Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

Commission file number 1-35166

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

520 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015-5611

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)    (Zip Code)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 28, 2019 (the last day of the registrant’s most recent second quarter) was $7,953,512,286.  The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at February 7, 2020, was 139,971,698.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information contained in the registrant’s proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 28, 2020 (to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year) (the “2020 Proxy Statement”) is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

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Form 10-K Table of Contents

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1.    Business.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

Our Company

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

Our Strategy

Build on leading business and brand positions in attractive growth and return categories. We believe that we have leading market positions and brands in many of our product categories in the Unites States. In Cabinets, we continued our targeted initiatives throughout 2019 to grow in the value priced segments of the market. Moen continued to grow its brand presence in our targeted ”entry-level” demographics including millennial home buyers. During 2019 and since acquiring Fiberon (our composite decking and railing business) in 2018, we significantly expanded our distribution partnerships for the brand in the Midwest and Western regions of the U.S., including a major new distribution partnership with Orepac. We also strive to leverage our brands by expanding into adjacent product categories and continue to develop new programs by working closely with our partners and customers.

Continue to develop innovative products for customers, designers, installers and consumers. Sustained investments in consumer-driven product innovation and customer service, along with our low-cost structures, have contributed to our success in the marketplace and creating consumer demand. In 2019, our Global Plumbing Group continued to develop products with our partners in the “whole home” and “smart home” water space including the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shut Off, which was launched in 2019 and the Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector and U by Moen Smart Faucet, which were launched in early 2020. Moen also worked with partners in 2019 to develop new technologies and designs. In 2019, MasterBrand Cabinets, which provides a wide range of cabinets for the home, focused on the shift in the marketplace toward stock cabinetry and introduced Mantra, a new value-priced cabinet line. MasterBrand Cabinets continued to develop innovative new cabinet door designs, lighting systems, color palettes and features in a range of styles that allow consumers to create a custom kitchen look at an affordable price and introduced new, exclusive laminate door and finish options across multiple price segments. We continue to provide channel support with responsive websites featuring our cabinet brands that drives consumers to our partner dealers. The Therma-Tru portfolio of on-trend door and glass collections continued to evolve to meet current and emerging architectural

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design trends including additional decorative, privacy and textured glass designs and door surrounds. In 2019, Fiberon expanded its offering of premium PVC decking products and also brought new products to its railing category.  Master Lock continued to be an innovation leader in security and safety products and services, driven by consumer and end user focused insights with continued emphasis on electronic enabled solutions for enhanced capability and convenience. SentrySafe continued to provide a full portfolio of quality security, fire and water resistant safes to help consumers and small business owners protect documents and valuables.

Expand in international markets. We expect to have opportunities to expand sales by further penetrating international markets, which represented approximately 16% of net sales in 2019. We continue to develop our relationship with dealers and distributors and their Moen-branded stores throughout China. In our Cabinets segment, WoodCrafters sold and launched a variety of cabinetry products in Mexico.

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

Enhance returns and deploy our cash flow to high-return opportunities. We continue to believe our most attractive opportunities are to invest in profitable organic growth initiatives, pursue accretive strategic acquisitions, non-controlling equity investments, and joint ventures, and return cash to stockholders through a combination of dividends and repurchases of shares of our common stock. In 2019, we repurchased approximately 2 million shares of our outstanding common stock under the Company’s share repurchase program for $100 million and returned $123 million to stockholders through dividends.

Invest in our employees and community and conduct business responsibly. We believe that holding our team, our suppliers and the products that we deliver to a high set of standards strengthens our company and builds a foundation for lasting success and shareholder value creation. Our emphasis on our employee’s safety has resulted in fewer recordable incidents and lower lost time rates.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe our competitive strengths include the following:

Leading brands. We have leading brands in many of our product categories. We believe that established brands are meaningful to both consumers and trade customers in their respective categories and that we have the opportunity to, among other things, gain share in the marketplace and continue to expand many of our brands into adjacent product categories and international markets.

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

Operational excellence. In 2019, we invested approximately $58 million to support long-term growth potential and new products both in the U.S. and international markets.  In addition, our supply chains and low cost manufacturing structures allow us to adapt to challenging market conditions, including the impact of tariffs. We believe that margin improvement will continue to be driven predominantly by organic volume growth that can be readily accommodated by current production capacity.

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

Diverse sales end-use mix. We sell in a variety of product categories and sales channels in the U.S. home and security products markets. In addition, our exposure to changing levels of U.S. residential new home construction activity is balanced with repair-and-remodel activity, which comprised a substantial majority of the overall U.S. home products market and about two-thirds of our U.S. home products sales in 2019. We also benefit from a stable market for plumbing and security products and international sales growth opportunities.

Diverse sales channels. We sell through a wide array of sales channels, including kitchen and bath dealers, wholesalers oriented to builders or professional remodelers, industrial and locksmith distributors, “do-it-yourself” remodeling-oriented home centers and other retail outlets. We are able to leverage these existing sales channels to expand into adjacent product categories. In 2019, sales to our top ten customers represented less than half of total sales.

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

Strong capital structure. We exited 2019 with a strong balance sheet.  As of December 31, 2019, we had $387.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and total debt was $2,184.3 million, resulting in a net debt position of $1,796.4 million. In addition, we had $1,250.0 million available under our credit facility as of December 31, 2019.

Business Segments

We have three business segments:  Cabinets, Plumbing and Doors & Security.  The following table shows net sales for each of these segments and key brands within each segment:

Our segments compete on the basis of innovation, fashion, quality, price, service and responsiveness to distributor, retailer and installer needs, as well as end-user consumer preferences. Our markets are very competitive. Approximately 16% of 2019 net sales were to international markets, and sales to two of the Company’s customers, The Home Depot, Inc. (“The Home Depot”) and Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (“Lowe’s”), each accounted for more than 14% of the Company’s net sales in 2019. Sales to all U.S. home centers in the aggregate were approximately 29% of net sales in 2019.

Cabinets. Our Cabinets segment manufactures high quality stock, semi-custom and custom cabinetry, as well as vanities, for the kitchen, bath and other parts of the home through a regional supply chain footprint to deliver high quality cabinets and service to our customers. This segment sells a portfolio of brands that enables our customers to differentiate themselves against competitors. This portfolio includes brand names such as, Diamond, Aristokraft, Mid-Continent, Kitchen Craft, Homecrest, Omega, StarMark, Ultracraft, Kemper, Schrock, Decora and Mantra. Substantially all of this segment’s sales are in North America. This segment sells directly to kitchen and bath dealers, home centers, wholesalers and large builders. In aggregate, sales to The Home Depot and Lowe’s comprised approximately 36% of net sales of the Cabinets segment in 2019. This segment’s competitors include ACPI (formerly Masco Cabinetry) and American Woodmark, as well as a large number of overseas, regional and local suppliers.

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Plumbing. Our Plumbing segment manufactures or assembles and sells faucets, accessories, kitchen sinks and waste disposals, predominantly under the Moen, Riobel, ROHL, Victoria+Albert, Perrin & Rowe and Shaws brands. Although this segment sells products principally in the U.S., China and Canada, this segment also sells in Mexico, Southeast Asia, Europe and South America. Approximately 30% of 2019 net sales were to international markets. This segment sells directly through its own sales force and indirectly through independent manufacturers’ representatives, primarily to wholesalers, home centers, mass merchandisers and industrial distributors. In aggregate, sales to The Home Depot and Lowe’s comprised approximately 23% of net sales of the Plumbing segment in 2019. This segment’s chief competitors include Masco, Kohler, Spectrum Brands, LIXIL Group, InSinkErator (owned by Emerson Electronic Company) and imported private-label brands.

Doors & Security. Our Doors & Security segment manufactures and sells fiberglass and steel entry door systems under the Therma-Tru brand name, composite decking and railing under the Fiberon brand name, and urethane millwork under the Fypon brand name.  It also manufactures, sources and distributes locks, safety and security devices, and electronic security products under the Master Lock and American Lock brands and fire resistant safes, security containers and commercial cabinets under the SentrySafe brand.  This segment sells products principally in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Central America, Japan and Australia. Approximately 13% of 2019 net sales were to international markets.  This segment’s principal customers are home centers, hardware and other retailers, millwork building products and wholesale distributors, and specialty dealers that provide products to the residential new construction market, as well as to the remodeling and renovation markets.  In addition, it sells lock systems and fire resistant safes to locksmiths, industrial and institutional users, and original equipment manufacturers. In aggregate, sales to The Home Depot and Lowe’s comprised approximately 23% of net sales of the Doors & Security segment in 2019. Therma-Tru, Fiberon and Fypon brands compete with Masonite, JELD-WEN, Trex, Azek, Plastpro, Pella and various regional and local suppliers.  The Master Lock brand competes with Abus, W.H. Brady, Hampton, Spectrum Brands, Allegion, Assa Abloy and various imports.  The SentrySafe brand competes with Magnum, Fortress, Interlocks and Stack-On.

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

For additional financial information for each of our business segments, refer to Note 20, “Information on Business Segments,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Information

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

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

Employees. As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately 24,700 full-time employees. Approximately 3,200 of these employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Employee relations are generally good.

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

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Environmental matters. We are involved in remediation activities to clean up hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Liabilities for remediation costs of each site are based on our best estimate of undiscounted future costs, excluding possible insurance recoveries or recoveries from other third parties. Uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, technology and information related to individual sites make it difficult to develop estimates of future environmental remediation exposures. Some of the potential liabilities relate to sites we own, and some relate to sites we no longer own or never owned. Several of our subsidiaries have been designated as potentially responsible parties (“PRP”) under “Superfund” or similar state laws. As of December 31, 2019, ten such instances have not been dismissed, settled or otherwise resolved.  In 2019, none of our subsidiaries were identified as a PRP in a new instance and no instances were settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved. In most instances where our subsidiaries are named as a PRP, we enter into cost-sharing arrangements with other PRPs. We give notice to insurance carriers of potential PRP liability, but very rarely, if ever, receive reimbursement from insurance for PRP costs. We believe that the cost of complying with the present environmental protection laws, before considering estimated recoveries either from other PRPs or insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had accruals of $0.2 and $0.6 million, respectively, relating to environmental compliance and cleanup including, but not limited to, the above mentioned Superfund sites.

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

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

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

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

Risks Relating to Our Business

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

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

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We operate in very competitive consumer and trade brand categories.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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experienced higher manufacturing costs and longer lead times due to higher tariffs, currency fluctuations, higher wage rates, labor shortages and higher raw material costs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We purchase raw materials to be used in manufacturing our products and also rely on third-party manufacturers as a source for finished goods. We typically do not enter into long-term contracts with our suppliers or sourcing partners. Instead, most raw materials and sourced goods are obtained on a “purchase order” basis. In addition, in some instances we maintain single-source or limited-source sourcing relationships, either because multiple sources are not available or the relationship is advantageous due to performance, quality, support, delivery, capacity or price considerations. Financial, operating or other difficulties encountered by our suppliers or sourcing partners or changes in our relationships with them could result in

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manufacturing or sourcing interruptions, delays and inefficiencies, and prevent us from manufacturing or obtaining the finished goods necessary to meet customer demand. If we are unable to meet customer demand, there could be an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

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

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

Impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results.

Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized, but must be evaluated for impairment by management at least annually. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, the goodwill is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value via a non-cash charge to earnings. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its fair value, the intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value via a non-cash charge to earnings.  During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded non-cash impairment charges related to indefinite lived intangibles of $41.5 million and $62.6 million, respectively. Future events may occur that would adversely affect the fair value of our goodwill or other acquired intangible assets and require impairment charges. Such events may include, but are not limited to, lower than forecasted revenues, actual new construction and repair and remodel growth rates that fall below our assumptions, actions of key customers, increases in discount rates, continued economic uncertainty, higher levels of unemployment, weak consumer confidence, lower levels of discretionary consumer spending, a decrease in royalty rates and a decline in the trading price of our common stock. We continue to evaluate the impact of economic and other developments to assess whether impairment indicators are present. Accordingly, we may be required to perform impairment tests based on changes in the economic environment and other factors, and these tests could result in impairment charges in the future. Given the Company’s impairment charges in 2019 and 2018, there is minimal difference between the estimated fair values and the carrying values of some our indefinite-lived intangible assets, increasing the possibility of future impairment charges.

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

We, like most companies, may be subject to information technology system failures and network disruptions caused by delays or disruptions due to system updates, natural disasters, malicious attacks, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar events or disruptions. Our businesses may implement enterprise resource planning systems or add applications to replace outdated systems and to operate more efficiently. We may not be able to successfully implement the projects without experiencing difficulties. In addition, any expected benefits of implementing projects might not be realized or the costs of implementation might outweigh the benefits realized. In addition, information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. We believe we devote appropriate resources to network security, data encryption, and other security measures to protect our systems and data, but these security measures cannot provide absolute security. In the event of a breach, we would be exposed to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

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

Increases in the costs of pension benefits may continue and negatively affect our business as a result of: the effect of potential declines in the stock and bond markets on the performance of our pension plan assets; potential reductions in the discount rate used to determine the present value of our benefit obligations; and changes to our investment strategy that may impact our expected return on pension plan assets assumptions. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and interest rates, which may change based on economic conditions. Our accounting policy for defined benefit plans may subject earnings to volatility due to the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, particularly due to the change in the fair value of pension assets and interest rates.  Funding requirements for our U.S. pension plans may become more significant. However, the ultimate amounts to be contributed are dependent upon, among other things, interest rates, underlying asset returns and the impact of legislative or regulatory changes related to pension funding obligations.  

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

Our businesses are subject to income taxation in the U.S., as well as internationally. We are routinely audited by income tax authorities in many jurisdictions. Although we believe that the recorded tax estimates are reasonable and appropriate, there are significant uncertainties in these estimates. As a result, the ultimate outcome from any audit could be materially different from amounts reflected in our income tax provisions and accruals. Future settlements of income tax audits may have a material adverse effect on earnings between the period of initial recognition of tax estimates in our financial statements and the point of ultimate tax audit settlement. In addition, significant judgement is required in determining our provision for income taxes.  Our total income tax expense could be affected by changes in tax laws rates in the jurisdictions in which our businesses are subject to taxation, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities or changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such laws by tax authorities.

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

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

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

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

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

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2.    Properties.

Our principal executive office is located in Deerfield, Illinois. We operate 29 U.S. manufacturing facilities in 16 states and have 21 manufacturing facilities in international locations (8 in Mexico, 3 in Asia, 4 in Europe, 4 in Africa, and 2 in Canada).  In addition, we have 51 distribution centers and warehouses worldwide, of which 40 are leased.  The following table provides additional information with respect to these properties.

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

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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

The Company is a defendant in lawsuits that are ordinary routine litigation matters incidental to its businesses. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending actions, and, as with any litigation, it is possible that these actions could be decided unfavorably to the Company. The Company believes that there are meritorious defenses to these actions and that these actions will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and, where appropriate, these actions are being vigorously contested. Accordingly, the Company believes the likelihood of material loss is remote.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Information about our Executive Officers.

Our current executive officers are as follows:

Christopher J. Klein has served as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 2020. From January 2010 through January 2020, Mr. Klein served as Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Brands.

Nicholas I. Fink has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 2020. From March 2019 to January 2020, Mr. Fink served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Fortune Brands. From July 2016 to March 2019, Mr. Fink served as President of the Company’s Plumbing business. From June 2015 to July 2016, Mr. Fink served as Senior Vice President of Global Growth and Development of Fortune Brands. Prior to that Mr. Fink served as President, Asia Pacific and South America of Beam Suntory, Inc., a global spirits company.

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

Cheri M. Phyfer has served as President of the Plumbing segment since March 2019. Ms. Phyfer served as President of Moen’s U.S. business from 2018 to March 2019. Prior to that, Ms. Phyfer held various positions at the Sherwin-Williams Company, a manufacturer of paint, coatings, and related products, including President of the Consumer Brands Group (2017) and President & General Manager – Diversified Brands from 2013 to 2017.

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

R. David Banyard, Jr. has served as President of the Cabinets segment since November 2019. Mr. Banyard served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Myer Industries, an international manufacturer of packaging, storage, and safety products and specialty molding, from December 2015 to October 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Banyard was the Group President of Fluid Handling Technologies at Roper Industries from 2010 to 2015.  

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John D. Lee has served as Senior Vice President of Global Growth and Development of Fortune Brands since January 2020.  Mr. Lee served as Senior Vice President of Global Growth and Development of the Plumbing segment from July 2016 to January 2020.  Prior to that he served as Vice President and Head of Strategy, Americas of Beam Suntory, Inc. from January 2015 to July 2016.

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

Sheri R. Grissom has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer since January 2020 and as Senior Vice President - Human Resources of Fortune Brands since February 2015. Prior to that, Ms. Grissom served as Executive Vice President - Global Human Resources of Actuant Corporation, a diversified industrial company.

Brian C. Lantz has served as Senior Vice President, Communications & Corporate Administration since January 2017.  Mr. Lantz served as Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications from July 2013 to December 2016. Mr. Lantz joined Fortune Brands in June 2011 as Vice President of Investor Relations.

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

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

PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information, Dividends and Holders of Record

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

In December 2019, our Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend by 9% to $0.24 per share of our common stock.  Our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate dividend payment opportunities on a quarterly basis.  There can be no assurance as to when and if future dividends will be paid, or at what level, because the payment of dividends is dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

On February 7, 2020, there were 9,216 record holders of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share. A substantially greater number of holders of the Company’s common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares of record are held by banks, brokers or other financial institutions.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Below are the repurchases of common stock by the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) for the three months ended December 31, 2019:

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Stock Performance

The above graph compares the relative performance of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group Index. This graph covers the period from December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2019. This graph assumes $100 was invested in the stock or the index on December 31, 2014 and also assumes the reinvestment of dividends.  The foregoing performance graph is being furnished as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K solely in accordance with the requirement under Rule 14a-3(b)(9) to furnish our stockholders with such information, and therefore, shall not be deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference into any filings by the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

Peer Group Index. The 2019 peer group is composed of the following publicly traded companies corresponding to the Company’s core businesses:

American Woodmark Corporation, Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Leggett & Platt Incorporated, Lennox International Inc., Masco Corporation, Masonite International Corporation, Mohawk Industries, Inc., Newell Brands Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Company, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. and Fastenal Company.  USG Corporation was removed from the 2019 peer group as it was acquired by Gebr. Knauf KG during 2019 and its shares are no longer publicly traded.  American Woodmark Corporation and Masonite International Corporation were added to the 2019 peer group as they correspond to our core businesses.

Calculation of Peer Group Index

The weighted-average total return of the entire peer group, for the period of December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2019, is calculated in the following manner:

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

Five-year Consolidated Selected Financial Data

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Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Introduction

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

Overview

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

For the year ended December 31, 2019, net sales based on country of destination were:

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

We continue to believe our most attractive opportunities are to invest in profitable organic growth initiatives, pursue accretive strategic acquisitions, non-controlling equity investments, and joint ventures, and return cash to stockholders through a combination of dividends and repurchases of shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program as explained in further detail under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.  

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

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

During the two years ended December 31, 2019, our net sales grew at a compounded annual rate of 4.5% as we benefited from a growing U.S. home products market, acquisitions, and growth in international markets.  Operating income grew at a compounded annual rate of 1.2% with consolidated operating margins between 11% and 13% from 2017 to 2019. Growth in operating income was primarily due to higher sales volume, changes to our portfolio of businesses, control over our operating expenses and the benefits of productivity programs.

During 2019, the U.S. home products market grew due to increases in repair and remodel and new home construction activity.  We believe spending for home repair and remodeling increased approximately 3% to 4% and new housing construction experienced approximately 2% growth in 2019 compared to 2018.  In 2019, net sales grew 5.1% due to price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases, including the impact of higher tariffs, the benefit from the 2018 Fiberon acquisition in our Doors & Security segment ($139 million), and higher sales volume, including growth in China.  These benefits were partially offset by lower sales unit volume of make-to-order custom and semi-custom cabinetry products, unfavorable promotion and rebate costs, and unfavorable foreign exchange of $29 million.  In 2019, operating income increased 17.4% over 2018 due to higher net sales, productivity improvements, and lower restructuring and asset impairment charges. These benefits were partially offset by higher commodity costs, including the impact of higher tariffs, unfavorable mix and higher employee related costs.

In September 2019, we issued $700 million of unsecured senior notes (“2019 Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2019 Notes are due in 2029 with a coupon rate of 3.25%. The Company used the proceeds from the 2019 Notes offering to repay in full the Company’s $350 million term loan and to pay down outstanding balances under our revolving credit facility.

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

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

In September 2018, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of Fiber Composites LLC (“Fiberon”), a leading U.S. manufacturer of outdoor performance materials used in decking and railing products for a total purchase price of approximately $470.0 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The acquisition of Fiberon provides category expansion and product extension opportunities into the outdoor living space for our Doors & Security segment. We financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit and term loan facilities.  Fiberon’s results of operations are included in the Doors & Security segment from the date of acquisition.

Basis of Presentation

Results of Operations

The following discussion of both consolidated results of operations and segment results of operations refers to the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The discussion of consolidated results of operations should be read in conjunction with the discussion of segment results of operations and our financial statements and notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless otherwise noted, all discussion of results of operations are for continuing operations.

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Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

Certain items had a significant impact on our results in 2019 and 2018. These included the acquisition of Fiberon, restructuring and other charges, asset impairment charges and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

In 2019, financial results included:

In 2018, financial results included:

Total Fortune Brands  

Net sales

Net sales increased by $279.5 million, or 5.1%, due to price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases, including the impact of higher tariffs, the full year benefit from the 2018 Fiberon acquisition in our Doors & Security segment ($139 million), and higher sales volume, including growth in China.  These benefits were partially offset by lower sales unit volume of make-to-order custom and semi-custom cabinetry products, unfavorable promotion and rebate costs, and unfavorable foreign exchange of $29 million.

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Cost of products sold

Cost of products sold increased by $186.5 million, or 5.3%, due to the higher net sales and increased commodity costs including the impact of higher tariffs, partially offset by the benefit from productivity improvements and lower amortization of acquisition-related inventory fair value adjustments in our Plumbing and Doors & Security segments ($8.6 million).

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $14.9 million, or 1.2%, due to higher employee related costs and transportation costs, as well as the impact of expenses associated with the 2018 Fiberon acquisition in our Doors & Security segment.

Amortization of intangible assets

Amortization of intangible assets increased by $5.3 million due to the 2018 Fiberon acquisition in our Doors & Security segment.

Asset impairment charges

Asset impairment charges of $41.5 million and $62.6 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively related to three indefinite-lived tradenames within our Cabinets segment.

Restructuring charges

Restructuring charges of $14.7 million in 2019 primarily related to severance costs and costs associated with closing facilities across all of our segments. Restructuring charges of $24.1 million in 2018 primarily related to our initiatives to consolidate and rationalize our manufacturing footprint and discontinue certain product lines in our Cabinets segment and severance costs within all our segments.

Operating income

Operating income increased by $103.3 million, or 17.4%, primarily due to higher net sales, productivity improvements, and lower restructuring and asset impairment charges. These benefits were partially offset by higher commodity costs, including the impact of higher tariffs, unfavorable mix and higher employee related costs.  

Interest expense

Interest expense increased by $19.7 million to $94.2 million, due to higher average borrowings and higher average interest rates.

Other expense (income), net

Other expense (income), net, was expense of $29.0 million in 2019, compared to income of $16.3 million in 2018. The increase of $45.3 million of expense is primarily due to higher actuarial losses within our defined benefit plans in 2019 ($30.3 million increase), the absence of the hedge gains associated with our September 2018 debt issuance and unfavorable foreign currency adjustments.

Income taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2019 and 2018 were 25.0% and 27.4%, respectively.  The 2019 effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by a tax benefit related to share-based compensation ($3.7 million), and unfavorably impacted by a valuation allowance increase ($3.4 million), state and local taxes ($18.0 million), unfavorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions ($1.4 million), and increases in uncertain tax positions ($7.5 million).

The 2018 effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by a tax benefit related to share-based compensation ($2.1 million) and unfavorably impacted by a valuation allowance increase ($3.0 million), an adjustment to the provisional net benefit recorded in 2017 under the Tax Act ($5.5 million), state and local taxes ($13.7 million), unfavorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions ($3.5 million), and increases in uncertain tax positions ($4.1 million).

Net income from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations was $431.3 million in 2019 compared to $390.0 million in 2018.  The increase of $41.3 million was due to higher operating income and lower income tax expenses, partly offset by higher other expense and interest expense.

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Results By Segment

Cabinets

Net sales decreased by $30.1 million, or 1.2%, predominantly due to lower sales unit volume of make-to-order custom and semi-custom cabinetry products, lower sales in Canada and increased promotional costs.  Foreign exchange was unfavorable by approximately $3 million. These factors were partly offset by benefits from price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and higher sales unit volume of stock cabinetry products.

Operating income increased by $34.8 million, or 24.3%, due to price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases, the benefit from productivity improvements, lower asset impairment charges, lower restructuring and other charges and higher sales unit volume of stock cabinetry products.  These benefits were partly offset by higher employee related costs, lower sales unit volume of make-to-order custom and semi-custom cabinetry products, and commodity cost inflation.

Plumbing

Net sales increased by $143.9 million, or 7.6%, due to higher sales volume, including growth in China, and price increases to help mitigate tariffs.  These benefits were partially offset by lower sales volume in Canada, Mexico and luxury-branded products and higher rebate costs as well as unfavorable foreign exchange of approximately $22 million.  

Operating income increased by $52.3 million, or 13.9%, due to higher net sales, the benefit from productivity improvements and the absence in 2019 of the amortization of the acquisition-related inventory fair value adjustment ($5.5 million of expense in 2018) related to our Victoria+Albert acquisition. These benefits were partially offset by the impact of higher tariffs, unfavorable mix and higher rebate costs.  Foreign exchange was unfavorable by approximately $11 million.

Doors & Security

Net sales increased by $165.7 million, or 14.0%, due to the full year benefit from the 2018 Fiberon acquisition ($139 million), price increases to help mitigate tariffs and cumulative raw material cost increases and new customers in decking products.  These benefits were partially offset by lower sales unit volume of doors products due to inventory rebalancing in the retail distribution channel.  Foreign exchange was unfavorable by approximately $4 million.

Operating income increased by $16.7 million, or 10.7%, due to higher net sales including the full year benefit from the 2018 Fiberon acquisition and lower amortization of the acquisition-related inventory fair value adjustment related to Fiberon ($3.0 million decrease in 2019). These factors were partially offset by commodity cost inflation, an inventory valuation accounting change benefit in 2018 of $12.8 million, unfavorable product mix and an expense due to a fair value adjustment associated with an idle manufacturing facility ($1.7 million in 2019).

Corporate

Corporate expenses increased by $0.5 million, or 0.6%, due to higher employee related costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities, cash borrowed under our credit facility and cash from debt issuances in the capital markets. Our operating income is generated by our subsidiaries. We believe our operating cash flows, including funds available under the credit facility and access to capital markets, provide sufficient liquidity to support the Company’s liquidity and financing needs, which are working capital requirements, capital expenditures and service of indebtedness, as well as to finance acquisitions, repurchase shares of our common stock and pay dividends to stockholders, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.  

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

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Unsecured Senior Notes

At December 31, 2019, the Company had aggregate outstanding notes in the principal amount of $2.2 billion, with varying maturities (the “Notes”). The Notes are unsecured senior obligations of the Company. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s outstanding Notes, including the carrying value of the Notes, net of underwriting commissions, price discounts and debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

In September 2019, we issued $700 million of unsecured senior notes (“2019 Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2019 Notes are due in 2029 with a coupon rate of 3.25%. The Company used the proceeds from the 2019 Notes offering to repay in full the Company’s $350 million term loan and to pay down outstanding balances under our revolving credit facility.  

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

As of December 31, 2019, Notes payments due during the next five years are $400 million in 2020, zero in 2021 through 2022 and $600 million in 2023 through 2024. The Company intends to repay or refinance the 3.000% Senior Notes on or before the June 2020 maturity date.

Credit Facilities

In September 2019, the Company entered into a second amended and restated $1.25 billion revolving credit facility (the “2019 Revolving Credit Agreement”), and borrowings thereunder will be used for general corporate purposes. The terms and conditions of the 2019 Revolving Credit Agreement, including the total commitment amount, essentially remained the same as the previous revolving credit facility, except that the maturity date was extended to September 2024.  Interest rates under the 2019 Revolving Credit Agreement are variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Company’s long-term credit rating and can range from LIBOR + 0.91% to LIBOR + 1.4%. Borrowings amounting to $165.0 million were rolled over from the prior revolving credit facility into the 2019 Revolving Credit Agreement. The amendment also includes a covenant under which the Company is required to maintain a minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense of 3.0 to 1.0.  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, losses from asset impairments, and certain other one-time adjustments. In addition, the amendment includes a covenant under which the Company’s ratio of consolidated debt minus certain cash and cash equivalents to consolidated EBITDA generally may not exceed 3.5 to 1.0. This amendment and restatement of the credit agreement was a non-cash transaction for the Company.  On December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our outstanding borrowings under this credit facility were zero and $320.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants under this credit facility.

In September 2019, the Company used the proceeds from the 2019 Notes to repay the full outstanding balance on the Term Loan entered into in March 2018 and subsequently amended in August 2018 and March 2019 (the “Term Loan”).  Following the March 2019 amendment, the Term Loan provided for borrowings of $350 million and was scheduled to mature in March 2020. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, amounts due under the Term Loan were zero and $525.0 million, respectively, which is included within Short-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. 

We currently have uncommitted bank lines of credit in China, which provide for unsecured borrowings for working capital of up to $17.5 million in aggregate as of December 31, 2019 and $23.5 million in aggregate as of December 31, 2018, of which zero was outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.  The weighted-average interest rates on these borrowings were zero in 2019 and 2018.

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The components of external long-term debt were as follows:

In our debt agreements, there are normal and customary events of default which would permit the lenders to accelerate the debt if not cured within applicable grace periods, such as failure to pay principal or interest when due or a change in control of the Company. There were no events of default as of December 31, 2019.

Cash and Seasonality

In 2019, we invested approximately $58 million in incremental capacity to support long-term growth potential and new products. We expect capital spending in 2020 to be in the range of $160 to $175 million. On December 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $387.9 million, of which $341.1 million was held at non-U.S. subsidiaries. We manage our global cash requirements considering (i) available funds among the subsidiaries through which we conduct business, (ii) the geographic location of our liquidity needs, and (iii) the cost to access international cash balances.  The repatriation of non-U.S. cash balances from certain subsidiaries could have adverse tax consequences as we may be required to pay and record tax expense on those funds that are repatriated.

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

Share Repurchases

In 2019, we repurchased 2.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock under the Company’s share repurchase program for $100.0 million.  As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s total remaining share repurchase authorization under the remaining program was approximately $314 million.  The share repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of shares and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Dividends

In 2019, we paid dividends in the amount of $123.0 million to the Company’s shareholders. Our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate dividend payment opportunities on a quarterly basis. There can be no assurance as to when and if future dividends will be paid, and at what level, because the payment of dividends is dependent on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. There are no restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to Fortune Brands.  

Acquisitions

We periodically review our portfolio of brands and evaluate potential strategic transactions and other capital initiatives to increase shareholder value. In September 2018, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of Fiberon, a leading U.S. manufacturer of outdoor performance materials used in decking and railing products, for a total purchase price of approximately $470 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The acquisition of Fiberon provided category expansion and product extension opportunities into the outdoor living space for our Doors & Security segment. We financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit and term loan facilities.  The results of operations are included in the Doors & Security segment from the date of acquisition.

Cash Flows

Below is a summary of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

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Net cash provided by operating activities was $637.2 million in 2019 compared to $604.0 million in 2018. The $33.2 million increase in cash provided from 2018 to 2019 was primarily due to increases in net income and lower increases in inventories, partially offset by increases in accounts receivable balances and decreases in accrued taxes.

Net cash used in investing activities was $127.6 million in 2019 compared to $634.3 million in 2018. The decrease in cash used of $506.7 million from 2018 to 2019 was primarily due to a $465.6 million decrease in cost of acquisitions.

Net cash used by financing activities was $389.7 million in 2019 compared to $6.8 million in 2018. The increase in net cash used of $382.9 million from 2018 to 2019 was primarily due to net repayments of debt in 2019 compared to net borrowings in 2018 ($976.9 million increase), partly offset by lower share repurchases in 2019 compared to 2018 ($594.6 million decrease).

Pension Plans

Subsidiaries of Fortune Brands sponsor their respective defined benefit pension plans that are funded by a portfolio of investments maintained within our benefit plan trust. In 2019 and 2018, we contributed $10.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively, to our qualified pension plans. In 2020, we expect to make pension contributions of approximately $23.0 million.  As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of our total pension plan assets was $677.2 million, representing funding of 77% of the accumulated benefit obligation liability.  For the foreseeable future, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet the minimum funding that may be required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Foreign Exchange

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

Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

The following table describes other obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, such as debt and lease agreements, and under contingent commitments, such as debt guarantees, as of December 31, 2019.

Due to the uncertainty of the timing of settlement with taxing authorities, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement of unrecognized tax benefits. Therefore, $88.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 have been excluded from the Contractual Obligations table above.

In addition to the contractual obligations and commitments listed and described above, we also had other commercial commitments for which we are contingently liable as of December 31, 2019. Other corporate commercial commitments include standby letters of credit of $38.7 million, in the aggregate, all of which expire in less than one year, and surety bonds of $10.7 million, of which $10.6 million matures in less than one year and $0.1 million matures in 1-3 years. These contingent commitments are not expected to have a significant impact on our liquidity.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2019, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are material or reasonably likely to be material to our financial condition or results of operations.

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Foreign Currency Risk

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

Derivative Financial Instruments

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

Deferred currency gains of $4.1 million and $2.2 million (before tax impact) were reclassified into earnings for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Based on foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2019, we estimate that $2.3 million of net derivative gain included in AOCI as of December 31, 2019 will be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP. Preparation of the financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial statements and revenues and expenses reported for the relevant reporting periods. We believe the policies discussed below are the Company’s critical accounting policies as they include the more significant, subjective and complex judgments and estimates made when preparing our consolidated financial statements.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for discounts and doubtful accounts. The allowances for doubtful accounts represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations (usually due to customers’ potential insolvency) or discounts related to early payment of accounts receivables by our customers. The allowances include provisions for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowances include a provision for customer defaults on a general formula basis when it is determined that the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with specific customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical collection experience and existing economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $3.0 million and $3.7 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Inventories

Inventory provisions are recorded to reduce inventory to the net realizable dollar value for obsolete or slow moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions, inventory levels and turns, product spoilage and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance, engineering/material changes, or regulatory-related changes. In accordance with this policy, our inventory provision was $46.1 million and $45.3 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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Long-lived Assets

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

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Defined Benefit Plans

We have a number of pension plans in the United States, covering many of the Company’s employees; however, the majority of these plans have been frozen to new participants and benefit accruals were frozen for active participants on December 31, 2016.  In addition, the Company provides postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits to certain retirees.  Service cost for 2019 relates to benefit accruals in an hourly Union defined benefit plan in our Doors & Security segment, which is the only remaining plan where benefit accruals have not been frozen. 

We recognize changes in the fair value of pension plan assets and net actuarial gains or losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the fair value of pension plan assets or each plan’s projected benefit obligation (the “corridor”) in earnings immediately upon remeasurement, which is at least annually in the fourth quarter of each year. Net actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from any of the assumptions used to value defined benefit plans or when assumptions change as they may each year. The primary factors contributing to actuarial gains and losses are changes in the discount rate used to value obligations as of the measurement date and the differences between expected and actual returns on pension plan assets. This accounting method results in the potential for volatile and difficult to forecast gains and losses. The pre-tax recognition of actuarial (gains) losses was $34.7 million and $3.8 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The total net actuarial losses in accumulated other comprehensive income for all defined benefit plans were $87.4 million as of December 31, 2019, compared to $71.5 million as of December 31, 2018.     

We record amounts relating to these defined benefit plans based on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current economic conditions and trends. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans are reasonable based on our experience and on advice from

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our independent actuaries; however, differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions may materially affect our financial condition or results of operations. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the nature of the plans’ investments, our current asset allocation and our expectations for long-term rates of return. The weighted-average long-term expected rate of return on pension plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was 4.9% and 6.0%, respectively. Compensation increases reflect expected future compensation trends. The discount rate used to measure obligations is based on a spot-rate yield curve on a plan-by-plan basis that matches projected future benefit payments with the appropriate interest rate applicable to the timing of the projected future benefit payments. The bond portfolio used for the selection of the discount rate is from the top quartile of bonds rated by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, and includes only non-callable bonds and those that are deemed to be sufficiently marketable with a Moody’s credit rating of Aa or higher. The weighted-average discount rate for defined benefit liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was 3.3% and 4.4%, respectively.

For postretirement benefits, our health care trend rate assumption is based on historical cost increases and expectations for long-term increases. As of December 31, 2019, for postretirement medical and prescription drugs in the next year, our assumption was an assumed rate of increase of 6.7% for pre-65 retirees and 7.8% for post-65 retirees, declining until reaching an ultimate assumed rate of increase of 4.5% per year in 2027. As of December 31, 2018, for postretirement medical and prescription drugs in the next year, our assumption was an assumed rate of increase of 6.9% for pre-65 retirees and 8.0% for post-65 retirees, declining until reaching an ultimate assumed rate of increase of 4.5% per year in 2027.

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

The actuarial losses in 2019 were principally due to changes in discount rates. The actuarial losses in 2018 were principally due to lower asset returns. Discount rates in 2019 used to determine benefit obligations decreased by an average of 110 basis points for pension benefits. Discount rates for 2019 postretirement benefits increased an average of 220 basis points. Discount rates in 2018 used to determine benefit obligations increased by an average of 60 basis points for pension benefits. Discount rates for 2018 postretirement benefits increased an average of 80 basis points. Our actual return on plan assets in 2019 was 19.7% compared to an actuarial assumption of an average 4.9% expected return. Our actual return on plan assets in 2018 was (3.5)% compared to an actuarial assumption of an average 6.0% expected return. Significant actuarial losses in future periods would be expected if discount rates decline, actual returns on plan assets are lower than our expected return, or a combination of both occurs.

A 25 basis point change in our discount rate assumption would lead to an increase or decrease in our pension and postretirement liability of approximately $28 million.  A 25 basis point change in the long-term rate of return on plan assets used in accounting for our pension plans would have a $1.6 million impact on pension expense.  In addition, if required, actuarial gains and losses will be recorded in accordance with our defined benefit plan accounting method as previously described.  It is not possible to forecast or predict whether there will be actuarial gains and losses in future periods, and if required, the magnitude of any such adjustment.  These gains and losses are driven by differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions that are beyond our control, such as changes in interest rates and the actual return on pension plan assets.

Income Taxes

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

We record liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is recognition, where we evaluate whether an individual tax position has a likelihood of greater than 50% of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions that are currently estimated to have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained, no tax benefit is recorded. For tax positions that have met the recognition threshold in the first step, we perform the second step of measuring the benefit to be recorded. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from our estimates. In future periods, changes in facts, circumstances, and new information may require us to change the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and consolidated balance sheet in the period in which such changes occur. As of December 31, 2019, we had liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions totaling $88.0 million. It is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits

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may decrease in the range of $3.1 million to $3.8 million in the next 12 months primarily as a result of the conclusion of U.S. federal, state and foreign income tax proceedings.

The Tax Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, made significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, an exemption from federal income tax for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, and an imposition of a one-time transition tax on the deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings and profits as of December 31, 2017.   

Customer Program Costs

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

Litigation Contingencies

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

Environmental Matters

We are involved in remediation activities to clean up hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Liabilities for remediation costs of each site are based on our best estimate of undiscounted future costs, excluding possible insurance recoveries or recoveries from other third parties. Uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, technology and information related to individual sites make it difficult to develop estimates of future environmental remediation exposures. Some of the potential liabilities relate to sites we own, and some relate to sites we no longer own or never owned. Several of our subsidiaries have been designated as potentially responsible parties (“PRP”) under “Superfund” or similar state laws. As of December 31, 2019, ten such instances have not been dismissed, settled or otherwise resolved.  In 2019, none of our subsidiaries were identified as a PRP in a new instance and no instances were settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved. In most instances where our subsidiaries are named as a PRP, we enter into cost-sharing arrangements with other PRPs. We give notice to insurance carriers of potential PRP liability, but very rarely, if ever, receive reimbursement from insurance for PRP costs. We believe that the cost of complying with the present environmental protection laws, before considering estimated recoveries either from other PRPs or insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had accruals of $0.2 and $0.6 million, respectively, relating to environmental compliance and cleanup including, but not limited to, the above mentioned Superfund sites.

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

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The counterparties are major financial institutions.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company does not have external variable rate borrowings as of December 31, 2019.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

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

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

The estimated potential loss under foreign exchange contracts from movement in foreign exchange rates would not have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. As part of our risk management procedure, we use a value-at-risk (“VAR”) sensitivity analysis model to estimate the maximum potential economic loss from adverse changes in foreign exchange rates over a one-day period given a 95% confidence level. The VAR model uses historical foreign exchange rates to estimate the volatility and correlation of these rates in future periods. The estimated maximum one-day loss in the fair value of the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts using the VAR model was $0.6 million at December 31, 2019. The 95% confidence interval signifies our degree of confidence that actual losses under foreign exchange contracts would not exceed the estimated losses. The amounts disregard the possibility that foreign currency exchange rates could move in our favor. The VAR model assumes that all movements in the foreign exchange rates will be adverse. These amounts should not be considered projections of future losses, since actual results may differ significantly depending upon activity in the global financial markets. The VAR model is a risk analysis tool and should not be construed as an endorsement of the VAR model or the accuracy of the related assumptions.

Commodity Price Risk

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

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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