Services
Building Efficiency
Building Efficiency is a global leader in delivering integrated control systems, mechanical equipment, products and services designed to improve the comfort, safety and energy efficiency of non-residential buildings and residential properties with operations in 53 countries. Revenues come from technical services, and the replacement and upgrade of HVAC controls and mechanical equipment in the existing buildings market, where the Company’s large base of current customers leads to repeat business, as well as with installing controls and equipment during the construction of new buildings. Customer relationships often span entire building lifecycles.
Building Efficiency sells its control systems, mechanical equipment and services primarily through the Company’s extensive global network of sales and service offices. Some building controls, products and mechanical systems are sold to distributors of air-conditioning, refrigeration and commercial heating systems throughout the world. In fiscal 2016, approximately 72% of Building Efficiency’s sales were derived from HVAC products and installed control systems for construction and retrofit markets, including 11% of total sales related to new commercial construction. Approximately 28% of its sales in fiscal 2016 originated from its service offerings. In fiscal 2016, Building Efficiency accounted for 36% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
The Company’s systems include York® chillers, industrial refrigeration products, air handlers and other HVAC mechanical equipment that provide heating and cooling in non-residential buildings. The Metasys® control system monitors and integrates HVAC equipment with other critical building systems to maximize comfort while reducing energy and operating costs. The Company also produces air conditioning and heating equipment and products, including Titus® and Ruskin® brands, for the residential market. As the largest global supplier of HVAC technical services, Building Efficiency staffs, optimizes and repairs
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building systems made by the Company and its competitors. The Company offers a wide range of solutions such as performance contracting under which guaranteed energy savings are used by the customer to fund project costs over a number of years.
Automotive Experience
Automotive Experience designs and manufactures interior products and systems for passenger cars and light trucks, including vans, pick-up trucks and sport/crossover utility vehicles. The business produces automotive interior systems for OEMs and operates approximately 243 wholly- and majority-owned manufacturing or assembly plants, with operations in 33 countries worldwide. Beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Automotive Experience Interiors business is predominantly in an unconsolidated partially-owned affiliate. Additionally, the business has other partially-owned affiliates in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.
Automotive Experience products and systems include complete seating systems and interior components, including instrument panels, floor consoles, and door systems. In fiscal 2016, Automotive Experience accounted for 46% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
The business operates assembly plants that supply automotive OEMs with complete seats on a "just-in-time/in-sequence" basis. Seats are assembled to specific order and delivered on a predetermined schedule directly to an automotive assembly line. Certain of the business’s other automotive interior systems are also supplied on a "just-in-time/in-sequence" basis. Foam, metal and plastic seating components, seat covers, seat mechanisms and other components are shipped to these plants from the business’s production facilities or outside suppliers.
Power Solutions
Power Solutions services both automotive OEMs and the battery aftermarket by providing energy storage technology, coupled with systems engineering, marketing and service expertise. The Company is the largest producer of lead-acid automotive batteries in the world, producing and distributing approximately 152 million lead-acid batteries annually in approximately 69 wholly- and majority-owned manufacturing or assembly plants, distribution centers and sales offices in 19 countries worldwide. Investments in new product and process technology have expanded product offerings to absorbent glass mat (AGM) and enhanced flooded battery (EFB) technologies that power start-stop vehicles, as well as lithium-ion battery technology for certain hybrid and electric vehicles. The business has also invested to develop sustainable lead and poly recycling operations in the North American and European markets. Approximately 75% of unit sales worldwide in fiscal 2016 were to the automotive replacement market, with the remaining sales to the OEM market.
Power Solutions accounted for 18% of the Company’s fiscal 2016 consolidated net sales. Batteries and key components are manufactured at wholly- and majority-owned plants in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
Competition
Building Efficiency
The Building Efficiency business conducts its operations through thousands of individual contracts that are either negotiated or awarded on a competitive basis. Key factors in the award of contracts include system and service performance, quality, price, design, reputation, technology, application engineering capability and construction or project management expertise. Competitors for HVAC equipment and controls in the residential and non-residential marketplace include many regional, national and international providers; larger competitors include Honeywell International, Inc.; Siemens Building Technologies, an operating group of Siemens AG; Schneider Electric SA; Carrier Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation; Trane Incorporated, a subsidiary of Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited; Daikin Industries, Ltd.; Lennox International, Inc.; GC Midea Holding Co, Ltd.; Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. and Greenheck Fan Corporation. In addition to HVAC equipment, Building Efficiency competes in a highly fragmented HVAC services market, which is dominated by local providers. The loss of any individual contract would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Automotive Experience
The Automotive Experience business faces competition from other automotive suppliers and, with respect to certain products, from the automobile OEMs who produce or have the capability to produce certain products the business supplies. The automotive supply industry competes on the basis of technology, quality, reliability of supply and price. Design, engineering and product planning are increasingly important factors. Independent suppliers that represent the principal Automotive Experience Seating
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competitors include Lear Corporation, Faurecia SA and Magna International Inc. The Automotive Experience Interiors business primarily competes with Faurecia SA, Grupo Antolin - Irausa SA and International Automotive Components Group SA.
Power Solutions
Power Solutions is the principal supplier of batteries to many of the largest merchants in the battery aftermarket, including Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Robert Bosch GmbH, DAISA S.A., Costco, NAPA, O’Reilly/CSK, Interstate Battery System of America, Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Wal-Mart stores. Automotive batteries are sold throughout the world under private labels and under the Company’s brand names (Optima®, Varta®, LTH® and Heliar®) to automotive replacement battery retailers and distributors and to automobile manufacturers as original equipment. The Power Solutions business competes with a number of major U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturers and distributors of lead-acid batteries, as well as a large number of smaller, regional competitors. The Power Solutions business primarily competes in the battery market with Exide Technologies, GS Yuasa Corporation, Camel Group Company Limited, East Penn Manufacturing Company and Banner Batteries GB Limited. The North American, European and Asian lead-acid battery markets are highly competitive. The manufacturers in these markets compete on price, quality, technical innovation, service and warranty.
Backlog
The Company’s backlog relating to the Building Efficiency business is applicable to its sales of systems and services. At September 30, 2016, the backlog was $4.8 billion, the majority of which relates to fiscal 2017. The backlog amount outstanding at any given time is not necessarily indicative of the amount of revenue to be earned in the upcoming fiscal year.
Raw Materials
Raw materials used by the businesses in connection with their operations, including lead, steel, tin, aluminum, urethane chemicals, copper, sulfuric acid and polypropylene, were readily available during fiscal 2016, and the Company expects such availability to continue. In fiscal 2017, commodity prices could fluctuate throughout the year and could significantly affect the results of operations.
Intellectual Property
Generally, the Company seeks statutory protection for strategic or financially important intellectual property developed in connection with its business. Certain intellectual property, where appropriate, is protected by contracts, licenses, confidentiality or other agreements.
The Company owns numerous U.S. and non-U.S. patents (and their respective counterparts), the more important of which cover those technologies and inventions embodied in current products or which are used in the manufacture of those products. While the Company believes patents are important to its business operations and in the aggregate constitute a valuable asset, no single patent, or group of patents, is critical to the success of the business. The Company, from time to time, grants licenses under its patents and technology and receives licenses under patents and technology of others.
The Company’s trademarks, certain of which are material to its business, are registered or otherwise legally protected in the U.S. and many non-U.S. countries where products and services of the Company are sold. The Company, from time to time, becomes involved in trademark licensing transactions.
Most works of authorship produced for the Company, such as computer programs, catalogs and sales literature, carry appropriate notices indicating the Company’s claim to copyright protection under U.S. law and appropriate international treaties.
Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
Laws addressing the protection of the environment (environmental laws) and workers’ safety and health (worker safety laws) govern the Company’s ongoing global operations. They generally provide for civil and criminal penalties, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance or require remediation of sites where Company-related materials have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with environmental laws and worker safety laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. Certain of the Company’s businesses are, or have been, engaged in the handling or use of substances that may impact workplace health and safety or the environment. The Company is committed to protecting its workers and the environment against the risks associated with these substances.
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The Company’s operations and facilities have been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings for noncompliance with environmental laws and worker safety laws or for the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and, in some cases, payment of penalties. Historically, neither such commitments nor such penalties have been material. (See Item 3, "Legal Proceedings," of this report for a discussion of the Company’s potential environmental liabilities.)
Environmental Capital Expenditures
The Company’s ongoing environmental compliance program often results in capital expenditures. Environmental considerations are a part of all significant capital expenditure decisions; however, expenditures in fiscal 2016 related solely to environmental compliance were not material. It is management’s opinion that the amount of any future capital expenditures related solely to environmental compliance will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results or competitive position in any one year.
Employees
As of September 30, 2016, the Company employed approximately 154,000 people worldwide, of which approximately 40,000 were employed in the United States and approximately 114,000 were outside the United States. Approximately 20,000 employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or works councils and we believe that our relations with the labor unions are generally good.
Seasonal Factors
Certain of Building Efficiency's sales are seasonal as the demand for residential air conditioning equipment generally increases in the summer months. This seasonality is mitigated by the other products and services provided by the Building Efficiency business that have no material seasonal effect.
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
Refer to Note 18, "Segment Information," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for financial information about geographic areas.
Research and Development Expenditures
Refer to Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for research and development expenditures.
Available Information
The Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, definitive proxy statements on Schedule 14A, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are made available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s Internet website at http://www.johnsoncontrols.com as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. Copies of any materials the Company files with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy at 1-800-732-0330. The Company also makes available, free of charge, its Ethics Policy, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Board of Directors committee charters and other information related to the Company on the Company’s Internet website or in printed form upon request. The Company is not including the information contained on the Company’s website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS
Risks Relating to Business Operations
General economic, credit and capital market conditions could adversely affect our financial performance, our ability to grow or sustain our businesses and our ability to access the capital markets.
We compete around the world in various geographic regions and product markets. Global economic conditions affect each of our primary businesses. As we discuss in greater detail in the specific risk factors for each of our businesses that appear below, any future financial distress in the industries and/or markets where we compete could negatively affect our revenues and financial performance in future periods, result in future restructuring charges, and adversely impact our ability to grow or sustain our businesses.
The capital and credit markets provide us with liquidity to operate and grow our businesses beyond the liquidity that operating cash flows provide. A worldwide economic downturn and/or disruption of the credit markets could reduce our access to capital necessary for our operations and executing our strategic plan. If our access to capital were to become significantly constrained, or if costs of capital increased significantly due to lowered credit ratings, prevailing industry conditions, the volatility of the capital markets or other factors; then our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Some of the industries in which we operate are cyclical and, accordingly, demand for our products and services could be adversely affected by downturns in these industries.
Much of the demand for installation of HVAC is driven by commercial and residential construction and industrial facility expansion and maintenance projects. Commercial and residential construction projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for commercial and residential real estate and availability of credit. Commercial and residential real estate markets are prone to significant fluctuations in supply and demand. In addition, most commercial and residential real estate developers rely heavily on project financing in order to initiate and complete projects. Declines in real estate values could lead to significant reductions in the availability of project financing, even in markets where demand may otherwise be sufficient to support new construction. These factors could in turn hamper demand for new HVAC installations.
Levels of industrial capital expenditures for facility expansions and maintenance turn on general economic conditions, economic conditions within specific industries we serve, expectations of future market behavior and available financing. Additionally, volatility in commodity prices can negatively affect the level of these activities and can result in postponement of capital spending decisions or the delay or cancellation of existing orders.
The businesses of many of our industrial customers, particularly oil and gas companies, chemical and petrochemical companies, mining and general industrial companies, are to varying degrees cyclical and have experienced periodic downturns. During such economic downturns, customers in these industries historically have tended to delay major capital projects, including greenfield construction, maintenance projects and upgrades. Additionally, demand for our products and services may be affected by volatility in energy and commodity prices and fluctuating demand forecasts, as our customers may be more conservative in their capital planning, which may reduce demand for our products and services. Although our industrial customers tend to be less dependent on project financing than real estate developers, disruptions in financial markets and banking systems could make credit and capital markets difficult for our customers to access, and could raise the cost of new debt for our customers to prohibitive levels. Any difficulty in accessing these markets and the increased associated costs can have a negative effect on investment in large capital projects, including necessary maintenance and upgrades, even during periods of favorable end-market conditions.
Many of our customers outside of the industrial and commercial sectors, including governmental and institutional customers, have experienced budgetary constraints as sources of revenue have been negatively impacted by adverse economic conditions. These budgetary constraints have in the past and may in the future reduce demand for our products and services among governmental and institutional customers.
Reduced demand for our products and services could result in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or lead to excess capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed costs. This reduced demand may also erode average selling prices in the industries we serve. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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Decreased demand from our customers in the automotive industry may adversely affect our results of operations.
Our financial performance in the Power Solutions business depends, in part, on conditions in the automotive industry. Sales to OEMs accounted for approximately 25% of the total sales of the Power Solutions business in fiscal 2016. Declines in the North American, European and Asian automotive production levels could reduce our sales and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, if any OEMs reach a point where they cannot fund their operations, we may incur write-offs of accounts receivable, incur impairment charges or require additional restructuring actions beyond our current restructuring plans, which, if significant, would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
An inability to successfully respond to competition and pricing pressure from other companies in the Power Solutions business may adversely impact our business.
Our Power Solutions business competes with a number of major U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturers and distributors of lead-acid batteries, as well as a large number of smaller, regional competitors. The North American, European and Asian lead-acid battery markets are highly competitive. The manufacturers in these markets compete on price, quality, technical innovation, service and warranty. If we are unable to remain competitive and maintain market share in the regions and markets we serve, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Volatility in commodity prices may adversely affect our results of operations.
Increases in commodity costs can negatively impact the profitability of orders in backlog as prices on such orders are typically fixed; therefore, in the short-term we cannot adjust for changes in certain commodity prices. In these cases, if we are not able to recover commodity cost increases through price increases to our customers on new orders, then such increases will have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Additionally, unfavorability in our hedging programs during a period of declining commodity prices could result in lower margins as we reduce prices to match the market on a fixed commodity cost level.
In our Power Solutions business, lead is a major component of lead-acid batteries, and the price of lead may be highly volatile. We attempt to manage the impact of changing lead prices through the recycling of used batteries returned to us by our aftermarket customers, commercial terms and commodity hedging programs. Our ability to mitigate the impact of lead price changes can be impacted by many factors, including customer negotiations, inventory level fluctuations and sales volume/mix changes, any of which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Additionally, the prices of other commodities, primarily fuel, acid, resin and tin, may be volatile. If other commodity prices rise, and if we are not able to recover these cost increases through price increases to our customers, such increases will have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Moreover, the implementation of any price increases to our customers could negatively impact the demand for our products.
We rely on our global direct installation channel for a significant portion of our revenue. Failure to maintain and grow the installed base resulting from direct channel sales could adversely affect our business.
Unlike many of our competitors, the Company relies on a direct sales channel for a substantial portion of our revenue. The direct channel provides for the installation of HVAC equipment manufactured by the Company. This represents a significant distribution channel for our products, creates a large installed base of our HVAC equipment, and creates opportunities for longer term service revenue. If we are unable to maintain or grow this installation business, whether due to changes in economic conditions, a failure to anticipate changing customer needs, a failure to introduce innovative or technologically advanced solutions, or for any other reason, our installation revenue could decline, which could in turn adversely impact our product pull through and our ability to grow service revenue.
Our future growth is dependent upon our ability to develop or acquire new technologies that achieve market acceptance with acceptable margins.
Our future success depends on our ability to develop or acquire, manufacture and bring competitive, and increasingly complex, products and services to market quickly and cost-effectively. Our ability to develop or acquire new products and services requires the investment of significant resources. These acquisitions and development efforts divert resources from other potential investments in our businesses, and they may not lead to the development of new technologies, products or services on a timely basis. Moreover, as we introduce new products, we may be unable to detect and correct defects in the design of a product or in its application to a specified use, which could result in loss of sales or delays in market acceptance. Even after introduction, new or enhanced products may not satisfy customer preferences and product failures may cause customers to reject our products. As a result, these products may not achieve market acceptance and our brand image could suffer. In addition, the markets for our products
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and services may not develop or grow as we anticipate. As a result, the failure of our technology, products or services to gain market acceptance, the potential for product defects, product quality issues, or the obsolescence of our products and services could significantly reduce our revenues, increase our operating costs or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks associated with our non-U.S. operations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have significant operations in a number of countries outside the U.S., some of which are located in emerging markets. Long-term economic uncertainty in some of the regions of the world in which we operate, such as Asia, South America, the Middle East, Europe and emerging markets, could result in the disruption of markets and negatively affect cash flows from our operations to cover our capital needs and debt service requirements.
In addition, as a result of our global presence, a significant portion of our revenues and expenses is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We are therefore subject to foreign currency risks and foreign exchange exposure. While we employ financial instruments to hedge some of our transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate us completely from those exposures. For example, the announcement of the United Kingdom’s decision to exit the European Union caused significant volatility in currency exchange rates, especially between the U.S. dollar and British pound sterling. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar could reduce our profit margin in various locations outside of the U.S. and adversely impact the comparability of results from period to period.
There are other risks that are inherent in our non-U.S. operations, including the potential for changes in socio-economic conditions, laws and regulations, including import, export, labor and environmental laws, and monetary and fiscal policies; protectionist measures that may prohibit acquisitions or joint ventures, or impact trade volumes; unsettled political conditions; government-imposed plant or other operational shutdowns; backlash from foreign labor organizations related to our restructuring actions; corruption; natural and man-made disasters, hazards and losses; violence, civil and labor unrest, and possible terrorist attacks.
These and other factors may have a material adverse effect on our non-U.S. operations and therefore on our business and results of operations.
Our businesses operate in regulated industries and are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws and regulations.
Our operations and employees are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local licensing laws, codes and standards and other laws and regulations. Changes in laws or regulations could require us to change the way we operate or to utilize resources to maintain compliance, which could increase costs or otherwise disrupt operations. In addition, failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations could result in substantial fines or revocation of our operating permits and licenses. If laws and regulations were to change or if we or our products failed to comply, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Due to the international scope of our operations, the system of laws and regulations to which we are subject is complex and includes regulations issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control and various non U.S. governmental agencies, including applicable export controls, customs, currency exchange control and transfer pricing regulations, and laws regulating the foreign ownership of assets. No assurances can be made that we will continue to be found to be operating in compliance with, or be able to detect violations of, any such laws or regulations. In addition, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted.
We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws around the world.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA"), the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials or other persons for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement activity, with more frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both U.S. and non-U.S. regulators, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world that are recognized as having governmental and commercial corruption and local customs and practices that can be inconsistent with anti-bribery laws. We cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures will always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or third party
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intermediaries. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees or agents have or may have violated applicable anti-corruption laws, we may be required to investigate or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be expensive and require significant time and attention from senior management. Violations of these laws may result in criminal or civil sanctions, which could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations or financial condition.
As previously reported, we and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) resolved alleged FCPA violations related to the Building Efficiency marine business in China dating back to 2007, which the Company had self-reported to the SEC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in June 2013, and we are subject to a Cease and Desist Order (“Order”) issued by the SEC related to this matter that requires us to make certain reports to the SEC over a one year period. Notwithstanding the resolution of this matter with the SEC, we may be subject to allegations of FCPA or similar bribery violations in the future and we may be subject to commercial impacts such as lost revenue from customers who decline to do business with us as a result of these compliance matters. If so, or if we are unable to comply with the provisions of the Order and other agreements, we may be subject to additional investigation or enforcement by the SEC, DOJ or other governmental agencies. In such a case, we could be subject to material fines, injunctions on future conduct, the imposition of a compliance monitor, or suffer other criminal or civil penalties or adverse impacts, including being subject to lawsuits brought by private litigants, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to risks arising from regulations applicable to companies doing business with the U.S. government.
Our customers include many U.S. Federal, state and local government authorities. Doing business with the U.S. government and state and local authorities subjects us to unusual risks, including dependence on the level of government spending and compliance with and changes in governmental procurement and security regulations. Agreements relating to the sale of products to government entities may be subject to termination, reduction or modification, either at the convenience of the government or for failure to perform under the applicable contract. We are subject to potential government investigations of business practices and compliance with government procurement and security regulations, which can be expensive and burdensome. If we were charged with wrongdoing as a result of an investigation, we could be suspended from bidding on or receiving awards of new government contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. In addition, various U.S. federal and state legislative proposals have been made that would deny governmental contracts to U.S. companies that have moved their corporate location abroad. We are unable to predict the likelihood that, or final form in which, any such proposed legislation might become law, the nature of regulations that may be promulgated under any future legislative enactments, or the effect such enactments and increased regulatory scrutiny may have on our business.
Infringement or expiration of our intellectual property rights, or allegations that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of third parties, could negatively affect us.
We rely on a combination of trademarks, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, know-how, confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We cannot guarantee, however, that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property will be adequate to prevent infringement of our rights or misappropriation of our technology, trade secrets or know-how. For example, effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in some of the countries in which we operate. In addition, while we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties to protect our trade secrets, know-how, business strategy and other proprietary information, such confidentiality agreements could be breached or otherwise may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets and know-how related to the design, manufacture or operation of our products. If it became necessary for us to resort to litigation to protect our intellectual property rights, any proceedings could be burdensome and costly, and we may not prevail. Further, adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets and manufacturing expertise. Finally, for those products in our portfolio that rely on patent protection, once a patent has expired, the product is generally open to competition. Products under patent protection usually generate significantly higher revenues than those not protected by patents. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could suffer, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to claims of intellectual property infringement by third parties, including practicing entities and non-practicing entities. Regardless of the merit of such claims, responding to infringement claims can be expensive and time-consuming, and the litigation process is subject to inherent uncertainties, and we may not prevail in litigation matters regardless of the merits of our position. Intellectual property lawsuits or claims may become extremely disruptive if the plaintiffs succeed in blocking the trade of our products and services and they may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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Global climate change could negatively affect our business.
Increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change may result in more regional and/or federal requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate legislation, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. Such regulatory uncertainty extends to incentives, that if discontinued, could adversely impact the demand for energy efficient buildings and batteries for energy efficient vehicles, and could increase costs of compliance. These factors may impact the demand for our products, obsolescence of our products and our results of operations.
There is a growing consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are linked to global climate changes. Climate changes, such as extreme weather conditions, create financial risk to our business. For example, the demand for our products and services, such as residential air conditioning equipment and automotive replacement batteries, may be affected by unseasonable weather conditions. Climate changes could also disrupt our operations by impacting the availability and cost of materials needed for manufacturing and could increase insurance and other operating costs. These factors may impact our decisions to construct new facilities or maintain existing facilities in areas most prone to physical climate risks. The Company could also face indirect financial risks passed through the supply chain, and process disruptions due to physical climate changes could result in price modifications for our products and the resources needed to produce them.
Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs
We have projects underway at multiple current and former manufacturing facilities to investigate and remediate environmental contamination resulting from past operations by us or by other businesses that previously owned or used the properties. These projects relate to a variety of activities, including solvent, oil, metal, lead and other hazardous substance contamination cleanup; and structure decontamination and demolition, including asbestos abatement. Because of uncertainties associated with environmental regulation and environmental remediation activities at sites where we may be liable, future expenses that we may incur to remediate identified sites could be considerably higher than the current accrued liability on our consolidated statements of financial position, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We are subject to requirements relating to environmental and safety regulations and environmental remediation matters, including those related to the manufacturing and recycling of lead-acid batteries, which could adversely affect our business, results of operation and reputation.
We are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, solid and hazardous waste storage, treatment and disposal, and remediation of releases of hazardous materials, including as it pertains to lead, the primary material used in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries. There are significant capital, operating and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations may become more stringent in the future, which could increase costs of compliance or require us to manufacture with alternative technologies and materials.
Federal, state and local authorities also regulate a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, health, safety and permitting in addition to the environmental matters discussed above. New legislation and regulations may require the Company to make material changes to its operations, resulting in significant increases to the cost of production.
We are party to asbestos-related product litigation that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We and certain of our subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases typically involve product liability claims based primarily on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos containing components. We cannot predict with certainty the extent to which we will be successful in litigating or otherwise resolving lawsuits in the future and we continue to evaluate different strategies related to asbestos claims filed against us including entity restructuring and judicial relief. Unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The amounts we have recorded for asbestos-related liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position are based on our current strategy for resolving asbestos claims, currently available information, and a number of variables, estimates and assumptions. Key variables and assumptions include the number and type of new claims that are filed each year, the average cost of resolution of claims and the identity of defendants. Many of these factors are closely linked, such that a change in one variable or assumption will impact one or more of the others, and no single variable or assumption predominately influences the determination of the Company's asbestos-related liabilities. Furthermore, predictions with respect to these variables are subject to greater
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uncertainty in the later portion of the projection period. Other factors that may affect the Company's liability and cash payments for asbestos-related matters include uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, reforms of state or federal tort legislation. As a result, actual liabilities could be significantly higher or lower than those recorded if assumptions used in our calculations vary significantly from actual results. If actual liabilities are significantly higher than those recorded, the cost of resolving such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Risks related to our defined benefit retirement plans may adversely impact our results of operations and cash flow.
Significant changes in actual investment return on defined benefit plan assets, discount rates, mortality assumptions and other factors could adversely affect our results of operations and the amounts of contributions we must make to our defined benefit plans in future periods. Because we mark-to-market our defined benefit plan assets and liabilities on an annual basis, large non-cash gains or losses could be recorded in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. require that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and interest rates, which may change based on economic conditions. Funding requirements for our defined benefit plans are dependent upon, among other factors, interest rates, underlying asset returns and the impact of legislative or regulatory changes related to defined benefit funding obligations. For a discussion regarding the significant assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, refer to "Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies" included in Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
We may be unable to realize the expected benefits of our restructuring actions, which could adversely affect our profitability and operations.
To align our resources with our growth strategies, operate more efficiently and control costs, we periodically announce restructuring plans, which may include workforce reductions, global plant closures and consolidations, asset impairments and other cost reduction initiatives. We may undertake additional restructuring actions and workforce reductions in the future. As these plans and actions are complex, unforeseen factors could result in expected savings and benefits to be delayed or not realized to the full extent planned, and our operations and business may be disrupted.
Negative or unexpected tax consequences could adversely affect our results of operations.
Adverse changes in the underlying profitability and financial outlook of our operations in several jurisdictions could lead to additional changes in our valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and other tax reserves on our statement of financial position, and the future sale of certain businesses could potentially result in the repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, changes in tax laws in the U.S., Ireland or in other countries where we have significant operations could materially affect deferred tax assets and liabilities on our consolidated statements of financial position and our income tax provision in our consolidated statements of income.
We are also subject to tax audits by governmental authorities. Negative unexpected results from one or more such tax audits could adversely affect our results of operations.
Legal proceedings in which we are, or may be, a party may adversely affect us.
We are currently and may in the future become subject to legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes. These are typically claims that arise in the normal course of business including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes with our suppliers, intellectual property matters, third party liability, including product liability claims and employment claims. There is a possibility that such claims may have an adverse impact on our results of operations that is greater than we anticipate and/or negatively affect our reputation.
A downgrade in the ratings of our debt could restrict our ability to access the debt capital markets and increase our interest costs.
Unfavorable changes in the ratings that rating agencies assign to our debt may ultimately negatively impact our access to the debt capital markets and increase the costs we incur to borrow funds. If ratings for our debt fall below investment grade, our access to the debt capital markets would become restricted. Future tightening in the credit markets and a reduced level of liquidity in many financial markets due to turmoil in the financial and banking industries could affect our access to the debt capital markets or the price we pay to issue debt. Historically, we have relied on our ability to issue commercial paper rather than to draw on our credit facility to support our daily operations, which means that a downgrade in our ratings or volatility in the financial markets causing limitations to the debt capital markets could have an adverse effect on our business or our ability to meet our liquidity needs.
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Additionally, several of our credit agreements generally include an increase in interest rates if the ratings for our debt are downgraded. Further, an increase in the level of our indebtedness may increase our vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions and may affect our ability to obtain additional financing.
The potential insolvency or financial distress of third parties could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We are exposed to the risk that third parties to various arrangements who owe us money or goods and services, or who purchase goods and services from us, will not be able to perform their obligations or continue to place orders due to insolvency or financial distress. If third parties fail to perform their obligations under arrangements with us, we may be forced to replace the underlying commitment at current or above market prices or on other terms that are less favorable to us. In such events, we may incur losses, or our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity could otherwise be adversely affected.
We may be unable to complete or integrate acquisitions or joint ventures effectively, which may adversely affect our growth, profitability and results of operations.
We expect acquisitions of businesses and assets, as well as joint ventures (or other strategic arrangements), to play a role in our future growth. We cannot be certain that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition or joint venture targets, obtain financing for acquisitions on satisfactory terms, successfully acquire identified targets or form joint ventures, or manage the timing of acquisitions with capital obligations across our businesses. Additionally, we may not be successful in integrating acquired businesses or joint ventures into our existing operations and achieving projected synergies which could result in impairment of assets, including goodwill and acquired intangible assets. Given the significance of the Company's recent acquisitions, the goodwill and intangible assets recorded were significant and impairment of such assets could result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operation. Competition for acquisition opportunities in the various industries in which we operate may rise, thereby increasing our costs of making acquisitions or causing us to refrain from making further acquisitions. If we were to use equity securities to finance a future acquisition, our then-current shareholders would experience dilution. We are also subject to applicable antitrust laws and must avoid anticompetitive behavior. These and other factors related to acquisitions and joint ventures may negatively and adversely impact our growth, profitability and results of operations.
Risks associated with joint venture investments may adversely affect our business and financial results.
We have entered into several joint ventures and we may enter into additional joint ventures in the future. Our joint venture partners may at any time have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with our goals or with the goals of the joint venture. In addition, we may compete against our joint venture partners in certain of our other markets. Disagreements with our business partners may impede our ability to maximize the benefits of our partnerships. Our joint venture arrangements may require us, among other matters, to pay certain costs or to make certain capital investments or to seek our joint venture partner’s consent to take certain actions. In addition, our joint venture partners may be unable or unwilling to meet their economic or other obligations under the operative documents, and we may be required to either fulfill those obligations alone to ensure the ongoing success of a joint venture or to dissolve and liquidate a joint venture. These risks could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
We are subject to business continuity risks associated with centralization of certain administrative functions.
We have been regionally centralizing certain administrative functions, primarily in South America, Europe and Asia, to improve efficiency and reduce costs. To the extent that these central locations are disrupted or disabled, key business processes, such as invoicing, payments and general management operations, could be interrupted, which could have an adverse impact on our business.
A failure of our information technology (IT) and data security infrastructure could adversely impact our business and operations.
We rely upon the capacity, reliability and security of our IT and data security infrastructure and our ability to expand and continually update this infrastructure in response to the changing needs of our business. As we implement new systems, they may not perform as expected. We also face the challenge of supporting our older systems and implementing necessary upgrades. If we experience a problem with the functioning of an important IT system or a security breach of our IT systems, including during system upgrades and/or new system implementations, the resulting disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business.
We and certain of our third-party vendors receive and store personal information in connection with our human resources operations and other aspects of our business. Despite our implementation of security measures, our IT systems, like those of other companies, are vulnerable to damages from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber attack and other similar disruptions.
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Any system failure, accident or security breach could result in disruptions to our operations. A material network breach in the security of our IT systems could include the theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets, customer information, human resources information or other confidential matter. To the extent that any disruptions or security breach results in a loss or damage to our data, or an inappropriate disclosure of confidential, proprietary or customer information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our relationships with our customers, lead to claims against the Company and ultimately harm our business. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future.
A material disruption of our operations, particularly at our manufacturing facilities, could adversely affect our business.
If our operations, particularly at our manufacturing facilities, were to be disrupted as a result of significant equipment failures, natural disasters, power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, sabotage, adverse weather conditions, public health crises, labor disputes or other reasons, we may be unable to effectively fill customer orders and otherwise meet obligations to or demand from our customers, which could adversely affect our financial performance.
Interruptions in production could increase our costs and reduce our sales. Any interruption in production capability could require us to make substantial capital expenditures or purchase alternative material at higher costs to fill customer orders, which could negatively affect our profitability and financial condition. We maintain property damage insurance that we believe to be adequate to provide for reconstruction of facilities and equipment, as well as business interruption insurance to mitigate losses resulting from any production interruption or shutdown caused by an insured loss. However, any recovery under our insurance policies may not offset the lost sales or increased costs that may be experienced during the disruption of operations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Our business success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
Our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team and workforce. Failure to ensure that we have the leadership capacity with the necessary skill set and experience could impede our ability to deliver our growth objectives and execute our strategic plan. Organizational and reporting changes resulting from the Merger and the spin-off of the Automotive Experience business ("Separation"), or as a result of any future leadership transition or corporate initiatives could result in increased turnover. Additionally, any unplanned turnover or inability to attract and retain key employees could have a negative effect on our results of operations.
Our business may be adversely affected by work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with our labor force.
We employ approximately 154,000 people worldwide. Approximately 13% of these employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or works council. Although we believe that our relations with the labor unions and works councils that represent our employees are generally good and we have experienced no material strikes or work stoppages recently, no assurances can be made that we will not experience in the future these and other types of conflicts with labor unions, works council, other groups representing employees or our employees generally, or that any future negotiations with our labor unions will not result in significant increases in our cost of labor. Additionally, a work stoppage at one of our suppliers could materially and adversely affect our operations if an alternative source of supply were not readily available. Stoppages by employees of our customers could also result in reduced demand for our products.
Regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals in their products. There are costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. Our continued compliance with these disclosure rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices, or that we will be able to satisfy customers who require our products to be conflict free. Also, we may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we may implement.
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A variety of other factors could adversely affect the results of operations of our Power Solutions business.
Any of the following could materially and adversely impact the results of operations of our Power Solutions business: loss of, or changes in, automobile battery supply contracts with our large original equipment and aftermarket customers; the increasing quality and useful life of batteries or use of alternative battery technologies, both of which may adversely impact the lead-acid battery market, including replacement cycle; delays or cancellations of new vehicle programs; market and financial consequences of any recalls that may be required on our products; delays or difficulties in new product development, including lithium-ion technology; impact of potential increases in lithium-ion battery volumes on established lead-acid battery volumes as lithium-ion battery technology grows and costs become more competitive; financial instability or market declines of our customers or suppliers; slower than projected market development in emerging markets; interruption of supply of certain single-source components; changing nature of our joint ventures and relationships with our strategic business partners; unseasonable weather conditions in various parts of the world; our ability to secure sufficient tolling capacity to recycle batteries; price and availability of battery cores used in recycling; and the lack of the development of a market for hybrid and electric vehicles.
A variety of other factors could adversely affect the results of operations of our Building Efficiency businesses.
Any of the following could materially and adversely impact the results of operations of our Building Efficiency business: loss of, changes in, or failure to perform under guaranteed performance contracts with our major customers; cancellation of, or significant delays in, projects in our backlog; delays or difficulties in new product development; the potential introduction of similar or superior technologies; financial instability or market declines of our major component suppliers; the unavailability of raw materials (primarily steel, copper and electronic components) necessary for production of our products; price increases of limited-source components, products and services that we are unable to pass on to the market; unseasonable weather conditions in various parts of the world; changes in energy costs or governmental regulations that would decrease the incentive for customers to update or improve their building control systems; revisions to energy efficiency or refrigerant legislation; and natural or man-made disasters or losses that impact our ability to deliver products and services to our customers.
Risks Relating to Recent Strategic Transactions
We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination between Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco International plc.
The success of the Merger will depend on, among other things, our ability to combine the legacy businesses of Johnson Controls and Tyco in a manner that realizes anticipated synergies and facilitates growth opportunities, and achieves the projected stand-alone cost savings and revenue growth trends identified by us. We expect to benefit from operational and general and administrative cost synergies resulting from the consolidation of capabilities and branch optimization, as well as greater tax efficiencies from global management and global cash movement. We may also enjoy revenue synergies, including product and service cross-selling, a more diversified and expanded product offering and balance across geographic regions. However, we must successfully combine the legacy businesses of Johnson Controls and Tyco in a manner that permits these cost savings and synergies to be realized. In addition, we must achieve the anticipated savings and synergies without adversely affecting current revenues and investments in future growth. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, we may not realize fully, or at all, the anticipated benefits of the Merger, or it may take longer to realize the benefits than expected.
Other factors may prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits of the Merger or impact our future performance. These include, among other items, the possibility that the contingent liabilities of either party (including contingent tax liabilities) are larger than expected, the existence of unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Merger and possible adverse tax consequences pursuant to changes in applicable tax laws, regulations or other administrative guidance (including potential adverse tax consequences that could result from recently issued Treasury regulations concerning the treatment of related-party debt or if any recently introduced anti-inversion legislative proposals were to be enacted in their current form and retroactively applied to the Merger). In addition, we may be subject to additional restrictions resulting from Tyco’s incurrence of debt in connection with the Merger.
We may encounter significant difficulties in combining the legacy Johnson Controls and Tyco businesses.
The combination of two independent businesses is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. As a result, we will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to combining the business practices and operations of the legacy Johnson Controls and Tyco businesses. This process may disrupt the businesses. The failure to meet the challenges involved in combining the two businesses and to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, the activities of the combined company and could adversely affect our results of operations. The overall combination of legacy Johnson Controls and Tyco businesses may also result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive
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responses, loss of customer and other business relationships and diversion of management attention. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include, among others:
•the diversion of management attention to integration matters;
•difficulties in integrating operations and systems;
•challenges in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures and
compensation structures between the two companies;
•difficulties in assimilating employees and in attracting and retaining key personnel;
•challenges in keeping existing customers and obtaining new customers;
•difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from the
combination;
•difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company;
•contingent liabilities (including contingent tax liabilities) that are larger than expected; and
•potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Merger,
including possible adverse tax consequences to the combined company pursuant to changes in applicable tax laws or
regulations.
Many of these factors are outside of our control, and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreased expected revenues and diversion of management time and energy, which could materially impact the business, financial condition and results of operations of the combined company.
We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve from the spin-off of Adient plc.
On October 31, 2016, we completed the separation of our Automotive Experience through the spin-off of Adient plc to shareholders. Following the spin-off, we are a smaller and less diversified company with a narrower business focus and, as a result, we may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions.
Although we believe that the spin-off of Adient plc will provide financial, operational, managerial and other benefits to us and shareholders, the spin-off may not provide such results on the scope or scale we anticipate, and we may not realize any or all of the intended benefits. In addition, we have and will continue to incur one-time costs and ongoing costs in connection with, or as a result of, the spin-off, including costs of operating as independent, publicly-traded companies that the two businesses are no longer able to share. Those costs may exceed our estimates or could negate some of the benefits we expect to realize. If we do not realize the intended benefits of the spin-off or if our costs exceed our estimates, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Adient may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that we have executed as part of the Separation.
In connection with the Separation, we and Adient have entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various other agreements, including a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement, an employee matters agreement and a transitional trademark license agreement. Certain of these agreements provide for the performance of services by each company for the benefit of the other for a period of time after the Separation. We will rely on Adient to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Adient is unable to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties or losses.
ITEM 1B | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
The Company has no unresolved written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the SEC.
ITEM 2 | PROPERTIES |
The Company conducts its operations in approximately 59 countries throughout the world, with its headquarters located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA and its parent's headquarters in Cork, Ireland. The Company’s wholly- and majority-owned facilities primarily consist of manufacturing, sales and service offices, research and development facilities, monitoring centers, and assembly and/or warehouse centers. At September 30, 2016, these properties totaled approximately 110 million square feet of floor space of which 73 million square feet are owned and 37 million square feet are leased. The Company considers its facilities to be suitable for their current uses and adequate for current needs. The majority of the facilities are operating at normal levels based on capacity. The Company does not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities.
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Building Efficiency Systems and Service North America operates through a network of sales and service offices located in North America. The business occupies approximately 3 million square feet, of which 2 million square feet are leased and 1 million square feet are owned.
Building Efficiency Products North America operates through a network of manufacturing facilities, and assembly and/or warehouse centers located in North America. The business occupies approximately 12 million square feet, of which 6 million square feet are leased and 6 million square feet are owned.
Building Efficiency Asia operates through a network of manufacturing facilities, sales and service offices and assembly and/or warehouse centers located in the Asia-Pacific region. The business occupies approximately 12 million square feet, of which 7 million square feet are owned and 5 million square feet are leased.
Building Efficiency Rest of World operates through a network of manufacturing facilities, sales and service offices and assembly and/or warehouse centers located in South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The business occupies approximately 11 million square feet, of which 7 million square feet are leased and 4 million square feet are owned.
Automotive Experience Seating operates through a network of manufacturing facilities, and assembly and/or warehouse centers located in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. The business occupies approximately 27 million square feet, of which 16 million square feet are owned and 11 million square feet are leased.
Automotive Experience Interiors operates through a network of manufacturing facilities, and assembly and/or warehouse centers located in North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The business occupies approximately 4 million square feet, of which 2 million square feet are owned and 2 million square feet are leased.
Power Solutions operates through a network of manufacturing facilities, and assembly and/or warehouse centers located in North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The business occupies approximately 39 million square feet, of which 37 million square feet are owned and 2 million square feet are leased.
Corporate offices operate in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, which occupy approximately 2 million square feet, of which the majority is leased.
ITEM 3 | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
Environmental Matters
As noted in Item 1, liabilities potentially arise globally under various environmental laws and worker safety laws for activities that are not in compliance with such laws and for the cleanup of sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
Currently, the Company is responding to allegations that it is responsible for performing environmental remediation, or for the repayment of costs spent by governmental entities or others performing remediation, at approximately 34 sites in the U.S. Many of these sites are landfills used by the Company in the past for the disposal of waste materials; others are secondary lead smelters and lead recycling sites where the Company returned lead-containing materials for recycling; a few involve the cleanup of Company manufacturing facilities; and the remaining fall into miscellaneous categories. The Company may face similar claims of liability at additional sites in the future. Where potential liabilities are alleged, the Company pursues a course of action intended to mitigate them.
The Company accrues for potential environmental liabilities when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. As of September 30, 2016, reserves for environmental liabilities totaled $27 million, of which $4 million was recorded within other current liabilities and $23 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. The Company reviews the status of its environmental sites on a quarterly basis and adjusts its reserves accordingly. Such potential liabilities accrued by the Company do not take into consideration possible recoveries of future insurance proceeds. They do, however, take into account the likely share other parties will bear at remediation sites. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in connection with known environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company has identified asset retirement obligations for environmental matters that are expected to be addressed at the retirement, disposal, removal or abandonment of existing owned
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facilities, primarily in the Power Solutions and Building Efficiency businesses. At September 30, 2016, the Company recorded conditional asset retirement obligations of $71 million.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, our Power Solutions business entered into a Consent Order with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control related to alleged violations of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and South Carolina air regulations and permit conditions and failure to comply with standard operating procedures at the Company’s Florence, South Carolina Battery Recycling Center. The Consent Order obligates the Company to implement a number of corrective actions and required the payment of a civil penalty of $250,000, which the Company has paid.
Asbestos Matters
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases have typically involved product liability claims based primarily on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos containing components. As of September 30, 2016, the Company's estimated asbestos related liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Company's consolidated statements of financial position is comprised of a liability for pending and future claims and related defense costs of $116 million, of which $7 million is recorded in other current liabilities and $109 million is recorded in other noncurrent liabilities.
The Company's estimate of the liability for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2049 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Asbestos related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2049. Annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs is warranted.
Insurable Liabilities
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. At September 30, 2016, the insurable liabilities totaled $181 million, of which $30 million was recorded within other current liabilities, $15 million was recorded within accrued compensation and benefits, and $136 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.
Other Matters
On July 11, 2016, the Company and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) resolved alleged Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations related to the Company’s Building Efficiency marine business in China dating back to 2007, which the Company had self-reported to the SEC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in June 2013. These allegations were isolated to the Company’s marine business in China, which had annual sales ranging from $20 million to $50 million during this period. The Company, under Audit Committee and Board of Directors oversight, proactively initiated an investigation of the matter. Pursuant to the SEC’s Order resolving this matter, the Company agreed to pay $14 million to the SEC in July 2016 (characterized as disgorgement of profits, civil penalties and interest) and also agreed to make certain reports to the SEC over a one-year period with regard to its FCPA compliance program. The Company neither admitted nor denied the findings in the SEC’s Order. On July 11, 2016, the DOJ made public a letter stating that the DOJ had closed its investigation of the matter. The Company does not anticipate any material adverse effect on its business or financial condition as a result of this matter, including the SEC’s Order.
An investigation by the European Commission (EC) related to European lead recyclers’ procurement practices is currently underway, with the Company one of several named companies subject to review. On June 24, 2015, the EC initiated proceedings and adopted a statement of objections alleging infringements of competition rules in Europe against the Company and certain other companies. The Company will continue to cooperate with the EC in their proceedings and does not anticipate any material adverse effect on its business or financial condition as a result of this matter. The Company’s policy is to comply with antitrust and
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competition laws and, if a violation of any such laws is found, to take appropriate remedial action and to cooperate fully with any related governmental inquiry. Competition and antitrust law investigations may continue for several years and can result in substantial fines depending on the gravity and duration of the violations.
On March 1, 2016, a putative class action lawsuit, Wandel v. Tyco International plc, et al., Docket No. C-000010-16, was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey naming Johnson Controls International plc ("JCI plc"; previously Tyco International plc), the individual members of its board of directors, Johnson Controls, Inc. and a merger subsidiary of JCI plc as defendants. The complaint alleged that, prior to the merger, the JCI plc's directors breached their fiduciary duties and exercised their powers as directors in a manner oppressive to the public shareholders of Tyco in violation of Irish law by, among other things, failing to take steps to maximize shareholder value and failing to protect against purported conflicts of interest. The complaint further alleged that JCI plc, Johnson Controls, Inc. and JCI plc's merger subsidiary aided and abetted Tyco’s directors in the breach of their fiduciary duties. The complaint sought, among other things, to enjoin the merger between Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco's subsidiary. On September 9, 2016, plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the complaint as to all defendants.
On May 20, 2016, a putative class action lawsuit, Laufer v. Johnson Controls, Inc., et al., Docket No. 2016CV003859, was filed in the Circuit Court of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, naming Johnson Controls, Inc., the individual members of its board of directors, JCI plc and JCI plc's merger subsidiary as defendants. The complaint alleged that Johnson Controls Inc.'s directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the merger between Johnson Controls Inc. and JCI plc's merger subsidiary by, among other things, failing to take steps to maximize shareholder value, seeking to benefit themselves improperly and failing to disclose material information in the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the merger. The complaint further alleged that JCI plc aided and abetted Johnson Controls Inc.'s directors in the breach of their fiduciary duties. The complaint sought, among other things, to enjoin the merger. On August 8, 2016, the plaintiffs agreed to settle the action and release all claims that were or could have been brought by plaintiffs or any member of the putative class of Johnson Controls Inc.'s shareholders. The settlement is conditioned upon, among other things, the execution of an appropriate stipulation of settlement. If the parties enter into a stipulation of settlement, a hearing will be scheduled at which the court will consider the fairness of the proposed settlement. There can be no assurance that the parties will ultimately enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the court will approve the settlement. In either event, or certain other circumstances, the settlement could be terminated.
On August 16, 2016, a putative class action lawsuit, Gumm v. Molinaroli, et al., Case No. 16-cv-1093, was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, naming Johnson Controls, Inc., the individual members of its board of directors at the time of the merger with JCI plc’s merger subsidiary and certain of its officers, JCI plc and JCI plc’s merger subsidiary as defendants. The complaint asserted various causes of action under the federal securities laws, state law and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights II, including that the individual defendants allegedly breached their fiduciary duties and unjustly enriched themselves by structuring the merger among the JCI plc, Tyco and the merger subsidiary in a manner that would result in a United States federal income tax realization event for the putative class of certain Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders and allegedly result in certain benefits to the defendants, as well as related claims regarding alleged misstatements in the proxy statement/prospectus distributed to the Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders, conversion and breach of contract. The complaint also asserted that Johnson Controls, Inc., JCI plc and JCI plc’s merger subsidiary aided and abetted the individual defendants in their breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks, among other things, disgorgement of profits, damages and to enjoin the closing of the merger. On September 30, 2016, approximately one month after the closing of the merger, plaintiffs filed a preliminary injunction motion seeking, among other items, to compel Johnson Controls, Inc. to make certain intercompany payments that plaintiffs contend will impact the United States federal income tax consequences of the merger to the putative class of certain Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders and to enjoin Johnson Controls, Inc. from reporting to the Internal Revenue Service the capital gains taxes payable by this putative class as a result of the closing of the merger. A hearing on the preliminary injunction motion is currently scheduled for January 2017.
The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of its businesses, including those pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and health, intellectual property, employment, commercial and contractual matters, and various other casualty matters. Although the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably by us, it is management's opinion that none of these will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Costs related to such matters were not material to the periods presented.
ITEM 4 | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5 | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
As a result of the Tyco Merger, the Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls International plc and has no equity securities that trade as of September 30, 2016.
ITEM 6 | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
Item 6, Selected Financial Data, has been omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I to Form 10-K.
ITEM 7 | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
General
The Company operates in three primary businesses: Building Efficiency, Automotive Experience and Power Solutions. Building Efficiency provides facility systems and services including comfort and energy management for the residential and non-residential buildings markets. Automotive Experience designs and manufactures interior products and systems for passenger cars and light trucks, including vans, pick-up trucks and sport/crossover utility vehicles. Power Solutions designs and manufactures automotive batteries for the replacement and original equipment markets.
This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company for the three-year period ended September 30, 2016. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy for accruing for defense costs related to asbestos claims on a discounted basis. The Company’s historical accounting treatment for asbestos claim defense costs was to accrue as incurred. The new policy is to record an accrual for all future asbestos related defense costs which are determined to be probable and estimable of being incurred. The Company believes this new policy is preferable as it better reflects the economics of settlement of the Company's asbestos claims, improves comparability among the Company’s peer group and provides greater transparency to on-going operating results. These changes have been reported through retrospective application of the new policy to all periods presented. These changes did not have an impact to any period presented on the consolidated statements of income. Refer to Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding this accounting policy change.
Subsequent Event
On July 24, 2015, the Company announced its intent to pursue a separation of the Automotive Experience business through a spin-off to shareholders. The spin-off was completed on October 31, 2016. The new publicly traded company is named Adient plc.
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FISCAL YEAR 2016 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2015
Net Sales
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Net sales | $ | 36,866 | $ | 37,179 | -1 | % | ||||
The decrease in consolidated net sales was due to lower sales in the Automotive Experience business ($2,831 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($754 million), partially offset by higher sales in the Building Efficiency business ($3,029 million) and Power Solutions business ($243 million). Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, consolidated net sales increased 1% as compared to the prior year. Increased sales resulted from the Johnson Controls - Hitachi (JCH) joint venture, as well as higher volumes in the Building Efficiency Systems and Service North America segment in the Building Efficiency business, higher Automotive Experience volumes globally, and higher global battery shipments and favorable product mix in the Power Solutions business, partially offset by the deconsolidation of the majority of the Automotive Experience Interiors business in the prior year. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Cost of sales | $ | 29,807 | $ | 30,732 | -3 | % | ||||
Gross profit | 7,059 | 6,447 | 9 | % | ||||||
% of sales | 19.1 | % | 17.3 | % | ||||||
Cost of sales decreased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015, with gross profit as a percentage of sales increasing by 180 basis points. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on cost of sales of approximately $635 million. Gross profit in the Building Efficiency business included the incremental gross profit related to the JCH joint venture and higher volumes in the Building Efficiency Systems and Service North America segment. Gross profit in the Automotive Experience business was favorably impacted by higher volumes globally, restructuring savings and operational efficiencies, partially offset by unfavorable commercial settlements and unfavorable mix. Gross profit in the Power Solutions business was favorably impacted by higher volumes, and favorable pricing and product mix, partially offset by higher operating costs. Net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans had a net favorable year over year impact on cost of sales of $39 million ($117 million charge in fiscal 2016 compared to a $156 million charge in fiscal 2015) primarily due to the unfavorable U.S. investment returns versus expectations and the adoption of new mortality rate changes in the U.S. in the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in year-over-year discount rates. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 5,100 | $ | 3,986 | 28 | % | ||||
% of sales | 13.8 | % | 10.7 | % | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased by $1,114 million year over year, and SG&A as a percentage of sales increased by 310 basis points. The net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans had a net unfavorable year over year impact on SG&A of $168 million ($434 million charge in fiscal 2016 compared to a $266 million charge in fiscal 2015) primarily due to a decrease in year-over-year discount rates, partially offset by the unfavorable U.S. investment returns versus expectations and the adoption of new mortality rate changed in the U.S. in the prior year. Additionally, the net unfavorable impact on SG&A resulting from separation costs was $442 million (recorded in the Automotive Experience segment), and transaction and integration costs was $130 million (recorded in the Building Efficiency segments). Excluding the impact of separation costs, the Automotive Experience business SG&A decreased due to the deconsolidation of the majority of the Automotive Experience Interiors business in the prior year, restructuring savings and cost reduction initiatives. Excluding the impact of
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transaction and integrations costs, the Building Efficiency business SG&A increased primarily due to incremental SG&A related to the JCH joint venture, product and sales force investments in North America. The Power Solutions business SG&A decreased primarily due to lower employee related expenses and cost reduction initiatives. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on SG&A of $69 million. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBIT by segment.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 535 | $ | 397 | 35 | % | ||||
Refer to Note 15, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans.
Net Financing Charges
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Net financing charges | $ | 300 | $ | 288 | 4 | % | ||||
Net financing charges increased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to higher average borrowing levels due to new debt incurred in fiscal 2016 in advance of the spin-off of the Automotive Experience business in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.
Interest Expense Due to Affiliate
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||
Interest expense due to affiliate | $ | 27 | $ | — | * | ||||
* Measure not meaningful
Interest expense due to affiliate increased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due to current year borrowing activity as a result of the Tyco Merger.
Equity Income
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Equity income | $ | 530 | $ | 375 | 41 | % | ||||
The increase in equity income was primarily due to current year income related to partially-owned affiliates of the JCH joint venture in the Building Efficiency business, current year income related to the Automotive Experience Interiors joint venture formed on July 2, 2015 and higher income at certain Automotive Experience Seating partially-owned affiliates, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($13 million). Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBIT by segment.
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Income Tax Provision
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||
Income tax provision | $ | 2,259 | $ | 600 | * | ||||
Effective tax rate | 139 | % | 28 | % | |||||
* Measure not meaningful
The effective rate is above the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2016 primarily due to the global tax impacts of separation costs, restructuring and repatriation of earnings in anticipation of the spin-off of the Automotive Experience business, the jurisdictional mix of operational restructuring and impairment costs, and the tax impacts of the Merger, integration and change of ownership costs, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives and foreign tax rate differentials. The effective rate is below the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2015 primarily due to the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, income in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions with a tax rate lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate and adjustments due to tax audit resolutions, partially offset by the tax consequences of business divestitures, and significant restructuring and impairment costs. The fiscal 2016 effective tax rate increased as compared to the fiscal 2015 effective tax rate primarily due to the tax effects of transactions predominantly due to the planned spin-off ($1,787 million) and the tax effects of restructuring and impairment costs ($60 million), partially offset by tax planning initiatives ($150 million). The fiscal year 2016 and 2015 global tax planning initiatives related primarily to foreign tax credit planning, global financing structures and alignment of our global business functions in a tax efficient manner. Refer to Note 17, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
Valuation Allowances
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that no material changes were needed to the valuation allowances. Therefore there was no net impact to income tax expense due to valuation allowance changes in the three month period and year ended September 30, 2016.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets primarily within Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom would not be realized, and was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets of Poland and Germany would be realized. The impact of the net valuation allowance provision offset the benefit of valuation allowance releases and, as such, there was no net impact to income tax expense in the three month period and year ended September 30, 2015.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that deferred tax assets within Italy would not be realized. Therefore, the Company recorded $34 million of net valuation allowances as income tax expense in the three month period ended September 30, 2014.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset associated with a capital loss in Mexico would not be utilized. Therefore, the Company recorded a $21 million valuation allowance as income tax expense.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining its worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company is regularly under audit by tax authorities.
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During fiscal 2015, the Company settled a significant number of tax examinations in Germany, Mexico and the U.S., impacting fiscal years 1998 to fiscal 2012. The settlement of unrecognized tax benefits included cash payments for approximately $440 million and the loss of various tax attributes. The reduction for tax positions of prior years is substantially related to foreign exchange rates. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, income tax audit resolutions resulted in a net $99 million benefit to income tax expense.
The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2016, the Company had recorded a liability for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
Other Tax Matters
During fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred significant charges for restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 15, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. A substantial portion of these charges cannot be benefited for tax purposes due to the Company's current tax position in these jurisdictions and the underlying tax basis in the impaired assets, resulting in $113 million and $52 million incremental tax expense in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed its merger with Tyco. As a result of that transaction, the Company incurred incremental tax expense of $129 million. In preparation for the spin-off of the Automotive Experience business in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company incurred incremental tax expense of $121 million in fiscal 2016. The Company also completed substantial business reorganizations which resulted in total tax charges of $1,891 million in fiscal 2016. Included in this amount is the tax charge provided for in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 of $85 million for changes in entity tax status and the charge provided for in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 of $780 million for income tax expense on foreign undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed its global automotive interiors joint venture with Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems. Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. In connection with the divestiture of the Interiors business, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on divestiture of $145 million, $38 million net of tax. The tax impact of the gain is due to the jurisdictional mix of gains and losses on the divestiture, which resulted in non-benefited expenses in certain countries and taxable gains in other countries. In addition, in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company provided income tax expense for repatriation of cash and other tax reserves associated with the Automotive Experience Interiors joint venture transaction, which resulted in a tax charge of $75 million and $223 million, respectively.
Impacts of Tax Legislation and Change in Statutory Tax Rates
After the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, on October 13, 2016, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS released final and temporary Section 385 regulations. These regulations address whether certain instruments between related parties are treated as debt or equity. The Company does not expect that the regulations will materially impact its consolidated financial statements.
The "look-through rule," under subpart F of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, expired for the Company on September 30, 2015. The "look-through rule" had provided an exception to the U.S. taxation of certain income generated by foreign subsidiaries. The rule was extended in December 2015 retroactive to the beginning of the Company’s 2016 fiscal year. The retroactive extension was signed into legislation and was made permanent through the Company's 2020 fiscal year.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, tax legislation was adopted in Japan which reduced its statutory income tax rate. As a result of the law change, the Company recorded income tax expense of $17 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
During the fiscal years ended 2016 and 2015, other tax legislation was adopted in various jurisdictions. These law changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
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Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | — | $ | 128 | * | ||||
* Measure not meaningful
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | 215 | $ | 112 | 92 | % | ||||
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | 4 | * | |||||||
* Measure not meaningful
The increase in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2016 was primarily due to current year income related to the JCH joint venture in the Buildings Efficiency business.
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | $ | (847 | ) | $ | 1,563 | * | |||
* Measure not meaningful
The decrease in net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls was primarily due to an increase in the income tax provision, higher SG&A primarily due to higher separation and transaction costs in the current year, and current year restructuring and impairment costs, partially offset by higher gross profit.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | $ | (877 | ) | $ | 743 | * | |||
* Measure not meaningful
The decrease in comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. was due to lower net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. ($2,410 million), partially offset by a decrease in other comprehensive loss attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. ($790 million) primarily related to favorable foreign currency translation adjustments. These year-over-year favorable foreign currency translation adjustments were primarily driven by the weakening of the Brazilian real, Canadian dollar, Colombian peso, euro and Japanese currencies against the U.S. dollar in the prior year.
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SEGMENT ANALYSIS
Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBIT, which is defined as income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests excluding net financing charges, significant restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans.
Building Efficiency
Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBIT for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||||||||||
Systems and Service North America | $ | 4,292 | $ | 4,184 | 3 | % | $ | 412 | $ | 375 | 10 | % | |||||||||
Products North America | 2,488 | 2,450 | 2 | % | 173 | 306 | -43 | % | |||||||||||||
Asia | 4,830 | 1,985 | * | 431 | 191 | * | |||||||||||||||
Rest of World | 1,766 | 1,891 | -7 | % | 20 | 51 | -61 | % | |||||||||||||
$ | 13,376 | $ | 10,510 | 27 | % | $ | 1,036 | $ | 923 | 12 | % | ||||||||||
* Measure not meaningful
Net Sales:
• | The increase in Systems and Service North America was due to higher volumes of controls systems and service ($183 million), partially offset by lower volumes related to business divestitures ($52 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($23 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to market share gains. |
• | The increase in Products North America was due to higher volumes ($49 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($11 million). The increase in volumes was primarily driven by new product offerings. |
• | The increase in Asia was due to incremental sales related to the JCH joint venture ($2,808 million), higher service volumes ($56 million), and higher volumes of equipment and control systems ($30 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($49 million). The increase in volume was driven by favorable local economic conditions. |
• | The decrease in Rest of World was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($80 million) and lower volumes in Latin America ($22 million), Europe ($16 million) and the Middle East ($14 million), partially offset by incremental sales related to a business acquisition ($7 million). The net decrease in volumes was primarily attributable to unfavorable local market conditions and the discontinuance of certain products. |
Segment EBIT:
• | The increase in Systems and Service North America was due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($63 million) as a result of restructuring actions and other cost reduction initiatives and a current year gain on business divestitures net of a prior year gain on business divestitures, higher volumes ($42 million), and prior year transaction and integration costs ($4 million), partially offset by current year transaction costs ($53 million), unfavorable margin rates ($8 million), lower income due to a prior year business divestiture ($5 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($4 million) and a pension settlement loss ($2 million). |
• | The decrease in Products North America was due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses ($118 million)due to global product and related sales force investments and a prior year gain on business divestitures, current year transaction costs ($30 million), unfavorable margin rates ($6 million), a pension settlement loss ($3 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1 million), partially offset by higher volumes ($16 million), prior year transaction and integration costs ($8 million), and higher equity income ($1 million). |
• | The increase in Asia was due primarily to incremental operating income related to the JCH joint venture exclusive of global investments in related products and technologies ($293 million), higher volumes ($29 million), prior year transaction and integration costs ($24 million), and lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($2 million), partially offset |
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by current year transaction and integration costs ($87 million), unfavorable margin rates ($12 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($9 million).
• | The decrease in Rest of World was due to current year transaction costs ($21 million), lower volumes ($13 million), higher selling, general and administrative expenses ($5 million), unfavorable margin rates ($3 million), lower equity income ($3 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($3 million), partially offset by a gain on business divestiture ($12 million), a gain on acquisition of a partially-owned affiliate ($4 million) and prior year transaction costs ($1 million). |
Automotive Experience
Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBIT for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||||||||||
Seating | $ | 16,355 | $ | 16,539 | -1 | % | $ | 676 | $ | 928 | -27 | % | |||||||||
Interiors | 482 | 3,540 | -86 | % | 75 | 254 | -70 | % | |||||||||||||
$ | 16,837 | $ | 20,079 | -16 | % | $ | 751 | $ | 1,182 | -36 | % | ||||||||||
Net Sales:
• | The decrease in Seating was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($402 million), and net unfavorable pricing and commercial settlements ($142 million), partially offset by higher volumes ($341 million) and incremental sales related to a prior year business acquisition ($19 million). The higher volumes were attributable to growth in Asia and Europe, partially offset by softness in the Americas due to changes in automotive production levels and expiring programs in North America. |
• | The decrease in Interiors was due to the deconsolidation of the majority of the Interiors business in the prior year ($2,954 million), lower volumes primarily due to plant wind downs ($87 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($9 million), and net unfavorable pricing and commercial settlements ($8 million). |
Segment EBIT:
• | The decrease in Seating was due to current year separation costs related to the Automotive Experience spin-off ($458 million), net unfavorable pricing and commercial settlements ($33 million), unfavorable mix due to lower volumes at higher margin platforms ($26 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($16 million), a prior year gain on a business divestiture ($10 million) and a pension settlement loss ($5 million), partially offset by lower operating costs as a result of restructuring actions and operational efficiencies ($74 million), lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of a favorable legal settlement and cost reduction initiatives ($54 million), lower purchasing costs resulting from supplier price concessions ($46 million), higher equity income ($37 million), higher volumes ($35 million), lower engineering expenses ($32 million), prior year separation costs ($16 million) and incremental operating income related to a business acquisition ($2 million). |
• | The decrease in Interiors was due to a prior year net gain on a business divestiture ($145 million), the impact of the July 2, 2015 joint venture transaction and related prior year held for sale depreciation impact ($109 million), lower volumes ($12 million), net unfavorable pricing and commercial settlements ($7 million), current year integration costs ($1 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1 million), partially offset by prior year transaction and integration costs ($38 million), favorable settlements related to prior year business divestitures ($22 million), lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of cost reduction initiatives ($21 million), lower operating costs ($10 million) and higher equity income ($5 million). |
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Power Solutions
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||
Net sales | $ | 6,653 | $ | 6,590 | 1 | % | ||||
Segment EBIT | 1,253 | 1,153 | 9 | % | ||||||
• | Net sales increased due to higher sales volumes ($246 million), and favorable pricing and product mix ($105 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($180 million) and the impact of lower lead costs on pricing ($108 million). The increase in volumes was primarily driven by start-stop battery volumes and growth in China. Additionally, higher start-stop volumes contributed to favorable product mix. |
• | Segment EBIT increased due to higher volumes ($77 million), favorable pricing and product mix ($55 million), and lower selling, general and administrative expenses due to lower employee related expenses and cost reduction initiatives ($55 million), partially offset by higher operating costs primarily driven by efforts to increase supply to satisfy growing customer demand and launch new capacity in China ($48 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($29 million), restructuring and impairment costs included in equity income ($7 million), a pension settlement loss ($1 million), transaction costs ($1 million) and lower equity income ($1 million). |
FISCAL YEAR 2015 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 2014
Net Sales
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Net sales | $ | 37,179 | $ | 38,749 | -4 | % | ||||
The decrease in consolidated net sales was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($2.5 billion) and lower sales in the Automotive Experience business ($344 million), partially offset by higher sales in the Building Efficiency business ($839 million) and Power Solutions business ($408 million). Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, consolidated net sales increased 2% as compared to the prior year. The favorable impacts of higher Automotive Experience volumes globally, incremental sales related to the prior year acquisition of ADTi in the Building Efficiency business, higher Building Efficiency volumes in North America and the Middle East markets, and higher global battery shipments and favorable product mix in the Power Solutions business, were partially offset by the deconsolidation of the majority of the Automotive Experience Interiors business on July 2, 2015. The incremental sales related to business acquisitions were $751 million across the Building Efficiency and Automotive Experience segments. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Cost of sales | $ | 30,732 | $ | 32,444 | -5 | % | ||||
Gross profit | 6,447 | 6,305 | 2 | % | ||||||
% of sales | 17.3 | % | 16.3 | % | ||||||
The decrease in cost of sales year over year corresponds to the sales decrease described above. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on cost of sales of approximately $2.2 billion. Gross profit in the Building Efficiency business was favorably impacted by incremental gross profit related to the ADTi acquisition, favorable margin rates, prior year contract related charges in the Middle East and higher market demand in North America. Gross profit in the Power Solutions business was favorably impacted by higher volumes and lower operating costs. Gross profit in the Automotive Experience business was favorably impacted by higher volumes globally, lower purchasing costs and favorable commercial settlements, partially offset by higher operating costs and unfavorable mix. Net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans had a net unfavorable year over year impact on cost of sales of $113 million ($156 million charge in fiscal 2015 compared to a $43 million charge in fiscal 2014)
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primarily due to unfavorable U.S. investment returns versus expectations and the adoption of new mortality rate changes in the U.S. in the current year. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBIT by segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 3,986 | $ | 4,216 | -5 | % | ||||
% of sales | 10.7 | % | 10.9 | % | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) decreased by $230 million year over year, and SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased 20 basis points. Net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans had a net unfavorable year over year impact on SG&A of $72 million ($266 million charge in fiscal 2015 compared to a $194 million charge in fiscal 2014) primarily due to unfavorable U.S. investment returns versus expectations and the adoption of new mortality rate changes in the U.S. in the current year. The Automotive Experience business SG&A decreased primarily due to gains on business divestitures, a prior year net loss on business divestitures, lower engineering expenses and lower employee related costs, partially offset by transaction, integration and separation costs. The Building Efficiency business SG&A increased primarily due to incremental SG&A related to the prior year acquisition of ADTi, current year transaction and integration costs, and higher investments. The Power Solutions business SG&A increased primarily due to higher employee related expenses. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on SG&A of $189 million. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBIT by segment.
Restructuring and Impairment Costs
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Restructuring and impairment costs | $ | 397 | $ | 324 | 23 | % | ||||
Refer to Note 15, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans.
Net Financing Charges
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Net financing charges | $ | 288 | $ | 244 | 18 | % | ||||
Net financing charges increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to higher average borrowing levels related to the acquisition of ADTi and the share repurchase program.
Equity Income
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Equity income | $ | 375 | $ | 395 | -5 | % | ||||
The decrease in equity income was primarily due to prior year gains on acquisitions of partially-owned affiliates in the Power Solutions business ($19 million) and Building Efficiency business ($19 million), partially offset by higher current year income at certain Automotive Experience partially-owned affiliates. Refer to the segment analysis below within Item 7 for a discussion of segment EBIT by segment.
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Income Tax Provision
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Income tax provision | $ | 600 | $ | 407 | 47 | % | ||||
Effective tax rate | 28 | % | 21 | % | ||||||
The effective rate is below the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2015 primarily due to the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, income in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions with a tax rate lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate and adjustments due to tax audit resolutions, partially offset by the tax consequences of business divestitures, and significant restructuring and impairment costs. The effective rate is below the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2014 primarily due to the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives and income in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions with a tax rate lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate partially offset by the tax consequences of business divestitures, significant restructuring and impairment costs, and valuation allowance adjustments. The fiscal 2015 effective tax rate increased as compared to the fiscal 2014 effective tax rate primarily due to the tax effects of business divestitures ($283 million), partially offset by reserve and valuation allowance adjustments ($133 million). The fiscal year 2015 and 2014 global tax planning initiatives related primarily to foreign tax credit planning, global financing structures and alignment of our global business functions in a tax efficient manner. Refer to Note 17, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
Valuation Allowances
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets primarily within Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom would not be realized and it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets of Poland and Germany will be realized. The impact of the net valuation allowance provision offset the benefit of valuation allowance releases and, as such, there was no net impact to income tax expense in the three month period ended September 30, 2015.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that deferred tax assets within Italy would not be realized. Therefore, the Company recorded $34 million of net valuation allowances as income tax expense in the three month period ended September 30, 2014.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset associated with a capital loss in Mexico would not be utilized. Therefore, the Company recorded a $21 million valuation allowance as income tax expense.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining its worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company is regularly under audit by tax authorities.
During fiscal 2015, the Company settled a significant number of tax examinations in Germany, Mexico and the U.S., impacting fiscal years 1998 to fiscal 2012. The settlement of unrecognized tax benefits included cash payments for approximately $440 million and the loss of various tax attributes. The reduction for tax positions of prior years is substantially related to foreign exchange rates. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, income tax audit resolutions resulted in a net $99 million benefit to income tax expense.
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The Company’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various stages of audit by the IRS and respective non-U.S. tax authorities. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2015, the Company had recorded a liability for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each year.
Other Tax Matters
During fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred significant charges for restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 15, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. A substantial portion of these charges cannot be benefited for tax purposes due to our current tax position in these jurisdictions and the underlying tax basis in the impaired assets, resulting in $52 million and $75 million incremental tax expense in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed its global automotive interiors joint venture with Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems. Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. In connection with the divestiture of the Interiors business, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on divestiture of $145 million, $38 million net of tax. The tax impact of the gain is due to the jurisdictional mix of gains and losses on the divestiture, which resulted in non-benefited expenses in certain countries and taxable gains in other countries. In addition, in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2015, the Company provided income tax expense for repatriation of foreign cash and other tax reserves associated with the Automotive Experience Interiors joint venture transaction, which resulted in a tax charge of $75 million and $223 million, respectively.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a discrete tax benefit of $51 million due to change in entity status.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company disposed of its Automotive Experience Interiors headliner and sun visor product lines. Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss on divestiture of $95 million and income tax expense of $38 million. The income tax expense is due to the jurisdictional mix of gains and losses on the sale, which resulted in non-benefited losses in certain countries and taxable gains in other countries.
Impacts of Tax Legislation and Change in Statutory Tax Rates
The "look-through rule," under subpart F of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, expired for the Company on September 30, 2015. The "look-through rule" had provided an exception to the U.S. taxation of certain income generated by foreign subsidiaries. The “look-through rule” previously expired for the Company on September 30, 2014 but was extended retroactively to the beginning of the Company’s 2015 fiscal year.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, tax legislation was adopted in Japan which reduced its statutory income tax rate. As a result of the law change, the Company recorded income tax expense of $17 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Tax legislation was also adopted in various other jurisdictions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. These law changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
As a result of changes to Mexican tax law in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a benefit to income tax expense of $25 million. Tax legislation was also adopted in various other jurisdictions during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. These law changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | ||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | 128 | $ | (166 | ) | * | |||
* Measure not meaningful
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.
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Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | 112 | $ | 105 | 7 | % | ||||
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4 | 23 | -83 | % | ||||||
The increase in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2015 was primarily due to higher income at a Power Solutions partially-owned affiliate.
Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.
Net Income Attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | $ | 1,563 | $ | 1,215 | 29 | % | ||||
The increase in net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. was primarily due to higher income from continuing and discontinued operations, partially offset by an increase in the income tax provision.
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc.
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | $ | 743 | $ | 560 | 33 | % | ||||
The increase in comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. was due to higher net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. ($348 million), partially offset by an increase in other comprehensive loss attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. ($165 million) primarily related to unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments. These year-over-year unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments were primarily driven by the weakening of the Brazilian real, British pound, Canadian dollar, Colombian peso and euro currencies against the U.S. dollar.
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SEGMENT ANALYSIS
Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBIT, which is defined as income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests excluding net financing charges, significant restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans.
Building Efficiency
Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBIT for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||||||||||
Systems and Service North America | $ | 4,184 | $ | 4,098 | 2 | % | $ | 375 | $ | 354 | 6 | % | |||||||||
Products North America | 2,450 | 1,807 | 36 | % | 306 | 238 | 29 | % | |||||||||||||
Asia | 1,985 | 2,077 | -4 | % | 191 | 270 | -29 | % | |||||||||||||
Rest of World | 1,891 | 2,103 | -10 | % | 51 | (45 | ) | * | |||||||||||||
$ | 10,510 | $ | 10,085 | 4 | % | $ | 923 | $ | 817 | 13 | % | ||||||||||
* Measure not meaningful
Net Sales:
• | The increase in Systems and Service North America was due to higher volumes of controls systems and service ($129 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($43 million). |
• | The increase in Products North America was due to incremental sales related to the ADTi acquisition ($587 million), and higher volumes of residential and commercial products ($65 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($9 million). |
• | The decrease in Asia was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($107 million), and lower volumes of equipment and controls systems ($80 million), partially offset by incremental sales due to business acquisitions ($58 million) and higher service volumes ($37 million). |
• | The decrease in Rest of World was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($255 million) and lower volumes in Latin America ($72 million), partially offset by higher volumes in the Middle East ($71 million) and Europe ($22 million), and incremental sales related to the ADTi acquisition ($22 million). |
Segment EBIT:
• | The increase in Systems and Service North America was due to higher volumes ($30 million), net unfavorable prior year contract related charges ($9 million) and a prior year pension settlement loss ($3 million), partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses net of a current year gain on business divestiture ($13 million), current year transaction and integration costs ($4 million), and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($4 million). |
• | The increase in Products North America was due to incremental operating income related to the ADTi acquisition ($53 million), prior year acquisition related costs ($27 million), higher volumes ($22 million), higher equity income ($2 million), a prior year pension settlement loss ($1 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1 million), partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses net of current year gains on business divestitures ($28 million), current year transaction and integration costs ($8 million), and unfavorable mix and margin rates ($2 million). |
• | The decrease in Asia was due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses ($26 million), current year transaction and integration costs ($24 million), a prior year gain on acquisition of partially-owned affiliates ($19 million), lower volumes ($17 million) and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($17 million), partially offset by favorable mix and margin rates ($17 million), and incremental operating income due to business acquisitions ($7 million). |
• | The increase in Rest of World was due to net unfavorable prior year contract related charges in the Middle East ($50 million), favorable mix and margin rates ($49 million), higher equity income ($7 million), higher volumes ($4 million), lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($1 million), and incremental operating income due to business |
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acquisitions ($1 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($15 million) and current year transaction costs ($1 million).
Automotive Experience
Net Sales for the Year Ended September 30, | Segment EBIT for the Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||||||||||
Seating | $ | 16,539 | $ | 17,531 | -6 | % | $ | 928 | $ | 853 | 9 | % | |||||||||
Interiors | 3,540 | 4,501 | -21 | % | 254 | (1 | ) | * | |||||||||||||
$ | 20,079 | $ | 22,032 | -9 | % | $ | 1,182 | $ | 852 | 39 | % | ||||||||||
* Measure not meaningful
Net Sales:
• | The decrease in Seating was due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1.4 billion), partially offset by higher volumes ($280 million), incremental sales related to a business acquisition ($57 million), and net favorable pricing and commercial settlements ($51 million). |
• | The decrease in Interiors was due to the deconsolidation of the majority of the Interiors business on July 2, 2015 ($924 million), lower volumes related to a prior year business divestiture ($248 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($229 million) and unfavorable sales mix ($138 million), partially offset by higher volumes ($506 million), net favorable pricing and commercial settlements ($45 million), and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($27 million). |
Segment EBIT:
• | The increase in Seating was due to net favorable pricing and commercial settlements ($65 million), lower purchasing costs ($64 million), higher volumes ($56 million), lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($30 million), lower engineering expenses ($29 million), higher equity income ($20 million), a gain on a business divestiture ($10 million), incremental operating income related to a business acquisition ($7 million) and a prior year pension settlement loss ($5 million), partially offset by higher operating costs ($117 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($47 million), unfavorable mix ($31 million) and current year separation costs ($16 million). |
• | The increase in Interiors was due to a net gain on a business divestiture ($145 million), a prior year net loss on business divestitures ($86 million), higher volumes ($67 million), lower operating costs ($23 million), lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($16 million), lower purchasing costs ($6 million), lower engineering expenses ($5 million), higher equity income ($3 million), incremental operating income related to business acquisitions ($3 million) and a prior year pension settlement loss ($1 million), partially offset by current year transaction and integration costs ($38 million), unfavorable mix ($27 million), lower operating income related to a current year business divestiture ($19 million), net unfavorable pricing and commercial settlements ($12 million), and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($4 million). |
Power Solutions
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | Change | |||||||
Net sales | $ | 6,590 | $ | 6,632 | -1 | % | ||||
Segment EBIT | 1,153 | 1,052 | 10 | % | ||||||
• | Net sales decreased due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($450 million), partially offset by higher sales volumes ($291 million), and favorable pricing and product mix ($117 million). |
• | Segment EBIT increased due to higher volumes ($90 million), lower operating costs ($79 million), favorable pricing and product mix ($16 million), a prior year pension settlement loss ($5 million) and higher equity income ($2 million), partially |
35
offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($52 million), higher selling, general and administrative expenses ($20 million), and a prior year gain on acquisition of a partially-owned affiliate ($19 million).
GOODWILL, LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS
Goodwill at September 30, 2016 was $7.1 billion, $277 million higher than the prior year. The increase was primarily due to goodwill generated as a result of the JCH joint venture in the Building Efficiency business.
Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value.
During fiscal 2014, as a result of operating results, restructuring actions and expected future profitability, the Company's forecasted cash flow estimates used in the goodwill assessment were negatively impacted as of September 30, 2014 for the Building Efficiency Rest of World - Latin America reporting unit. As a result, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the Building Efficiency Rest of World - Latin America reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of September 30, 2014. The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $47 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, which was determined by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The Building Efficiency Rest of World - Latin America reporting unit has no remaining goodwill at September 30, 2016 and 2015.
The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculations. Other than management's projections of future cash flows, the primary assumptions used in the impairment tests were the weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Company's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting unit. The impairment charges are non-cash expenses recorded within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated statements of income and did not adversely affect the Company's debt position, cash flow, liquidity or compliance with financial covenants.
Indefinite lived other intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. While the Company believes the judgments and assumptions used in the impairment tests are reasonable and no impairment existed during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, different assumptions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets with definite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals.
In the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2016, the Company concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2016. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $190 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated statements of income, of which $29 million was recorded in the second quarter, $51 million was recorded in the third quarter and $110 million was recorded in the fourth quarter. Of the total impairment charges, $64 million related to the Power Solutions segment, $55 million related to Corporate assets, $55 million related to the
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Automotive Experience Seating segment, $8 million related to the Building Efficiency Products North America segment, $4 million related to the Building Efficiency Asia segment, $3 million related to the Building Efficiency Rest of World segment and $1 million related to the Automotive Experience Interiors segment. Refer to Note 15, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured, depending on the asset, under either an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash flows or a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. These methods are consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its announced restructuring actions and the intention to spin-off the Automotive Experience business. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded a $183 million impairment charge within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total impairment charge, $139 million related to Corporate assets, $27 million related to the Automotive Experience Seating segment, $16 million related to the Building Efficiency Rest of World segment and $1 million related to the Building Efficiency Systems and Service North America segment. Refer to Note 15, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairment was measured, depending on the asset, either under an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash flows or a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impairment assets. These methods are consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
In the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, the Company concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2014. In addition, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company concluded that it had a triggering event requiring assessment of impairment of long-lived assets held by the Building Efficiency Rest of World - Latin America reporting unit due to the impairment of goodwill in the quarter. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded a $91 million impairment charge within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated statements of income, of which $45 million was recorded in the third quarter and $46 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. Of the total impairment charge, $45 million related to the Automotive Experience Interiors segment, $34 million related to the Building Efficiency Rest of World segment, $7 million related to the Automotive Experience Seating segment and $5 million related to Corporate assets. In addition, the Company recorded $43 million of asset and investment impairments within discontinued operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 related to the divestiture of the Automotive Experience Electronics business. Refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," and Note 15, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairment was measured, depending on the asset, either under an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash flows or a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impairment assets. These methods are consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."
Investments in partially-owned affiliates ("affiliates") at September 30, 2016 were $2.7 billion, $0.6 billion higher than the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the investment in the JCH joint venture and positive earnings at certain Automotive Experience affiliates.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Working Capital
September 30, 2016 | September 30, 2015 | |||||||||
(in millions) | Change | |||||||||
Current assets | $ | 13,171 | $ | 10,469 | ||||||
Current liabilities | (13,397 | ) | (10,446 | ) | ||||||
(226 | ) | 23 | * | |||||||
Less: Cash | (198 | ) | (597 | ) | ||||||
Less: Cash in escrow related to Adient debt | (2,034 | ) | — | |||||||
Add: Short-term debt | 662 | 52 | ||||||||
Add: Current portion of long-term debt | 628 | 813 | ||||||||
Less: Assets held for sale | (17 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||||
Add: Liabilities held for sale | — | 42 | ||||||||
Working capital (as defined) | $ | (1,185 | ) | $ | 278 | * | ||||
Accounts receivable | $ | 6,271 | $ | 5,751 | 9 | % | ||||
Inventories | 2,810 | 2,377 | 18 | % | ||||||
Accounts payable | 5,975 | 5,174 | 15 | % | ||||||
* Measure not meaningful
• | The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash, cash in escrow related to Adient debt, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and the current portion of assets and liabilities held for sale. Management believes that this measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items, provides a more useful measurement of the Company’s operating performance. |
• | The decrease in working capital at September 30, 2016 as compared to September 30, 2015, was primarily related to an increase in accounts payable due to timing of supplier payments, timing of income tax payments and an increase in restructuring reserves, partially offset by the impact of the JCH joint venture, and an increase in accounts receivable due to timing of customer receipts. |
• | The Company’s days sales in accounts receivable at September 30, 2016 were 57, a slight increase from 56 at September 30, 2015. There has been no significant adverse change in the level of overdue receivables or changes in revenue recognition methods. |
• | The Company’s inventory turns for the year ended September 30, 2016 were slightly lower than the comparable period ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to changes in inventory production levels. |
• | Days in accounts payable at September 30, 2016 were 76 days, higher than 74 days at the comparable period ended September 30, 2015. |
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Cash Flows
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | |||||
Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,844 | $ | 1,600 | |||
Cash provided (used) by investing activities | (1,327 | ) | 470 | ||||
Cash used by financing activities | (928 | ) | (1,821 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures | (1,227 | ) | (1,135 | ) | |||
• | The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to favorable changes in other assets and lower pension contributions, partially offset by higher income tax payments and current year separation costs. |
• | The increase in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to cash received from business divestitures in the prior year, cash paid for the JCH joint venture in the current year and an increase in capital expenditures. |
• | The decrease in cash used by financing activities was primarily due to an increase in long-term debt, lower stock repurchases in the current year and an increase in short-term debt, partially offset by higher repayments of long-term debt, an increase in dividends paid due to timing and an increase in dividends paid to noncontrolling interests related to the JCH joint venture. |
• | The increase in capital expenditures in the current year is primarily related to higher capital investments in the Building Efficiency and Power Solutions businesses, partially offset by lower capital investments in the Automotive Experience business. |
Capitalization
September 30, 2016 | September 30, 2015 | |||||||||
(in millions) | Change | |||||||||
Short-term debt | $ | 662 | $ | 52 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 628 | 813 | ||||||||
Affiliate notes payable | 6,500 | — | ||||||||
Long-term debt | 8,193 | 5,745 | ||||||||
Total debt | $ | 15,983 | $ | 6,610 | * | |||||
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | 1,862 | 10,335 | -82 | % | ||||||
Total capitalization | $ | 17,845 | $ | 16,945 | 5 | % | ||||
* Measure not meaningful
• | In connection with the Tyco Merger on September 2, 2016, the Company replaced its $2.5 billion committed five-year credit facility scheduled to mature in August 2018 with a $2.0 billion committed four-year credit facility scheduled to mature in August 2020. |
• | On September 2, 2016, in conjunction with the Tyco Merger, the Company entered into promissory notes with total face value of $6,500 million. These notes have stated annual interest rates between 5.0% and 6.0% and are scheduled to mature between 2021 and 2026. The interest is payable quarterly and outstanding unpaid principal amount is due at maturity. |
• | At September 30, 2016, the Company had committed bilateral U.S. dollar denominated revolving credit facilities totaling $135 million, which are scheduled to expire in fiscal 2017. There were no draws on any of these revolving facilities as of September 30, 2016. |
• | In August 2016, Adient Global Holdings, Ltd. (AGH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls, issued a one billion euro, 3.5% fixed rate, 8-year senior unsecured note scheduled to mature in August 2024. AGH also issued a $900 million, 4.875%, 10-year senior unsecured note scheduled to mature in August 2026. The proceeds from the notes were deposited into escrow and are expected to be released in connection with the spin-off. The notes have not been, and are not expected to be, guaranteed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that will not be subsidiaries of Adient following the spin-off. Approximately $1,500 million of the proceeds will be distributed to the Company in connection with the spin-off and approximately $500 million of the proceeds will be used for Adient's general corporate purposes. |
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• | In July 2016, AGH entered into a 5-year, $1,500 million Term A loan facility and a 5-year, $1,500 million revolving credit facility scheduled to mature in July 2021. The term loan was fully drawn in August 2016. As of September 30, 2016, there were no draws on the facility. Upon completion of the spin-off of Adient, AGH will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adient. On the date of the spin-off, Adient and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries will guarantee the debt, and the guarantees of Johnson Controls will automatically be released.The Company used the proceeds of the term loan to early repay its four tranches of euro-denominated floating rate credit facilities, totaling 390 million euro, that were outstanding as of September 30, 2015; three term loans of $500 million, $200 million and $125 million that were entered into during fiscal 2016, plus accrued interest, and a $90 million outstanding credit facility. The remainder of the proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. |
• | In February 2016, the Company entered into a nine-month, $100 million floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in November 2016. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes. |
• | In February 2016, the Company terminated a 37 million euro committed revolving credit facility scheduled to mature in September 2016, and subsequently entered into a nine-month, 100 million euro, floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in October 2016. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes. |
• | In January 2016, the Company entered into a ten-month, $200 million, floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in October 2016. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes. |
• | In January 2016, the Company entered into a ten-month, $125 million, floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in October 2016. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes. |
• | In January 2016, the Company retired $800 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 5.5% fixed rate notes that matured in January 2016. |
• | In September 2015, the Company retired, at maturity, $500 million, $150 million and $100 million floating rate term loans plus accrued interest that were entered into during fiscal 2015. |
• | In June 2015, the Company entered into a five-year, 37 billion yen floating rate syndicated term loan scheduled to mature in June 2020. Proceeds from the syndicated term loan were used for general corporate purposes. |
• | In May 2015, the Company made a partial repayment of 32 million euro in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 70 million euro floating rate credit facility scheduled to mature in November 2017. The remaining outstanding portion as of September 30, 2015 was repaid during fiscal 2016. |
• | In March 2015, the Company retired $125 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 7.7% fixed rate notes that matured in March 2015. |
• | In January 2015, the Company entered into a one-year, $90 million, committed revolving credit facility scheduled to mature in January 2016. The Company drew on the full credit facility during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Proceeds from the revolving credit facility were used for general corporate purposes. The $90 million was repaid in September 2015. |
• | The Company also selectively makes use of short-term credit lines. The Company estimates that, as of September 30, 2016, it could borrow up to $0.7 billion based on average borrowing levels during the quarter on committed credit lines. |
• | The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at September 30, 2016 are adequate to meet projected needs. The Company believes requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, stock repurchases, minimum pension contributions, debt maturities and any potential acquisitions in fiscal 2017 will continue to be funded from operations, supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required. The Company currently manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. In the event the Company is unable to issue commercial paper, it would have the ability to draw on its $2.0 billion revolving credit facility, which matures in August 2020. There were no draws on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2016. As such, the Company believes it has sufficient financial resources to fund operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future. |
• | The Company earns a significant amount of its operating income outside the U.S., which is deemed to be permanently reinvested in foreign jurisdictions. The Company currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate these funds |
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other than in a tax efficient manner. However, in fiscal 2016, the Company did provide income tax expense related to a change in the Company's assertion over a portion of the permanently reinvested earnings as a result of the planned spin-off of the Automotive Experience business. Except as noted, the Company’s intent is for such earnings to be reinvested by the subsidiaries or to be repatriated only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing domestic cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s domestic operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company expects existing foreign cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s foreign operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital in the U.S. than is generated by operations domestically, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. This alternative could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings. The Company has borrowed funds domestically and continues to have the ability to borrow funds domestically at reasonable interest rates.
• | The Company’s debt financial covenants require it to maintain a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc of at least $3.5 billion at all times and allow a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating the Company’s covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of ASC 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its credit agreements and indentures and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company’s credit rating. |
• | To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations to address the softness in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan in fiscal 2016 and recorded $535 million of restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income within continuing operations. The restructuring action related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Automotive Experience and Building Efficiency and Power Solutions businesses and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures, asset impairments, change-in-control payments and immaterial changes in estimates to prior year plans. The Company currently estimates that upon completion of the restructuring action, the fiscal 2016 restructuring plan will reduce annual operating costs from continuing operations by approximately $240 million, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense. The Company expects the annual benefit of these actions will be substantially realized by the end of fiscal 2018. For fiscal 2016, there were no significant savings, net of execution costs, realized for this plan. The restructuring action is expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2018. The restructuring plan reserve balance of $309 million at September 30, 2016 is expected to be paid in cash. |
• | To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations to address the softness in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan in fiscal 2015 and recorded $397 million of restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income within continuing operations. The restructuring action related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Automotive Experience, Building Efficiency and Power Solutions businesses and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments. The Company currently estimates that upon completion of the restructuring action, the fiscal 2015 restructuring plan will reduce annual operating costs from continuing operations by approximately $250 million, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses due to reduced employee-related costs and depreciation expense. The Company expects that a portion of these savings, net of execution costs, will be achieved in fiscal 2016 and the full annual benefit of these actions is expected in fiscal 2017. For fiscal 2016, the savings from continuing operations, net of execution costs, were approximately 55% of the expected annual operating cost reduction. The restructuring action is expected to be substantially complete in 2016. The restructuring plan reserve balance of $117 million at September 30, 2016 is expected to be paid in cash. |
• | To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations to address the softness in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to significant restructuring plans in fiscal 2014 and 2013 and recorded $324 million and $903 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income within continuing operations. The restructuring actions related to cost reduction initiatives in the Company’s Automotive Experience, Building Efficiency and Power Solutions businesses and included workforce reductions, plant closures, and asset and goodwill impairments. The Company currently estimates that upon completion of the restructuring actions, the fiscal 2014 and 2013 restructuring plans will reduce annual operating costs from continuing |
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operations by approximately $175 million and $350 million, respectively, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales due to reduced employee-related costs and lower depreciation and amortization expense. The full annual benefit of these actions, net of execution costs, were achieved in 2016. The restructuring actions were substantially complete in fiscal 2016. The respective year’s restructuring plan reserve balances of $23 million and $24 million, respectively, at September 30, 2016 are expected to be paid in cash.
A summary of the Company’s significant contractual obligations as of September 30, 2016 is as follows (in millions):
Total | 2017 | 2018-2019 | 2020-2021 | 2022 and Beyond | |||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | |||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (including capital lease obligations)* | $ | 8,821 | $ | 628 | $ | 310 | $ | 2,905 | $ | 4,978 | |||||||||
Interest on long-term debt (including capital lease obligations)* | 4,566 | 312 | 594 | 538 | 3,122 | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable due to affiliate | 6,500 | — | — | 1,000 | 5,500 | ||||||||||||||
Interest payable to affiliate | 2,818 | 387 | 720 | 716 | 995 | ||||||||||||||
Operating leases | 717 | 221 | 275 | 133 | 88 | ||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations | 2,330 | 1,941 | 291 | 92 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement contributions | 706 | 312 | 72 | 79 | 243 | ||||||||||||||
Total contractual cash obligations | $ | 26,458 | $ | 3,801 | $ | 2,262 | $ | 5,463 | $ | 14,932 | |||||||||
* See "Capitalization" for additional information related to the Company's long-term debt. The Company's outstanding interest rate swaps in an asset position are not included in the table at September 30, 2016, which indicates the Company was in a net position of receiving cash under such swaps.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Building Efficiency business recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts over the contractual period under the percentage-of-completion (POC) method of accounting. This method of accounting recognizes sales and gross profit as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Recognized revenues that will not be billed under the terms of the contract until a later date are recorded primarily in accounts receivable. Likewise, contracts where billings to date have exceeded recognized revenues are recorded primarily in other current liabilities. Changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract and such estimates are reviewed monthly. Sales and gross profit are adjusted using the cumulative catch-up method for revisions in estimated total contract costs and contract values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified. Claims against customers are recognized as revenue upon settlement. The amount of accounts receivable due after one year is not significant. The use of the POC method of accounting involves considerable use of estimates in determining revenues, costs and profits and in assigning the amounts to accounting periods. The periodic reviews have not resulted in adjustments that were significant to the Company’s results of operations. The Company continually evaluates all of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties inherent with the application of the POC method of accounting.
The Building Efficiency business enters into extended warranties and long-term service and maintenance agreements with certain customers. For these arrangements, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term.
The Building Efficiency business also sells certain heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration products and services in bundled arrangements, where multiple products and/or services are involved. In accordance with ASU No. 2009-13, "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements - A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force," the Company divides bundled arrangements into separate deliverables and revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on the relative selling price method. Significant deliverables within these arrangements include equipment, commissioning,
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service labor and extended warranties. In order to estimate relative selling price, market data and transfer price studies are utilized. Approximately four to twelve months separate the timing of the first deliverable until the last piece of equipment is delivered, and there may be extended warranty arrangements with duration of one to five years commencing upon the end of the standard warranty period.
In all other cases, the Company recognizes revenue at the time title passes to the customer or as services are performed.
Goodwill and indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be the Company’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In estimating the fair value, the Company uses multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. In certain instances, the Company uses discounted cash flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Refer to Note 6, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the goodwill impairment testing performed in the fourth quarters of fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and tradenames and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, including tangible assets and other intangible assets with definite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. Refer to Note 16, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the impairment testing performed in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company provides a range of benefits to its employees and retired employees, including pensions and postretirement benefits. Plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a remeasurement event, based on the Company’s measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates as of that date. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.
The Company utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension and postretirement benefit expenses, including measuring the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 14, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans.
U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in the statement of financial position a liability for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are underfunded or unfunded, or an asset for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are overfunded. U.S. GAAP also requires that companies measure the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets that determine a benefit plan’s funded status as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year end.
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The Company considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a result, the Company uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of participants and the expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company uses a discount rate provided by an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For the non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Company consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark indices for determining the various discount rates. The Company’s discount rate on U.S. pension plans was 3.70% and 4.40% at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company’s discount rate on postretirement plans was 3.35% and 3.75% at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company’s weighted average discount rate on non-U.S. pension plans was 1.80% and 3.15% at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
At September 30, 2015, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefits for plans that utilize a yield curve approach. This change compared to the previous method will result in different service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) in future periods. Historically, the Company estimated these service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. The Company elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. The Company made this change to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates. This change does not affect the measurement of the total benefit obligations or annual net periodic benefit cost (credit) as the change in the service and interest costs is completely offset in the net actuarial (gain) loss reported. The change in the service and interest costs was not significant. The Company has accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. Reflecting the relatively long-term nature of the plans’ obligations, approximately 47% of the plans’ assets are invested in fixed income securities and 36% in equity securities, with the remainder primarily invested in alternative investments. For the years ending September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s expected long-term return on U.S. pension plan assets used to determine net periodic benefit cost was 7.50%. The actual rate of return on U.S. pension plans was above 7.50% in fiscal 2016 and was below 7.50% in fiscal 2015. For the years ending September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s weighted average expected long-term return on non-U.S. pension plan assets was 4.45% and 4.50%, respectively. The actual rate of return on non-U.S. pension plans was above 4.45% in fiscal 2016 and approximated 4.50% in fiscal 2015. For the years ending September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s weighted average expected long-term return on postretirement plan assets was 5.45% and 5.75%, respectively. The actual rate of return on postretirement plan assets was above 5.45% in fiscal 2016 and was below 5.75% in fiscal 2015.
Beginning in fiscal 2017, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 7.50%, 3.40% and 5.60% for U.S. pension, non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, respectively. Any differences between actual investment results and the expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. If the Company’s actual returns on plan assets are less than the Company’s expectations, additional contributions may be required.
In fiscal 2016, total employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans were $136 million, of which $34 million were voluntary contributions made by the Company. The Company expects to contribute approximately $311 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2017, including $247 million due to change in control provisions triggered by the Tyco Merger. In fiscal 2016, total employer and employee contributions to the postretirement plans were $7 million. The Company does not expect to make any significant contributions to its postretirement plans in fiscal year 2017.
Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Company believes that the assumptions used are reasonable; however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Loss Contingencies
Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarially determined estimates. Additionally, the Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
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The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.
Asbestos-Related Contingencies
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Company's estimate of the liability for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2049 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Asbestos related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2049. Annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs is warranted.
Refer to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and measurement of asbestos-related liabilities.
Product Warranties
The Company offers warranties to its customers depending upon the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that the Company replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. The Company records an estimate of future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates and other known factors. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the Company’s warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. At September 30, 2016, the Company had recorded $365 million of warranty reserves, including extended warranties for which deferred revenue is recorded. The Company monitors its warranty activity and adjusts its reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates. Refer to Note 7, "Product Warranties," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the Company's product warranty liabilities.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes." Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Company’s net deferred tax assets. In calculating the provision for income taxes on an interim basis, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted as appropriate based upon the actual results as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year.
The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2016, the Company had a valuation allowance of $1,157 million, of which $773 million relates to net operating loss carryforwards primarily in Belgium, Brazil, China, France,
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Spain and the United Kingdom for which sustainable taxable income has not been demonstrated; and $384 million for other deferred tax assets.
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining its worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company is regularly under audit by tax authorities. At September 30, 2016, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $1,439 million.
The Company does not generally provide additional U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. consolidated subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. Such earnings could become taxable upon the sale or liquidation of these non-U.S. subsidiaries or upon dividend repatriation. The Company’s intent is for such earnings to be reinvested by the subsidiaries or to be repatriated only when it would be tax effective through the utilization of foreign tax credits. Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion of domestic and foreign cash projections.
Refer to Note 17, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Company's income tax disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes." ASU No. 2015-17 requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated statements of financial position. During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2015-17 and applied the change retrospectively to all periods presented.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU No. 2014-08 limits discontinued operations reporting to situations where the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, and requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. ASU No. 2014-08 was effective for the Company for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements as there were no dispositions or disposals during the quarter ended December 31, 2015.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, "Consolidations (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties that are under Common Control." The ASU changes how a single decision maker of a variable interest entity (VIE) that holds indirect interest in the entity through related parties that are under common control determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The new guidance amends ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" issued in February 2015. The guidance should be applied coincidentally with the adoption of ASU 2015-02, which is effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory". The ASU requires the tax effects of all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory to be recognized in the period in which the transaction occurs. The guidance will be effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2018 with early adoption permitted but only in the first interim period of a fiscal year. The changes are required to be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." ASU No. 2016-15 provides clarification guidance on eight specific cash flow presentation issues in order to reduce the diversity in practice. ASU No. 2016-15 will be effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, unless deem impracticable, in which case prospective application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
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In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." ASU No. 2016-13 changes the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost, requiring presentation at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based upon historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses will now be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. ASU No. 2016-13 will be effective for the Company for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, with early adoption permitted for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU No. 2016-09 impacts certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statements of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-09 will be effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting." ASU No. 2016-07 eliminates the requirement for an investment that qualifies for the use of the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence to adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retrospectively. ASU No. 2016-07 will be effective prospectively for the Company for increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method that occur during or after the quarter ending December 31, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The impact of this guidance for the Company is dependent on any future increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." ASU No. 2016-02 requires recognition of operating leases as lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. ASU No. 2016-02 will be effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU No. 2016-01 amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU No. 2016-01 will be effective for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2018, and early adoption is not permitted, with certain exceptions. The changes are required to be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment on the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." ASU No. 2015-11 requires inventory that is recorded using the first-in, first-out method to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU No. 2015-11 will be effective prospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)." ASU No. 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Such investments should be disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. ASU No. 2015-07 will be effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements but will impact pension asset disclosures.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU No. 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. ASU No. 2015-03 will be effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." ASU No. 2015-02 amends the analysis performed to determine whether a reporting entity should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The ASU No. 2015-02 was amended by ASU No. 2016-17, "Consolidations (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties that are under Common Control," issued in October 2016. ASU No. 2015-02 will be effective retrospectively for the
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Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU No. 2014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue when an entity either enters into a contract with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into a contract for the transfer of non-financial assets. The original standard was effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2017; however in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date," which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one-year for all entities. The new standard will become effective retrospectively for the Company for the quarter ending December 31, 2018, with early adoption permitted, but not before the original effective date. Additionally, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)," in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing," and in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients," all of which provide additional clarification on certain topics addressed in ASU No. 2014-09. ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10 and ASU No. 2016-12 follow the same implementation guidelines as ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2015-14. The Company is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, interest rates and stock-based compensation. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the hedge, the Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as either (1) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability or of a recognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or (3) a hedge of a net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge). The Company performs hedge effectiveness testing on an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statements of income.
For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a regression calculation. Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Company aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
For net investment hedges, the Company assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Company’s net investment positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.
The Company selectively uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risk associated with changes in interest rates for its fixed-rate bonds. At September 30, 2016, all outstanding interest rate swaps qualify for the long-haul method. The Company assesses retrospective and prospective effectiveness and records any measured ineffectiveness in the consolidated statements of income on a monthly basis.
Equity swaps and any other derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment of effectiveness.
A discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Exchange
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and enters into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Company’s
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global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.
The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Company primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Company also selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.
The Company had entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps and foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of the cross-currency interest rate swaps and debt obligations are reflected in the AOCI account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally.
At September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased net unrealized gains by approximately $229 million and $234 million, respectively.
Interest Rates
The Company uses interest rate swaps to offset its exposure to interest rate movements. In accordance with ASC 815, these outstanding swaps qualify and are designated as fair value hedges. The Company had eight interest rate swaps totaling $850 million outstanding at September 30, 2016 and twelve interest rates swaps totaling $1.7 billion outstanding at September 30, 2015. A 10% increase in the average cost of the Company’s variable rate debt would have resulted in an unfavorable change in pre-tax interest expense of approximately $5 million and $6 million for the year ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Commodities
The Company uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS
The Company’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these laws impose civil and criminal penalties and fines, as well as injunctive and remedial relief, for noncompliance and require remediation at sites where Company-related substances have been released into the environment.
The Company has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the Company has been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or the remediation of Company-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. Historically, neither such commitments nor penalties imposed on the Company have been material.
Environmental considerations are a part of all significant capital expenditure decisions; however, expenditures in fiscal 2016 related solely to environmental compliance were not material. As of September 30, 2016, reserves for environmental liabilities totaled $27 million of which $4 million was recorded within other current liabilities and $23 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. A charge to income is recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. The Company’s environmental liabilities do not take into consideration any possible recoveries of future insurance proceeds. Because of the uncertainties associated with environmental remediation activities at sites where the Company may be potentially liable, future expenses to remediate identified sites could be considerably higher than the accrued liability. However, while neither the timing nor the amount of ultimate costs associated with known environmental remediation matters can be determined at this time, the Company does not expect that these matters will
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have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company has identified asset retirement obligations for environmental matters that are expected to be addressed at the retirement, disposal, removal or abandonment of existing owned facilities, primarily in the Power Solutions and Building Efficiency businesses. At September 30, 2016, the Company recorded conditional asset retirement obligations of $71 million.
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases have typically involved product liability claims based primarily on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos containing components. As of September 30, 2016, the Company's estimated asbestos related net liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Company's consolidated statements of financial position is comprised of a liability for pending and future claims and related defense costs of $116 million, of which $7 million is recorded in other current liabilities and $109 million is recorded in other noncurrent liabilities.
The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. At September 30, 2016, the insurable liabilities totaled $181 million, of which $30 million was recorded within other current liabilities, $15 million was recorded within accrued compensation and benefits, and $136 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.
The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of its businesses, including those pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and health, intellectual property, employment, commercial and contractual matters, and various other casualty matters. Although the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to us, it is management’s opinion that none of these will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Costs related to such matters were not material to the periods presented. Refer to Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(in millions, except per share data) (quarterly amounts unaudited) | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Full Year | ||||||||||||||
2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 8,929 | $ | 9,031 | $ | 9,516 | $ | 9,390 | $ | 36,866 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 1,633 | 1,729 | 1,887 | 1,810 | 7,059 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) (1) | 490 | (469 | ) | 459 | (1,112 | ) | (632 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | 450 | (530 | ) | 383 | (1,150 | ) | (847 | ) | |||||||||||
2015 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 9,624 | $ | 9,198 | $ | 9,608 | $ | 8,749 | $ | 37,179 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 1,609 | 1,573 | 1,706 | 1,559 | 6,447 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (2) | 546 | 557 | 207 | 369 | 1,679 | ||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | 507 | 529 | 178 | 349 | 1,563 | ||||||||||||||
(1) | The fiscal 2016 first quarter net income includes $101 million for transaction, integration and separation costs. The fiscal 2016 second quarter net loss includes $229 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs, and $131 million for transaction, integration and separation costs. The fiscal 2016 third quarter net income includes $167 million for transaction, integration, and separation costs, and $102 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs. The fiscal 2016 fourth quarter net loss includes $562 million of net mark-to-market and settlement losses on pension and postretirement plans, $211 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs, and $264 million for transaction, integration and separation costs. The preceding amounts are stated on a pre-tax and pre-noncontrolling interest impact basis. |
(2) | The fiscal 2015 first quarter net income includes $20 million for transaction and integration costs. The fiscal 2015 second quarter net income includes $28 million for transaction and integration costs, and a $200 million gain on divestiture of two |
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GWS joint ventures within discontinued operations. The fiscal 2015 third quarter net income includes $48 million for transaction, integration, and separation costs. The fiscal 2015 fourth quarter net income includes $422 million of net mark-to-market losses on pension and postretirement plans, $397 million of significant restructuring and impairment costs, a $145 million gain on divestiture of the Interiors business, $82 million for transaction, integration and separation costs, and a $940 million gain on the divestiture of GWS within discontinued operations. The preceding amounts are stated on a pre-tax basis.
ITEM 7A | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
See "Risk Management" included in Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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ITEM 8 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 | |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 | |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Johnson Controls International plc
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Johnson Controls, Inc. and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it classifies deferred taxes in fiscal 2016.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
November 23, 2016 |
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Johnson Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
Net sales | |||||||||||
Products and systems* | $ | 33,149 | $ | 33,513 | $ | 34,978 | |||||
Services* | 3,717 | 3,666 | 3,771 | ||||||||
36,866 | 37,179 | 38,749 | |||||||||
Cost of sales | |||||||||||
Products and systems* | 27,247 | 28,214 | 29,910 | ||||||||
Services* | 2,560 | 2,518 | 2,534 | ||||||||
29,807 | 30,732 | 32,444 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 7,059 | 6,447 | 6,305 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (5,100 | ) | (3,986 | ) | (4,216 | ) | |||||
Restructuring and impairment costs | (535 | ) | (397 | ) | (324 | ) | |||||
Net financing charges | (300 | ) | (288 | ) | (244 | ) | |||||
Interest expense due to affiliate | (27 | ) | — | — | |||||||
Equity income | 530 | 375 | 395 | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 1,627 | 2,151 | 1,916 | ||||||||
Income tax provision | 2,259 | 600 | 407 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | (632 | ) | 1,551 | 1,509 | |||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 3) | — | 128 | (166 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) | (632 | ) | 1,679 | 1,343 | |||||||
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | 215 | 112 | 105 | ||||||||
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | 4 | 23 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | $ | (847 | ) | $ | 1,563 | $ | 1,215 | ||||
Amounts attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. common shareholders: | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | (847 | ) | $ | 1,439 | $ | 1,404 | ||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | 124 | (189 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (847 | ) | $ | 1,563 | $ | 1,215 | ||||
* | Products and systems consist of Automotive Experience and Power Solutions products and systems and Building Efficiency installed systems. Services are Building Efficiency technical services. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
54
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Year Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (632 | ) | $ | 1,679 | $ | 1,343 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (28 | ) | (825 | ) | (642 | ) | |||||
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives | 9 | (10 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||
Realized and unrealized losses on marketable common stock | (1 | ) | — | (7 | ) | ||||||
Pension and postretirement plans | (1 | ) | (10 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||
Other comprehensive loss | (21 | ) | (845 | ) | (657 | ) | |||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (653 | ) | 834 | 686 | |||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 224 | 91 | 126 | ||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls, Inc. | $ | (877 | ) | $ | 743 | $ | 560 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
55
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
September 30, | |||||||
(in millions, except par value and share data) | 2016 | 2015 | |||||
Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 198 | $ | 597 | |||
Cash in escrow related to Adient debt | 2,034 | — | |||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $116 and $82, respectively | 6,271 | 5,751 | |||||
Inventories | 2,810 | 2,377 | |||||
Assets held for sale | 17 | 55 | |||||
Other current assets | 1,841 | 1,689 | |||||
Current assets | 13,171 | 10,469 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment - net | 6,649 | 5,870 | |||||
Goodwill | 7,101 | 6,824 | |||||
Other intangible assets - net | 1,514 | 1,516 | |||||
Investments in partially-owned affiliates | 2,735 | 2,143 | |||||
Other noncurrent assets | 3,830 | 2,800 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 35,000 | $ | 29,622 | |||
Liabilities and Equity | |||||||
Short-term debt | $ | 662 | $ | 52 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | 628 | 813 | |||||
Accounts payable | 5,975 | 5,174 | |||||
Accrued compensation and benefits | 1,498 | 1,090 | |||||
Interest payable to affiliate | 27 | — | |||||
Liabilities held for sale | — | 42 | |||||
Other current liabilities | 4,607 | 3,275 | |||||
Current liabilities | 13,397 | 10,446 | |||||
Long-term debt | 8,193 | 5,745 | |||||
Notes payable due to affiliate | 6,500 | — | |||||
Pension and postretirement benefits | 1,022 | 767 | |||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 2,854 | 1,954 | |||||
Long-term liabilities | 18,569 | 8,466 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 20) | |||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 234 | 212 | |||||
Common stock - par value $0.01, $0.01; 1,000, 1.8 billion shares authorized; 0, 717,039,108 shares issued, respectively | — | 7 | |||||
Capital in excess of par value | 251 | 3,740 | |||||
Retained earnings | 2,698 | 10,797 | |||||
Treasury stock, at cost (2015 - 69,671,840 shares) | — | (3,152 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,087 | ) | (1,057 | ||||