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Johnson Controls International plc - Quarter Report: 2020 December (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2020
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From _____ To _____
Commission File Number: 001-13836 
 
JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter
Ireland98-0390500
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Albert Quay, Cork, Ireland, T12 X8N6
(353) 21-423-5000
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Postal Code)(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading SymbolName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Ordinary Shares, Par Value $0.01JCINew York Stock Exchange
 4.25% Senior Notes due 2021  JCI21B New York Stock Exchange
 3.750% Senior Notes due 2021  JCI21C New York Stock Exchange
 4.625% Notes due 2023  JCI23 New York Stock Exchange
 1.000% Senior Notes due 2023  JCI23A New York Stock Exchange
 3.625% Senior Notes due 2024  JCI24A New York Stock Exchange
 1.375% Notes due 2025  JCI25A New York Stock Exchange
 3.900% Notes due 2026  JCI26A New York Stock Exchange
0.375% Senior Notes due 2027JCI27New York Stock Exchange
1.750% Senior Notes due 2030JCI30New York Stock Exchange
1.000% Senior Notes due 2032JCI32New York Stock Exchange
 6.000% Notes due 2036  JCI36A New York Stock Exchange
 5.70% Senior Notes due 2041  JCI41B New York Stock Exchange
 5.250% Senior Notes due 2041  JCI41C New York Stock Exchange
 4.625% Senior Notes due 2044  JCI44A New York Stock Exchange
 5.125% Notes due 2045  JCI45B New York Stock Exchange
 6.950% Debentures due December 1, 2045  JCI45A New York Stock Exchange
 4.500% Senior Notes due 2047  JCI47 New York Stock Exchange
 4.950% Senior Notes due 2064  JCI64A New York Stock Exchange
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  þ    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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  þ    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 an 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.
Large accelerated filerþAccelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Non-accelerated filer¨Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
ClassOrdinary Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2020
Ordinary Shares, $0.01 par value per share720,271,990



JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC
FORM 10-Q
Report Index
  
Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Month Periods Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Month Periods Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Month Periods Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Attributable to
Johnson Controls Ordinary Shareholders for the
Three Month Periods Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6. Exhibits
Signatures



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(in millions, except par value; unaudited)
December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$1,839 $1,951 
Accounts receivable - net5,177 5,294 
Inventories1,913 1,773 
Other current assets1,105 1,035 
Current assets10,034 10,053 
Property, plant and equipment - net3,082 3,059 
Goodwill18,207 17,932 
Other intangible assets - net5,384 5,356 
Investments in partially-owned affiliates1,003 914 
Noncurrent assets held for sale 155 147 
Other noncurrent assets3,559 3,354 
Total assets$41,424 $40,815 
Liabilities and Equity
Short-term debt$11 $31 
Current portion of long-term debt453 262 
Accounts payable3,210 3,120 
Accrued compensation and benefits836 838 
Deferred revenue1,583 1,435 
Other current liabilities2,393 2,562 
Current liabilities8,486 8,248 
Long-term debt7,469 7,526 
Pension and postretirement benefits1,110 1,140 
Other noncurrent liabilities5,536 5,368 
Long-term liabilities14,115 14,034 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)
Ordinary shares, $0.01 par value
Ordinary A shares, €1.00 par value
— — 
Preferred shares, $0.01 par value
— — 
Ordinary shares held in treasury, at cost(1,146)(1,119)
Capital in excess of par value16,917 16,865 
Retained earnings2,382 2,469 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(504)(776)
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls17,656 17,447 
Noncontrolling interests1,167 1,086 
Total equity18,823 18,533 
Total liabilities and equity$41,424 $40,815 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
3



Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions, except per share data; unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Net sales
Products and systems$3,799 $4,036 
Services1,542 1,540 
5,341 5,576 
Cost of sales
Products and systems2,719 2,866 
Services894 907 
3,613 3,773 
Gross profit1,728 1,803 
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1,294)(1,427)
Restructuring and impairment costs— (111)
Net financing charges(59)(52)
Equity income58 43 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes433 256 
Income tax provision61 65 
Income from continuing operations372 191 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 4)124 — 
Net income 496 191 
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling
interests
45 32 
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls$451 $159 
Amounts attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders:
Income from continuing operations$327 $159 
        Income from discontinued operations124 — 
Net income $451 $159 
Basic earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls
Continuing operations$0.45 $0.21 
Discontinued operations0.17 — 
Net income$0.62 $0.21 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls
Continuing operations$0.45 $0.21 
Discontinued operations0.17 — 
Net income$0.62 $0.21 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
4



Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in millions; unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Net income $496 $191 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments308 261 
Realized and unrealized gains on derivatives
Pension and postretirement plans(1)(1)
Other comprehensive income308 267 
Total comprehensive income804 458 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests81 44 
Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls$723 $414 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
5


Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions; unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31,
 20202019
Operating Activities of Continuing Operations
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Johnson Controls$327 $159 
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests45 32 
Net income from continuing operations372 191 
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization207 207 
Pension and postretirement benefit income(46)(40)
Pension and postretirement contributions(17)(12)
Equity in earnings of partially-owned affiliates, net of dividends received(52)
Deferred income taxes(59)(3)
Noncash restructuring and impairment charges— 54 
Equity-based compensation22 23 
Other - net(47)(7)
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable224 237 
Inventories(98)(114)
Other assets(70)(92)
Restructuring reserves(34)33 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities91 (498)
Accrued income taxes22 524 
Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations515 511 
Investing Activities of Continuing Operations
Capital expenditures(91)(126)
Sale of property, plant and equipment34 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired— (48)
Business divestitures, net of cash divested11 — 
Changes in long-term investments— 
Cash used by investing activities from continuing operations(37)(173)
Financing Activities of Continuing Operations
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt - net(20)10 
Debt financing costs— (4)
Stock repurchases and retirements(346)(651)
Payment of cash dividends(190)(203)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options31 21 
Employee equity-based compensation withholding taxes(21)(20)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests— (5)
Cash received (paid) related to prior acquisitions and divestitures(1)
Cash used by financing activities from continuing operations(547)(850)
Discontinued Operations
Cash used by operating activities(36)(194)
Cash used by discontinued operations(36)(194)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(11)57 
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(116)(649)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period1,960 2,821 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period1,844 2,172 
Less: Restricted cash12 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,839 $2,160 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6



Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls Ordinary Shareholders
(in millions, except per share data; unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
TotalOrdinary
Shares
Capital in Excess 
of Par Value
Retained
Earnings
Treasury Stock,
at Cost
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
At September 30, 2019$19,766 $$16,812 $4,827 $(1,086)$(795)
Comprehensive income414 — — 159 — 255 
Cash dividends
      Ordinary ($0.26 per share)
(201)— — (201)— — 
Repurchases and retirements
of ordinary shares
(651)— — (651)— — 
Adoption of ASC 842(5)— — (5)— — 
Other, including options exercised— 36 — (30)— 
At December 31, 2019$19,329 $$16,848 $4,129 $(1,116)$(540)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020
TotalOrdinary
Shares
Capital in Excess 
of Par Value
Retained
Earnings
Treasury Stock,
at Cost
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
At September 30, 2020$17,447 $$16,865 $2,469 $(1,119)$(776)
Comprehensive income 723 — — 451 — 272 
Cash dividends
      Ordinary ($0.26 per share)
(189)— — (189)— — 
Repurchases and retirements
of ordinary shares
(346)(1)— (345)— — 
Adoption of ASU 2016-13(4)— — (4)— — 
Other, including options exercised25 — 52 — (27)— 
At December 31, 2020$17,656 $$16,917 $2,382 $(1,146)$(504)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
7


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)

1.Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Johnson Controls International plc, a corporation organized under the laws of Ireland, and its subsidiaries (Johnson Controls International plc and all its subsidiaries, hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Company" or "Johnson Controls"). In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 filed with the SEC on November 16, 2020. The results of operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of results for the Company’s 2021 fiscal year because of seasonal and other factors.

Nature of Operations

Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global diversified technology and multi-industrial leader serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company’s products and solutions enable smart, energy efficient, sustainable buildings that work seamlessly together to advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces to power its customers’ mission. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.

The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing and commissioning building products and systems, including residential and commercial heating, ventilating, air-conditioning ("HVAC") equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire detection systems and fire suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven “smart building” services and solutions powered by its digital platforms and capabilities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Johnson Controls International plc and its subsidiaries that are consolidated in conformity with U.S. GAAP. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal. Investments in partially-owned affiliates are accounted for by the equity method when the Company’s interest exceeds 20% and the Company does not have a controlling interest.

The Company consolidates variable interest entities ("VIE") in which the Company has the power to direct the significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity that may be significant. The Company did not have a significant variable interest in any consolidated or nonconsolidated VIEs in its continuing operations for the presented reporting periods.

Restricted Cash

At December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the Company held restricted cash of approximately $5 million and $9 million, respectively, all of which was recorded within other current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position. These amounts were related to cash restricted for payment of asbestos liabilities.

8


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
2.      New Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." ASU No. 2016-13 and its related amendments replace the previous expected credit loss methodology with a new incurred loss methodology. The new standard applies to financial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade receivables. Under the new standard, companies must consider historical information, current conditions and a reasonable forecast period when estimating credit losses. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13 and the related amendments effective October 1, 2020. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 6, “Accounts Receivable, Net,” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

Other recently issued accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

3.Acquisitions and Divestitures

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company completed certain divestitures within the Buildings Solutions Asia Pacific segment. The combined selling price was $15 million, of which $11 million was received as of December 31, 2020. In connection with the divestitures, the Company reduced goodwill by $4 million.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company completed certain acquisitions for a combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $54 million, of which $48 million was paid as of December 31, 2019. In connection with the acquisitions, the Company recorded goodwill of $17 million within the Global Products segment and $12 million within the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment.

Acquisitions and divestitures were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements in either the first quarter of fiscal 2021 or 2020.

4.     Discontinued Operations

On April 30, 2019, the Company completed the sale of its Power Solutions business, which met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, to BCP Acquisitions LLC for a purchase price of $13.2 billion. The net cash proceeds after tax and transaction-related expenses were $11.6 billion. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a gain, net of transaction and other costs, of $5.2 billion ($4.0 billion after tax), subject to post-closing working capital and net debt adjustments, within income from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of income. In December 2020, the favorable resolution of certain post-closing working capital and net debt adjustments resulted in income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $124 million due to a reversal of a reserve established in connection with the sale of Power Solutions.



9


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
The following table summarizes the results of Power Solutions which are classified as discontinued operations for the three months ended December 31, 2020 (in millions). As the Power Solutions sale occurred on April 30, 2019, there is no activity related to the three months ended December 31, 2019.
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
2020
Net sales$— 
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes150 
Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations
(26)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
— 
Income from discontinued operations$124 


Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale

During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company determined that certain assets of the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The estimated fair value, less costs to sell, of these assets was $155 million at December 31, 2020 and $147 million at September 30, 2020.

5.     Revenue Recognition

Disaggregated Revenue

The following tables present the Company's revenues disaggregated by segment and by products and systems versus services revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Products & SystemsServicesTotalProducts & SystemsServicesTotal
Building Solutions North America$1,242 $792 $2,034 $1,356 $811 $2,167 
Building Solutions EMEA/LA426 480 906 457 471 928 
Building Solutions Asia Pacific345 270 615 371 258 629 
Global Products1,786 — 1,786 1,852 — 1,852 
Total$3,799 $1,542 $5,341 $4,036 $1,540 $5,576 

10


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
The following table presents further disaggregation of Global Products segment revenues by product type for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
HVAC$1,249 $1,300 
Fire & Security488 492 
Industrial Refrigeration49 60 
Total$1,786 $1,852 

Contract Balances

Contract assets relate to the Company’s right to consideration for performance obligations satisfied but not billed and consist of unbilled receivables and costs in excess of billings. Contract liabilities relate to customer payments received in advance of satisfaction of performance obligations under the contract. Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue. Contract balances are classified as assets or liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. 

The following table presents the location and amount of contract balances in the Company's consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
Location of contract balancesDecember 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Contract assets - currentAccounts receivable - net$1,404 $1,395 
Contract assets - noncurrentOther noncurrent assets104 104 
Contract liabilities - currentDeferred revenue(1,583)(1,435)
Contract liabilities - noncurrentOther noncurrent liabilities(257)(245)
Total$(332)$(181)

For the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recognized revenue of $714 million and $686 million, respectively, that was included in the beginning of period contract liability balance.

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a distinct good, service, or a bundle of goods and services promised in a contract. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. When contracts with customers require significant and complex integration, contain goods or services which are highly interdependent or interrelated, or are goods or services which significantly modify or customize other promises in the contracts and, therefore, are not distinct, then the entire contract is accounted for as a single performance obligation. For any contracts with multiple performance obligations, the contract’s transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. For product sales, each product sold to a customer typically represents a distinct performance obligation.

Performance obligations are satisfied as of a point in time or over time. The timing of satisfying the performance obligation is typically indicated by the terms of the contract. As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was approximately $14.9 billion, of which approximately 60% is expected to be recognized as revenue over the next two years. The remaining performance obligations expected to be recognized in revenue beyond two years primarily relate to large, multi-purpose contracts to construct hospitals, schools and other governmental buildings, which include services to be performed over the building's lifetime, with initial contract terms of 25 to 35 years. Future contract modifications could affect both the timing and the amount of the remaining performance obligations. The Company excludes the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less.
11


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)

Costs to Obtain or Fulfill a Contract

The Company recognizes the incremental costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer as an asset when these costs are recoverable. These costs consist primarily of sales commissions and bid/proposal costs. Costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are capitalized and amortized to revenue over the period of contract performance.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company recorded the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract of $236 million, of which $135 million is recorded within other current assets and $101 million is recorded within other noncurrent assets in the consolidated statements of financial position. As of September 30, 2020, the Company recorded the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract of $223 million, of which $119 million is recorded within other current assets and $104 million is recorded within other noncurrent assets in the consolidated statements of financial position.

During the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized amortization expense of $41 million and $26 million, respectively, related to costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. There were no impairment losses recognized in the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

6.    Accounts Receivable, Net

Receivables consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers and unbilled costs and accrued profits related to revenues on long-term contracts that have been recognized for accounting purposes but not yet billed to customers. The Company extends credit to customers in the normal course of business and maintains an allowance for expected credit losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of customers to make required payments. The allowance for expected credit losses is based on historical experience, existing economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and any specific customer collection issues the Company has identified. The Company evaluates the reasonableness of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis. The Company enters into supply chain financing programs to sell certain accounts receivable without recourse to third-party financial institutions. Sales of accounts receivable are reflected as a reduction of accounts receivable in the consolidated statements of financial position and the proceeds are included in cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Accounts receivable$5,350 $5,467 
Less: Allowance for expected credit losses (1)
(173)(173)
Accounts receivable, net$5,177 $5,294 

(1) Allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 30, 2020, prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

The changes in the allowance for expected credit losses related to Accounts receivable for the three month period ended December 31, 2020 were as follows (in millions):

Three Months Ended
December 31,
2020
Balance as of September 30, 2020$173 
Provision for expected credit losses
Write-offs charged against the allowance for expected credit losses(12)
Other (including impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13)
Balance as of December 31, 2020$173 

12


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)

7.    Leases

The Company's lease portfolio is described in Note 8, "Leases," of the notes to consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020.

The following table presents supplemental consolidated statement of financial position information as of December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 (in millions):
Location of lease balancesDecember 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Other noncurrent assets
$1,296 $1,190 
Operating lease liabilities - current
Other current liabilities
326 332 
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent
Other noncurrent liabilities
972 875 

The following table presents supplemental noncash operating lease activity for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$175 $74 

8.     Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Raw materials and supplies$633 $629 
Work-in-process164 142 
Finished goods1,116 1,002 
Inventories$1,913 $1,773 


9.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Company’s reportable segments for the three month period ended December 31, 2020 were as follows (in millions):
Business AcquisitionsBusiness DivestituresCurrency Translation and Other
September 30,December 31,
20202020
Building Solutions North America$9,160 $— $— $36 $9,196 
Building Solutions EMEA/LA1,967 — — 104 2,071 
Building Solutions Asia Pacific1,226 — (4)68 1,290 
Global Products5,579 — — 71 5,650 
Total$17,932 $— $(4)$279 $18,207 

At September 30, 2020, accumulated goodwill impairment charges included $424 million and $47 million related to the Building Solutions North America Retail and Building Solutions EMEA/LA - Latin America reporting units, respectively.

13


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
The Company reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in
circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. There were no triggering events requiring that an impairment assessment be conducted in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. However, it is possible that future changes in circumstances, including a more prolonged and/or severe COVID-19 pandemic, would require the Company to record additional non-cash impairment charges.

The Company’s other intangible assets, primarily from business acquisitions valued based on independent appraisals, consisted of (in millions):
 December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
NetGross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Definite-lived intangible assets
Technology$1,354 $(536)$818 $1,332 $(497)$835 
Customer relationships2,826 (1,040)1,786 2,773 (969)1,804 
Miscellaneous702 (293)409 657 (268)389 
Total definite-lived intangible assets4,882 (1,869)3,013 4,762 (1,734)3,028 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trademarks/trade names2,291 — 2,291 2,248 — 2,248 
Miscellaneous80 — 80 80 — 80 
2,371 — 2,371 2,328 — 2,328 
Total intangible assets$7,253 $(1,869)$5,384 $7,090 $(1,734)$5,356 

Amortization of other intangible assets included within continuing operations for the three month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $104 million and $96 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Company anticipates amortization for fiscal 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 will be approximately $418 million, $411 million, $396 million, $375 million and $299 million per year, respectively.

The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. There were no triggering events requiring that an impairment assessment be conducted in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. However, it is possible that future changes in circumstances, including a more prolonged and/or severe COVID-19 pandemic, would require the Company to record additional non-cash impairment charges.

10.    Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs

To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company commits to various restructuring plans as necessary. Restructuring plans generally result in charges for workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments which are reported as restructuring and impairment costs in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company expects the restructuring actions to reduce cost of sales and SG&A due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense.

In fiscal 2020, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan ("2020 Plan") and recorded $297 million of restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income. This is the total amount incurred to date and the total amount expected to be incurred for this restructuring plan. Of the restructuring and impairment costs recorded, $136 million related to the Global Products segment, $64 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment, $49 million related to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment, $43 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment and $5 million related to Corporate. The restructuring actions are expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2021.

14


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s 2020 Plan reserve, included within other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
Employee Severance and Termination BenefitsLong-Lived Asset ImpairmentsOtherTotal
Original reserve$196 $96 $$297 
Utilized—cash(92)— (3)(95)
Utilized—noncash— (96)— (96)
Currency translation— — 
Balance at September 30, 2020$106 $— $$108 
Utilized—cash(26)— (2)(28)
Currency translation— — 
Balance at December 31, 2020$81 $— $— $81 

Also included in restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income in fiscal 2020 are goodwill impairment related to the North America Retail reporting unit of $424 million and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments of $62 million. Refer to Note 9, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding goodwill impairments.

The Company's fiscal 2020 restructuring plan included workforce reductions of approximately 6,500 employees. Restructuring charges associated with employee severance and termination benefits are paid over the severance period granted to each employee or on a lump sum basis in accordance with individual severance agreements. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 4,700 of the employees have been separated from the Company pursuant to the restructuring plan.

Company management closely monitors its overall cost structure and continually analyzes each of its businesses for opportunities to consolidate current operations, improve operating efficiencies and locate facilities in close proximity to customers. This ongoing analysis includes a review of its manufacturing, engineering and purchasing operations, as well as the overall global footprint for all its businesses.

11.    Income Taxes

In calculating the provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted, as appropriate, based upon changed facts and circumstances, if any, as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year and each interim period thereafter.

The statutory tax rate in Ireland is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland. For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 14% and was higher than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 25% and was higher than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to a discrete tax charge related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of Swiss tax reform and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives.

Valuation Allowance

The Company reviews the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered,
15


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
along with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowances may be necessary.

Uncertain Tax Positions

At September 30, 2020, the Company had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits of $2,528 million, of which $2,132 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2020 was approximately $205 million (net of tax benefit). Total net accrued interest during the three months ended December 31, 2020 was approximately $15 million (net of tax benefit). Total net accrued interest during the three months ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $20 million (net of tax benefit). The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

In the U.S., fiscal years 2017 through 2018 are currently under exam by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for certain legal entities. Additionally, the Company is currently under exam in the following major non-U.S. jurisdictions for continuing operations:
Tax JurisdictionTax Years Covered
Belgium2015 - 2019
China2017 - 2019
Germany2007 - 2018
Luxembourg2017 - 2018
Mexico2016 - 2017
Taiwan2019
United Kingdom2014 - 2015

It is reasonably possible that certain tax examinations and/or tax litigation will conclude within the next twelve months, which could impact tax expense.

Other Tax Matters

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded $111 million of restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 10, “Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The restructuring costs generated a $16 million tax benefit, which reflects the Company’s current tax position in the impacted jurisdictions.

Impacts of Tax Legislation

On March 27, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” (“CARES”) was signed into law by the President of the United States.  The CARES Act includes, among other things, U.S. corporate income tax provisions related to net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credits, modifications to interest deduction limitations and technical corrections on tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property.  A majority of non-U.S. countries have also introduced various COVID-19 related corporate income tax relief provisions. The Company does not expect either the U.S. or non-U.S. corporate income tax provisions to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded a noncash discrete tax charge of $30 million due to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Switzerland and the canton of Schaffhausen. On September 28, 2018, the Swiss Parliament approved the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (“TRAF”), which was subsequently approved by the Swiss electorate on May 19, 2019. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Swiss Federal Council enacted TRAF which became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The impacts of the federal enactment did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements. TRAF also provides for parameters which enable the Swiss cantons to adjust tax rates and establish new regulations for companies. As of September 30, 2019, the
16


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
canton of Schaffhausen had not concluded its public referendum; however, the enactment did occur during the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

During the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, other tax legislation was adopted in various jurisdictions. These law changes did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

12.    Pension and Postretirement Plans

The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit costs from continuing operations associated with its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, which are primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income, are shown in the tables below in accordance with ASC 715, "Compensation – Retirement Benefits" (in millions):
 U.S. Pension Plans
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Interest cost$11 $18 
Expected return on plan assets(42)(44)
Net periodic benefit credit$(31)$(26)

 Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Service cost$$
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets(28)(27)
Net periodic benefit credit$(13)$(12)

 Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Interest cost$$
Expected return on plan assets(2)(2)
Amortization of prior service credit(1)(1)
Net periodic benefit credit$(2)$(2)


17


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
13.    Debt and Financing Arrangements

Net Financing Charges

The Company's net financing charges line item in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 contained the following components (in millions):
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs$59 $62 
Banking fees and bond cost amortization
Interest income(3)(13)
Net foreign exchange results for financing activities(5)(2)
Net financing charges$59 $52 

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a syndicated $2.5 billion committed revolving credit facility, which is scheduled to expire in December 2024, and a syndicated $500 million committed revolving credit facility, which was renewed in December 2020 and is now scheduled to expire in December 2021. As of December 31, 2020, there were no draws on the facilities.

14.    Stock-Based Compensation

The Johnson Controls International plc 2012 Share and Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), as amended in September 2016, authorizes stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted (non-vested) stock/units, performance shares, performance units and other stock-based awards. The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors determines the types of awards to be granted to individual participants and the terms and conditions of the awards. Awards are typically granted annually in the Company’s fiscal first quarter. A summary of the stock-based awards granted during the three month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is presented below:
 Three Months Ended December 31,
 20202019
Number GrantedWeighted Average Grant Date Fair ValueNumber GrantedWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Stock options967,932 $9.36 1,302,729 $7.29 
Restricted stock/units1,599,552 45.61 1,695,130 41.78 
Performance shares410,934 50.53 464,234 42.53 

18


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
Stock Options

Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. Stock option awards typically vest between two and three years after the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date.

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected life of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, assessed separately for executives and non-executives. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock since October 2016 blended with the historical volatility of certain peer companies’ stock prior to October 2016 over the most recent period corresponding to the expected life as of the grant date. The expected dividend yield is based on the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the market value of the Company’s ordinary shares as of the grant date. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model.
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Expected life of option (years)6.56.5
Risk-free interest rate0.6%1.67%
Expected volatility of the Company’s stock27.6%22.4%
Expected dividend yield on the Company’s stock2.28%2.49%

Restricted (Non-vested) Stock / Units

Restricted stock or restricted stock units are typically share settled unless the employee is a non-U.S. employee or elects to defer settlement until retirement at which point the award would be settled in cash. Restricted awards typically vest over a period of three years from the grant date. The Plan allows for different vesting terms on specific grants with approval by the Board of Directors. The fair value of each share-settled restricted award is based on the closing market value of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of grant. The fair value of each cash-settled restricted award is recalculated at the end of each reporting period based on the closing market value of the Company's ordinary shares at the end of the reporting period, and the liability and expense are adjusted based on the new fair value.

Performance Share Awards

Performance-based share unit ("PSU") awards are generally contingent on the achievement of predetermined performance goals over a performance period of three years as well as on the award holder's continuous employment until the vesting date. The PSUs are also indexed to the achievement of specified levels of total shareholder return versus a peer group over the performance period. Each PSU that is earned is settled with shares of the Company's ordinary shares following the completion of the performance period, unless the award holder elected to defer a portion or all of the award until retirement which would then be settled in cash.

The fair value of each PSU is estimated on the date of grant using of a Monte Carlo simulation that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the contractual life of the PSU is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. For fiscal 2021 and 2020, the expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over the most recent three-year period as of the grant date.
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Risk-free interest rate0.20%1.60%
Expected volatility of the Company’s stock30.9%21.8%
19


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)

15.    Earnings Per Share

The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the reporting period that are calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options, unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards. The treasury stock method assumes that the Company uses the proceeds from the exercise of stock option awards to repurchase ordinary shares at the average market price during the period. The assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method include the purchase price that the grantee will pay in the future and compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized. For unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards, assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method include unamortized compensation cost.

The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions):
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Income Available to Ordinary Shareholders
Income from continuing operations$327 $159 
Income from discontinued operations124 — 
Basic and diluted income available to shareholders$451 $159 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Basic weighted average shares outstanding723.1 769.9 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, unvested restricted stock and
     unvested performance share awards
3.4 4.1 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding726.5 774.0 
Antidilutive Securities
Options to purchase shares0.2 0.2 

20


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
16.    Equity and Noncontrolling Interests

Other comprehensive income includes activity relating to discontinued operations. The following schedules present changes in consolidated equity attributable to Johnson Controls and noncontrolling interests (in millions, net of tax):
    
 Three Months Ended December 31, 2020Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
 Equity
Attributable to
Johnson Controls International plc
Equity
Attributable to
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Equity
Attributable to
Johnson Controls International plc
Equity
Attributable to
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Beginning balance, September 30$17,447 $1,086 $18,533 $19,766 $1,063 $20,829 
Total comprehensive income:
Net income451 45 496 159 32 191 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
272 36 308 251 10 261 
Realized and unrealized gains on derivatives— 
Pension and postretirement plans
(1)— (1)(1)— (1)
    Other comprehensive income 272 36 308 255 12 267 
Comprehensive income 723 81 804 414 44 458 
Other changes in equity:
Cash dividends—ordinary shares(189)— (189)(201)— (201)
Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — (5)(5)
Repurchases and retirements of ordinary shares(346)— (346)(651)— (651)
Adoption of ASC 842— — — (5)— (5)
Adoption of ASU 2016-13(4)— (4)— — — 
Other, including options exercised25 — 25 — 
Ending balance, December 31$17,656 $1,167 $18,823 $19,329 $1,102 $20,431 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $4 million to beginning retained earnings for the cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses."

During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842, "Leases." As a result, the Company recorded $5 million to beginning retained earnings, which relates primarily to adoption day impairment of previously exited facilities.

For the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company repurchased and immediately retired $346 million and $651 million of its ordinary shares, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $2.0 billion remains available under the share repurchase program.





21


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
The following schedules present changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") attributable to Johnson Controls (in millions, net of tax):
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Foreign currency translation adjustments ("CTA")
Balance at beginning of period$(778)$(785)
Aggregate adjustment for the period (net of tax effect of $0 and $0)
272 251 
Balance at end of period(506)(534)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
Balance at beginning of period(2)
Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $2 and $2)
Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $0 and $0) *
(1)— 
Balance at end of period
Pension and postretirement plans
Balance at beginning of period— (8)
Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $0 and $0)
(1)(1)
Balance at end of period(1)(9)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period$(504)$(540)

* Refer to Note 17, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for
disclosure of the line items in the consolidated statements of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income
related to derivatives.

17.    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, stock-based compensation liabilities and interest rates. Under Company policy, the use of derivatives is restricted to those intended for hedging purposes; the use of any derivative instrument for speculative purposes is strictly prohibited. A description of each type of derivative utilized by the Company to manage risk is included in the following paragraphs. In addition, refer to Note 18, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information related to the fair value measurements and valuation methods utilized by the Company for each derivative type.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company has global operations and participates in the foreign exchange markets to minimize its risk of loss from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange rate risk primarily using foreign currency exchange hedge contracts. The Company hedges 70% to 90% of the notional amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures.

The Company selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to commodity price risk, primarily using commodity hedge contracts, to minimize overall price risk associated with the Company’s purchases of copper and aluminum in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.
22


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)

As cash flow hedges under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," the hedge gains or losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of AOCI and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings. These contracts were highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in currency exchange rates during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The Company had the following outstanding contracts to hedge forecasted commodity purchases (in metric tons):
 Volume Outstanding as of
CommodityDecember 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Copper2,588 2,497 
Aluminum 2,438 3,036 

Net Investment Hedges

The Company enters into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of the debt obligations are reflected in the AOCI account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset currency gains and losses recorded on the Company’s net investments globally. At December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the Company had 888 million euro, 500 million euro, 500 million euro, 423 million euro and 54 million euro in bonds designated as net investment hedges of a portion of the Company's net investment in European subsidiaries and 25 billion yen of foreign denominated debt designated as net investment hedge of a portion of the Company's net investment in Japanese subsidiaries.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company selectively uses equity swaps to reduce market risk associated with certain of its stock-based compensation plans, such as its deferred compensation plans. These equity compensation liabilities increase as the Company’s stock price increases and decrease as the Company’s stock price decreases. In contrast, the value of the swap agreement moves in the opposite direction of these liabilities, allowing the Company to fix a portion of the liabilities at a stated amount. As of December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the Company hedged approximately 1.4 million shares of its ordinary shares, which have a cost basis of $58 million.

The Company also holds certain foreign currency forward and option contracts for which hedge accounting treatment was not elected. The change in fair value of foreign currency exchange derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 are recorded in the consolidated statements of income.

23


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the location and fair values of derivative instruments and hedging activities included in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
 Derivatives and Hedging Activities Designated
as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815
Derivatives and Hedging Activities Not
Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815
 December 31,September 30,December 31,September 30,
2020202020202020
Other current assets
Foreign currency exchange derivatives
$19 $10 $25 $17 
Commodity derivatives— — 
Other noncurrent assets
Equity swap— — 64 58 
Total assets$22 $12 $89 $75 
Other current liabilities
Foreign currency exchange derivatives
$16 $10 $21 $— 
Long-term debt
Foreign currency denominated debt3,146 3,010 — — 
Total liabilities$3,162 $3,020 $21 $— 

Counterparty Credit Risk

The use of derivative financial instruments exposes the Company to counterparty credit risk. The Company has established policies and procedures to limit the potential for counterparty credit risk, including establishing limits for credit exposure and continually assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties. As a matter of practice, the Company deals with major banks worldwide having strong investment grade long-term credit ratings. To further reduce the risk of loss, the Company generally enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") master netting agreements with substantially all of its counterparties. The Company enters into ISDA master netting agreements with counterparties that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under the derivative contracts. The master netting agreements generally provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. The Company has not elected to offset the fair value positions of the derivative contracts recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position.

The Company's derivative contracts do not contain any credit risk related contingent features and do not require collateral or other security to be furnished by the Company or the counterparties. The Company's exposure to credit risk associated with its derivative instruments is measured on an individual counterparty basis, as well as by groups of counterparties that share similar attributes. The Company does not anticipate any non-performance by any of its counterparties, and the concentration of risk with financial institutions does not present significant credit risk to the Company.

The gross and net amounts of derivative assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
 Fair Value of AssetsFair Value of Liabilities
 December 31,September 30,December 31,September 30,
2020202020202020
Gross amount recognized$111 $87 $3,183 $3,020 
Gross amount eligible for offsetting(20)(10)(20)(10)
Net amount$91 $77 $3,163 $3,010 
24


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
Derivatives Impact on the Statements of Income and Statements of Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the pre-tax gains recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedges for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):    
Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
Three Months Ended December 31,
20202019
Foreign currency exchange derivatives
$$
Commodity derivatives
Total$$10 

The following table presents the location and amount of the pre-tax gains (losses) on cash flow hedges reclassified from AOCI into the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):
Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging RelationshipsLocation of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into IncomeThree Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Foreign currency exchange derivatives
Cost of sales$$
Commodity derivativesCost of sales(1)(1)
Total$$— 

The following table presents the location and amount of pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):
  Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Foreign currency exchange derivatives
Cost of sales$$— 
Foreign currency exchange derivatives
Selling, general and administrative(2)— 
Foreign currency exchange derivatives
Net financing charges(41)59 
Equity swapSelling, general and administrative(4)
Total$(31)$55 

Pre-tax losses on net investment hedges recorded in CTA within other comprehensive income (loss) were $135 million and $58 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no gains or losses were reclassified from CTA into income.

18.    Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement," defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes information used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability as follows:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

25


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
Level 3: Unobservable inputs where there is little or no market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

ASC 820 requires the use of observable market data, when available, in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 (in millions):
 Fair Value Measurements Using:
 Total as of
December 31, 2020
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Other current assets
Foreign currency exchange derivatives$44 $— $44 $— 
       Commodity derivatives— — 
Other noncurrent assets
Deferred compensation plan assets69 69 — — 
Exchange traded funds (fixed income)1
161 161 — — 
Exchange traded funds (equity)1
147 147 — — 
Equity swap
64 — 64 — 
Total assets$488 $377 $111 $— 
Other current liabilities
Foreign currency exchange derivatives$37 $— $37 $— 
Commodity derivatives— — — — 
Total liabilities$37 $— $37 $— 
 
 Fair Value Measurements Using:
 Total as of September 30, 2020Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Other current assets
Foreign currency exchange derivatives$27 $— $27 $— 
Exchange traded funds (fixed income)1
19 19 — — 
Commodity derivatives— — 
Other noncurrent assets
Deferred compensation plan assets63 63 — — 
Exchange traded funds (fixed income)1
143 143 — — 
Exchange traded funds (equity)1
129 129 — — 
Equity swap58 — 58 — 
Total assets$441 $354 $87 $— 
Other current liabilities
Foreign currency exchange derivatives$10 $— $10 $— 
Total liabilities$10 $— $10 $— 
26


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)

1 Classified as restricted investments for payment of asbestos liabilities. See Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.

Valuation Methods

Foreign currency exchange derivatives: The foreign currency exchange derivatives are valued under a market approach using publicized spot and forward prices.

Commodity derivatives: The commodity derivatives are valued under a market approach using publicized prices, where available, or dealer quotes.

Equity swaps: The equity swaps are valued under a market approach as the fair value of the swaps is equal to the Company’s stock price at the reporting period date.

Deferred compensation plan assets: Assets held in the deferred compensation plans will be used to pay benefits under certain of the Company's non-qualified deferred compensation plans. The investments primarily consist of mutual funds which are publicly traded on stock exchanges and are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices. Unrealized gains (losses) on the deferred compensation plan assets are recognized in the consolidated statements of income where they offset unrealized gains and losses on the related deferred compensation plan liability.

Investments in exchange traded funds: Investments in exchange traded funds are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes of identical or comparable instruments. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.

The following table presents the portion of unrealized gains recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 that relate to equity securities still held at December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
 Deferred compensation plan assets$$
 Investments in exchange traded funds21 10 

All of the gains and losses on investments in exchange traded funds related to restricted investments.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. At December 31, 2020, the fair value of long-term debt was $8.9 billion, including public debt of $8.7 billion and other long-term debt of $0.2 billion. At September 30, 2020, the fair value of long-term debt was $8.6 billion, including public debt of $8.4 billion and other long-term debt of $0.2 billion. The fair value of public debt was determined primarily using market quotes which are classified as Level 1 inputs within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. The fair value of other long-term debt was determined using quoted market prices for similar instruments and are classified as Level 2 inputs within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy.

19.    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets, including right-of-use assets under operating leases, other tangible assets and intangible assets with definitive lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," ASC 350-30, "General Intangibles Other than Goodwill" and ASC 985-20, "Costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Company to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the
27


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset group is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 350-30 requires intangible assets acquired in a business combination that are used in research and development activities to be considered indefinite lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. During the period that those assets are considered indefinite lived, they shall not be amortized but shall be tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired.  If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity shall recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. ASC 985-20 requires the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset shall be written off.

In fiscal 2020, the Company concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets caused by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the North America Retail reporting unit. The Company performed a quantitative impairment analysis and determined there was no impairment of long-lived assets as of September 30, 2020.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company concluded it had a triggering event requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2020. As a result, the Company reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $39 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income. Of the total impairment charges, $33 million related to the Global Products segment and $6 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment. Refer to Note 10, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured under a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. This method is consistent with the methods the Company employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."

In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $15 million to write down the carrying value of the assets held for sale to the current fair value less any costs related to the plans to dispose of a business within its Global Products segment that met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company concluded it did not have any other triggering events requiring assessment of impairment of its long-lived assets.

Refer to Note 9, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and Note 10, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the indefinite-lived intangible and goodwill impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2020.

20.    Segment Information

ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. In applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company has determined that it has four reportable segments for financial reporting purposes.

Building Solutions North America: Building Solutions North America designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC, controls, refrigeration, integrated electronic security, and integrated fire detection and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, retail, small business, institutional and governmental customers in North America. Building Solutions North America also provides energy efficiency solutions and technical services, including inspection, scheduled maintenance, and repair and replacement of mechanical and control systems, as well as data-driven "smart building" solutions, to non-residential building and industrial applications in the North American marketplace.

28


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
Building Solutions EMEA/LA: Building Solutions EMEA/LA designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC, controls, refrigeration, integrated electronic security, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, and provides technical services, including data-driven "smart building" solutions, to markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Building Solutions Asia Pacific: Building Solutions Asia Pacific designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC, controls, refrigeration, integrated electronic security, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, and provides technical services, including data-driven "smart building" solutions, to the Asia Pacific marketplace.

Global Products: Global Products designs and produces heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial applications, and markets products and refrigeration systems to replacement and new construction market customers globally. The Global Products business also designs, manufactures and sells fire protection and security products, including intrusion security, anti-theft devices, and access control and video management systems, for commercial, industrial, retail, residential, small business, institutional and governmental customers worldwide. Global Products also includes the Johnson Controls-Hitachi joint venture.

Management evaluates the performance of its business segments primarily on segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA"), which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and the net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.

Financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is as follows (in millions):
 Net Sales
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Building Solutions North America$2,034 $2,167 
Building Solutions EMEA/LA906 928 
Building Solutions Asia Pacific615 629 
Global Products1,786 1,852 
   Total net sales$5,341 $5,576 
29


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
 Segment EBITA
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Building Solutions North America$255 $258 
Building Solutions EMEA/LA95 90 
Building Solutions Asia Pacific79 72 
Global Products213 203 
      Total segment EBITA$642 $623 
Corporate expenses$(67)$(118)
Amortization of intangible assets(104)(96)
Restructuring and impairment costs— (111)
Net mark-to-market adjustments21 10 
Net financing charges(59)(52)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes$433 $256 

21.    Guarantees

Certain of the Company's subsidiaries at the business segment level have guaranteed the performance of third-parties and provided financial guarantees for uncompleted work and financial commitments. The terms of these guarantees vary with end dates ranging from the current fiscal year through the completion of such transactions and would typically be triggered in the event of nonperformance. Performance under the guarantees, if required, would not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company offers warranties to its customers depending upon the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that the Company replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. The Company records an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates and other known factors. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the Company’s warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The Company monitors its warranty activity and adjusts its reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates.

The Company’s product warranty liability for continuing operations is recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position in other current liabilities if the warranty is less than one year and in other noncurrent liabilities if the warranty extends longer than one year.

30


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s total product warranty liability for continuing operations, for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in millions). Extended warranty for which deferred revenue is recorded is not included in the table below, but rather included within the contract balances table in the Note 5, "Revenue Recognition," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 20202019
Balance at beginning of period$167 $156 
Accruals for warranties issued during the period22 16 
Accruals related to pre-existing warranties(3)
Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period(17)(16)
Currency translation
Balance at end of period$180 $154 

22.    Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Matters

The Company accrues for potential environmental liabilities when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. As of December 31, 2020, reserves for environmental liabilities for continuing operations totaled $122 million, of which $61 million was recorded within other current liabilities and $61 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. Reserves for environmental liabilities for continuing operations totaled $130 million at September 30, 2020, of which $61 million was recorded within other current liabilities and $69 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Tyco Fire Products L.P. (“Tyco Fire Products”), in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ("WDNR"), has been conducting an environmental assessment of its Fire Technology Center ("FTC") located in Marinette, Wisconsin and surrounding areas in the City of Marinette and Town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. In connection with the assessment, perfluorooctane sulfonate ("PFOS") and perfluorooctanoic acid ("PFOA") and/or other per- and poly fluorinated substances ("PFAS") have been detected at the FTC and in groundwater and surface water outside of the boundaries of the FTC. Tyco Fire Products continues to investigate the extent of potential migration of these compounds and is working with WDNR to address these issues insofar as they related to this migration.

During the third quarter of 2019, the Company increased its environmental reserves, which included $140 million related to remediation efforts to be undertaken to address contamination relating to fire-fighting foams containing PFAS compounds at or near the FTC, as well as the continued remediation of arsenic and other contaminants at the Tyco Fire Products Stanton Street manufacturing facility also located in Marinette, Wisconsin (the “Stanton Street Facility”). The Company is not able to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in excess of the established accruals at this time.

A substantial portion of the increased reserves relates to remediation resulting from the use of fire-fighting foams containing PFAS at the FTC. The use of fire-fighting foams at the FTC was primarily for training and testing purposes in order to ensure that such products sold by the Company’s affiliates, Chemguard, Inc. ("Chemguard") and Tyco Fire Products, were effective at suppressing high intensity fires that may occur at military installations, airports or elsewhere. The reserve was recorded in the quarter ended June 30, 2019 following a comprehensive review by independent environmental consultants related to the presence of PFAS at or near the FTC, as well as remediation discussions with the WDNR.

On June 21, 2019, the WDNR announced that it had received from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (“WDHS”) a recommendation for groundwater quality standards as to, among other compounds, PFOA and PFOS. The WDHS recommended a groundwater enforcement standard for PFOA and PFOS of 20 parts per trillion. On August 22,
31


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
2019, the Governor of Wisconsin issued an executive order that, among other things, directed the WDNR to create a PFAS Coordinating Council and to work with other Wisconsin agencies (including WDHS) to establish final groundwater quality standards based on the WDHS’s prior recommendation.

In July 2019, the Company received a letter from the WDNR directing the expansion of the evaluation of PFAS in the Marinette region to include (1) biosolids sludge produced by the City of Marinette Waste Water Treatment Plant and spread on certain fields in the area and (2) the Menominee and Peshtigo Rivers. Tyco Fire Products voluntarily responded to the WDNR’s letter to request additional necessary information. On October 16, 2019, the WDNR issued a “Notice of Noncompliance” to Tyco Fire Products and Johnson Controls, Inc. regarding the WDNR’s July 3, 2019 letter. The letter stated that “if you fail to take the actions required by Wis. Stat. § 292.11 to address this contamination, the DNR will move forward under Wis. Stat. § 292.31 to implement the SI workplan and evaluate further environmental enforcement actions and cost recovery under Wis. Stat. § 292.31(8).” The WDNR issued a further letter regarding the issue on November 4, 2019. In February 2020, the WDNR sent a letter to Tyco Fire Products and Johnson Controls, Inc. further directing the expansion of the evaluation of PFAS in the Marinette region to include investigation activities south and west of the previously defined FTC study area. Tyco Fire Products and Johnson Controls, Inc. believe that they have complied with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The Company cannot predict what regulatory or enforcement actions, if any, might result from the WDNR’s actions, or the consequences of any such actions.

In December 2020, the Company received a notice from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (“WDOJ”) that the WDOJ was considering a potential civil enforcement action against the Company relating to environmental matters at the FTC including, but not limited to, the investigation and remediation of PFAS at or near the FTC as discussed in the prior paragraphs and the Company’s alleged failure to timely report the presence of PFAS chemicals at the FTC. Such enforcement action could seek civil monetary penalties and/or injunctive relief. The Company is presently unable to predict the duration, scope, or results of any potential civil enforcement action that may result, the consequences of any such action, or the nature of any resolution of these potential claims with the WDOJ.

Tyco Fire Products has been engaged in remediation activities at the Stanton Street Facility since 1990. Its corporate predecessor, Ansul Incorporated (“Ansul”) manufactured arsenic-based agricultural herbicides at the Stanton Street Facility, which resulted in significant arsenic contamination of soil and groundwater on the site and in parts of the adjoining Menominee River. In 2009, Ansul entered into an Administrative Consent Order (the "Consent Order") with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address the presence of arsenic at the site. Under this agreement, Tyco Fire Products’ principal obligations are to contain the arsenic contamination on the site, pump and treat on-site groundwater, dredge, treat and properly dispose of contaminated sediments in the adjoining river areas, and monitor contamination levels on an ongoing basis. Activities completed under the Consent Order since 2009 include the installation of a subsurface barrier wall around the facility to contain contaminated groundwater, the installation of a groundwater extraction and treatment system and the dredging and offsite disposal of treated river sediment. The increase in the reserve related to the Stanton Street Facility in the third quarter of 2019 was recorded following a further review of the Consent Order, which resulted in the identification of several structural upgrades needed to preserve the effectiveness of prior remediation efforts. In addition to ongoing remediation activities, the Company is also working with the WDNR to investigate the presence of PFAS at or near the Stanton Street Facility as part of the evaluation of PFAS in the Marinette region.

Potential environmental liabilities accrued by the Company do not take into consideration possible recoveries of future insurance proceeds. They do, however, take into account the likely share other parties will bear at remediation sites. It is difficult to estimate the Company’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods over which eventual remediation may occur. It is possible that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of additional environmental studies or other factors could change the Company's expectations with respect to future charges and cash outlays, and such changes could be material to the Company's future results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Nevertheless, the Company does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs in addition to the amounts accrued will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company has identified asset retirement obligations for environmental matters that are expected to be addressed at the retirement, disposal, removal or
32


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
abandonment of existing owned facilities. At December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the Company recorded conditional asset retirement obligations for continuing operations of $30 million and $29 million, respectively.

Asbestos Matters

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases have typically involved product liability claims based primarily on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos containing components.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company's estimated asbestos-related net liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Company's consolidated statements of financial position was $93 million. The net liability within the consolidated statements of financial position was comprised of a liability for pending and future claims and related defense costs of $474 million, of which $49 million was recorded in other current liabilities and $425 million was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. The Company also maintained separate cash, investments and receivables related to insurance recoveries within the consolidated statements of financial position of $381 million, of which $17 million was recorded in other current assets, and $364 million was recorded in other noncurrent assets. Assets included $5 million of cash and $308 million of investments, which have all been designated as restricted. In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable; the amount of such recoveries recorded at December 31, 2020 was $68 million. As of September 30, 2020, the Company's estimated asbestos-related net liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Company's consolidated statements of financial position was $115 million. The net liability within the consolidated statements of financial position was comprised of a liability for pending and future claims and related defense costs of $483 million, of which $49 million was recorded in other current liabilities and $434 million was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. The Company also maintained separate cash, investments and receivables related to insurance recoveries within the consolidated statements of financial position of $368 million, of which $39 million was recorded in other current assets, and $329 million was recorded in other noncurrent assets. Assets included $9 million of cash and $291 million of investments, which have all been designated as restricted. In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Company records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable; the amount of such recoveries recorded at September 30, 2020 was $68 million.

The Company's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Company's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from 2068 (which is the Company's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Company affiliates). Asbestos-related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Company's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Company considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. At least annually, the Company assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, the Company considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the Company's defense strategy. The Company also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Company evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.

The amounts recorded by the Company for asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets are based on the Company's strategies for resolving its asbestos claims, currently available information, and a number of estimates and assumptions. Key variables and assumptions include the number and type of new claims that are filed each year, the average cost of resolution of claims, the identity of defendants, the resolution of coverage issues with insurance carriers, amount of insurance, and the solvency risk with respect to the Company's insurance carriers. Many of these factors are closely linked, such that a change in one variable or assumption will impact one or more of the others, and no single variable or assumption predominately influences the determination of the Company's asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets. Furthermore, predictions with respect to these variables are subject to greater uncertainty in the later portion of the projection period. Other factors that may affect the Company's liability and cash payments for asbestos-
33


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
related matters include uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, reforms of state or federal tort legislation and the applicability of insurance policies among subsidiaries. As a result, actual liabilities or insurance recoveries could be significantly higher or lower than those recorded if assumptions used in the Company's calculations vary significantly from actual results.

Insurable Liabilities

The Company records liabilities for its workers' compensation, product, general, and auto liabilities. The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. At December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the insurable liabilities totaled $362 million and $363 million, respectively, of which $88 million and $83 million was recorded within other current liabilities, $22 million and $22 million was recorded within accrued compensation and benefits, and $252 million and $258 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position, respectively. The Company records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The amount of such receivables recorded at December 31, 2020 were $21 million, of which $5 million was recorded within other current assets and $16 million was recorded within other noncurrent assets, respectively. The amount of such receivables recorded at September 30, 2020 were $21 million, of which $5 million was recorded within other current assets and $16 million was recorded within other noncurrent assets, respectively. The Company maintains captive insurance companies to manage its insurable liabilities.

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam ("AFFF") Litigation

Two of the Company's subsidiaries, Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products, have been named, along with other defendant manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, and, in some cases, certain subsidiaries of the Company affiliated with Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products, in a number of class action and other lawsuits relating to the use of fire-fighting foam products by the U.S. Department of Defense (the "DOD") and others for fire suppression purposes and related training exercises. Plaintiffs generally allege that the firefighting foam products contain or break down into the chemicals PFOS and PFOA and/or other PFAS compounds and that the use of these products by others at various airbases, airports and other sites resulted in the release of these chemicals into the environment and ultimately into communities’ drinking water supplies neighboring those airports, airbases and other sites. PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS compounds are being studied by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and other environmental and health agencies and researchers. The EPA has not issued binding regulatory limits, but has stated that it would propose regulatory standards for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water by the end of 2019, in accordance with its PFAS Action Plan released in February 2019, and issued interim recommendations for addressing PFOA and PFOS in groundwater in December 2019. While those studies continue, the EPA has issued a health advisory level for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Both PFOA and PFOS are types of synthetic chemical compounds that have been present in firefighting foam. However, both are also present in many existing consumer products. According to EPA, PFOA and PFOS have been used to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food and other materials (e.g., cookware) that are resistant to water, grease or stains.

Plaintiffs generally seek compensatory damages, including damages for alleged personal injuries, medical monitoring, diminution in property values, investigation and remediation costs, and natural resources damages, and also seek punitive damages and injunctive relief to address remediation of the alleged contamination.

In September 2018, Tyco Fire Products and Chemguard filed a Petition for Multidistrict Litigation with the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) seeking to consolidate all existing and future federal cases into one jurisdiction. On December 7, 2018, the JPML issued an order transferring various AFFF cases to a multi-district litigation (“MDL”) before the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Additional cases have been identified for transfer to or are being directly filed in the MDL.

34


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
AFFF Putative Class Actions

Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products are named in 31 putative class actions in federal courts originating from Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, New Hampshire, South Carolina, the District of Columbia, Guam, West Virginia, Michigan and South Dakota. All of these cases have been direct-filed in or transferred to the MDL. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2021, one putative class action (Jackson v. 3M Company, et al., direct filed on January 15, 2021 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina) has been filed against the Company.

AFFF Individual or Mass Actions

There are approximately 876 individual or “mass” actions pending that were filed in state or federal court in California (5 cases), Colorado (41 cases), New York (4 cases), Pennsylvania (15 cases), New Mexico (2 cases), Missouri (1 case), Arizona (1 case) and South Carolina (807 cases direct filed from various U.S. jurisdictions) against Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products and other defendants in which the plaintiffs generally seek compensatory damages, including damages for alleged personal injuries, medical monitoring, and alleged diminution in property values. The cases involve five plaintiffs in California, approximately 7,000 plaintiffs in Colorado, approximately 126 plaintiffs in New York, 15 plaintiffs in Pennsylvania, two plaintiffs in New Mexico, one plaintiff in Missouri, two plaintiffs in Arizona, and more than 800 plaintiffs from various states who direct-filed complaints in South Carolina. All but six of these matters have been transferred to or directly-filed in the MDL, and it is anticipated that the remaining cases will be transferred to the MDL. Many of the additional filed actions were directly filed in South Carolina by plaintiffs who were among the 660 plaintiffs the Company had previously disclosed to have made filings in Pennsylvania state court. The Company anticipates that the remainder of the possible individual product liability claims filed in Pennsylvania state court will either soon be filed in the MDL (and that all such claims in state court will be dismissed accordingly) or will be dismissed in Pennsylvania without a corresponding filing in South Carolina.

AFFF Municipal Cases

Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products are also defendants in 63 cases in federal and state courts involving municipal or water provider plaintiffs in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, the District of Columbia and several municipalities or water providers from various states who direct-filed complaints in South Carolina. All but three of these cases have been transferred to or directly filed in the MDL, and it is anticipated that the remaining cases will be transferred to the MDL. These municipal plaintiffs generally allege that the use of the defendants’ fire-fighting foam products at fire training academies, municipal airports, Air National Guard bases, or Navy or Air Force bases released PFOS and PFOA into public water supply wells, allegedly requiring remediation of public property. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2021, the following municipal actions have been filed against the Company:

Hicksville Water District v. 3M Company, et al., filed on October 16, 2020 in New York State Court; now pending in the Eastern District of New York (tagged for transfer to the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina).
Pennsylvania-American Water Co. v. 3M Company, et al., complaint filed on October 21, 2020 in the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency v. 3M Company, et al., direct-filed on October 27, 2020 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
Barnstable Fire District v. 3M Company, et al., direct-filed on December 3, 2020 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
Miami-Dade County, Florida v. 3M Company, et al., direct-filed on December 3, 2020 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
Town of Cairo v. 3M Company, et al., direct-filed on December 7, 2020 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
Paducah Water of the City of Paducah, Kentucky v. 3M Company, et al., direct-filed on December 16, 2020 in the MDL pending in the United States District Court, District of South Carolina.
35


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)

In May 2018, the Company was also notified by the Widefield Water and Sanitation District in Colorado Springs, Colorado that it may assert claims regarding its remediation costs in connection with PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of those products at the Peterson Air Force Base. In May 2020, the Company was also notified by the Lakewood Water District in Pierce County, Washington that it may assert claims regarding remediation in connection with PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS contamination allegedly resulting from the use of those products at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

State or U.S. Territory Attorneys General Litigation related to AFFF

In June 2018, the State of New York filed a lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al No. 904029-18 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)) against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at locations across New York, including Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh and Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Southampton, Plattsburgh Air Force Base in Plattsburgh, Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, and unspecified “other” sites throughout the State. The lawsuit seeks to recover costs and natural resource damages associated with contamination at these sites. This suit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and transferred to the MDL.

In February 2019, the State of New York filed a second lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)), against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at additional locations across New York. This suit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and transferred to the MDL. In July 2019, the State of New York filed a third lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)), against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at further additional locations across New York. This suit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and transferred to the MDL. In November 2019, the State of New York filed a fourth lawsuit in New York state court (State of New York v. The 3M Company et al (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Albany County)), against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to alleged PFOS and PFOA contamination purportedly resulting from firefighting foams used at further additional locations across New York. This suit has been removed to federal court and transferred to the MDL.

In January 2019, the State of Ohio filed a lawsuit in Ohio state court (State of Ohio v. The 3M Company et al., No. G-4801-CI-021804752 -000 (Court of Common Pleas of Lucas County, Ohio)) against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various specified and unspecified locations across Ohio. The lawsuit seeks to recover costs and natural resource damages associated with the contamination. This lawsuit has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and transferred to the MDL.

In addition, in May and June 2019, three other states filed lawsuits in their respective state courts against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various specified and unspecified locations across their jurisdictions (State of New Hampshire v. The 3M Company et al.; State of Vermont v. The 3M Company et al.; State of New Jersey v. The 3M Company et al.). All three of these suits have been removed to federal court and transferred to the MDL.

In September 2019, the government of Guam filed a lawsuit in the superior court of Guam against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various locations within its jurisdiction. This complaint has been removed to federal court and transferred to the MDL.

In November 2019, the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands filed a lawsuit in the superior court of the Northern Mariana Islands against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect
36


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
to PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various locations within its jurisdiction. This complaint has been removed to federal court and transferred to the MDL.

In August 2020, Attorney General of the State of Michigan filed two substantially similar lawsuits—one in federal court and one in state court—against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, with respect to PFOS and PFOA contamination allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various locations within the State. The federal action has been transferred to the MDL, and the state court action has been removed to federal court and tagged for transfer to the MDL.

In December 2020, the State of Mississippi filed a lawsuit against a number of manufacturers and other defendants, including affiliates of the Group, with respect to PFOS and PFOA damage of the State’s land and natural resources allegedly resulting from the use of firefighting foams at various locations throughout the State. This complaint was direct-filed in the MDL in South Carolina.

AFFF Matters Related to the Tyco Fire Products Fire Technology Center in Marinette, Wisconsin

Tyco Fire Products and Chemguard are defendants in one lawsuit in Marinette County, Wisconsin alleging damages due to the historical use of AFFF products at Tyco’s Fire Technology Center in Marinette, Wisconsin. The putative class action, Joan & Richard Campbell for themselves and on behalf of other similarly situated v. Tyco Fire Products LP and Chemguard Inc., et al. (Marinette County Circuit Court, filed Dec. 17, 2018) alleges PFAS (including PFOA/PFOS) contaminated groundwater migrated off Tyco’s property and into residential drinking water wells causing both personal injuries and property damage to the plaintiffs; Tyco and Chemguard removed this case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and it has been transferred to the MDL. On January 7, 2021, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit. The settlement provides that Tyco will pay up to $17.5 million to compensate Town of Peshtigo residents who live in the area affected by PFAS from the FTC for claims related to loss of real property value, exposure and/or personal injury. The settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by Tyco or Chemguard and is subject to approval by the federal court presiding over the lawsuit and other contingencies. The Company does not expect the settlement to have a significant impact on its fiscal year 2021 results of operations or cash flows.

A second lawsuit, Duane and Janell Goldsmith individually and on behalf of H.G. and K.G v. Tyco Fire Products LP and Chemguard Inc., et al. (Marinette County Circuit Court, filed Dec. 17, 2018) was also filed by a family alleging personal injuries due to contaminated groundwater; this case has been dismissed without prejudice.

Other AFFF Related Matters

In March 2020, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians (a federally recognized Tribe) and two tribal corporations filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington against a number of manufacturers, including affiliates of the Company, and the United States with respect to PFAS contamination allegedly resulting from the use and disposal of AFFF by the United States Air Force at and around Fairchild Air Force Base in eastern Washington. This case has been transferred to the MDL.

Other PFAS Related Matters

In April 2020, the Weirton Area Water Board in West Virginia filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Brooke County, West Virginia against a number of PFAS chemical manufacturers, including Chemguard, with respect to PFAS contamination. This case has been removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia.

The Company is vigorously defending the above matters and believes that it has meritorious defenses to class certification and the claims asserted, including statutes of limitations, the government contractor defense, various medical and scientific defenses, and other factual and legal defenses. The government contractor defense is a form of immunity available to government contractors that produced products for the United States government pursuant to the government’s specifications. Tyco and Chemguard have insurance that has been in place for many years and the Company is pursuing this coverage for these matters. However, there are numerous factual and legal issues to be resolved in connection with
37


Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020
(unaudited)
these claims, and it is extremely difficult to predict the outcome or ultimate financial exposure, if any, represented by these matters, and there can be no assurance that any such exposure will not be material.

Other Matters

The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of its businesses, including those pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and health, intellectual property, employment, commercial and contractual matters, and various other casualty matters. Although the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to us, it is management’s opinion that none of these will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Costs related to such matters were not material to the periods presented.

23.    Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties, such as equity affiliates. Such transactions consist of facility management services, the sale or purchase of goods and other arrangements.

The following table presents net sales to and purchases from related parties for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20202019
Net sales to related parties$44 $42 
Purchases from related parties29 12 

The following table presents receivables from and payables to related parties in the consolidated statements of financial position (in millions):
 December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Receivable from related parties$51 $48 
Payable to related parties14 11 
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statements for Forward-Looking Information

Unless otherwise indicated, references to "Johnson Controls," the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Johnson Controls International plc and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Company has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are, or could be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this document, statements regarding Johnson Controls' future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, synergies and integration opportunities, capital expenditures and debt levels are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Johnson Controls’ control, that could cause Johnson Controls’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: Johnson Controls’ ability to manage general economic, business, capital market and geopolitical conditions, including the impacts of natural disasters, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; the strength of the U.S. or other economies; changes or uncertainty in laws, regulations, rates, policies or interpretations that impact Johnson Controls’ business operations or tax status; the ability to develop or acquire new products and technologies that achieve market acceptance; changes to laws or policies governing foreign trade, including increased tariffs or trade restrictions; maintaining the capacity, reliability and security of Johnson Controls' enterprise and product information technology infrastructure; the risk of infringement or expiration of intellectual property rights; any delay or inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions such as its merger with Tyco and the disposition of the Power Solutions business; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; the ability to hire and retain key senior management; the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions; significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions; the availability of raw materials and component products; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with the labor force; and the cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Johnson Controls' business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Johnson Controls' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on November 16, 2020, which is available at www.sec.gov and www.johnsoncontrols.com under the "Investors" tab. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Johnson Controls assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document.

Overview

Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global diversified technology and multi industrial leader serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Company’s products and solutions enable smart, energy efficient, sustainable buildings that work seamlessly together to advance the safety, comfort and intelligence of spaces to power its customers’ mission. The Company is committed to helping its customers win and creating greater value for all of its stakeholders through its strategic focus on buildings.

Johnson Controls was originally incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1885 as Johnson Electric Service Company to manufacture, install and service automatic temperature regulation systems for buildings. The Company was renamed to Johnson Controls, Inc. in 1974. In 2005, the Company acquired York International, a global supplier of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning ("HVAC") and refrigeration equipment and services. In 2014, the Company acquired Air Distribution Technologies, Inc., one of the largest independent providers of air distribution and ventilation products in North America. In 2015, the Company formed a joint venture with Hitachi to expand its building related product offerings. In 2016, Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco completed their combination (the "Merger"), combining Johnson Controls portfolio of building efficiency solutions with Tyco’s portfolio of fire and security solutions. Following the Merger, Tyco changed its name to "Johnson Controls International plc."

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In 2016, Johnson Controls completed the spin-off of its automotive business into Adient plc, an independent, publicly traded company. In 2019, the Company sold its Power Solutions business to BCP Acquisitions LLC, an entity controlled by investment funds managed by Brookfield Capital Partners LLC, completing the Company’s transformation into a pure-play building technologies and solutions provider.

The Company is a global leader in engineering, manufacturing and commissioning building products and systems, including residential and commercial HVAC equipment, industrial refrigeration systems, controls, security systems, fire detection systems and fire suppression solutions. The Company further serves customers by providing technical services, including maintenance, repair, retrofit and replacement of equipment (in the HVAC, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven “smart building” services and solutions powered by its digital platforms and capabilities.

The Company continues to observe trends demonstrating increased interest and demand for safe, efficient and sustainable buildings, and seeks to capitalize on these trends to drive growth by delivering technologies and solutions to create healthy buildings. In 2020, the Company launched OpenBlue, a digitally driven suite of connected solutions that delivers impactful sustainability, new occupant experiences, and respectful safety and security by combining the Company’s building expertise with cutting-edge technology, including AI-powered service solutions such as remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, compliance monitoring and advanced risk assessments.

The following information should be read in conjunction with the September 30, 2020 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, along with management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 filed with the SEC on November 16, 2020. References in the following discussion and analysis to "Three Months" (or similar language) refer to the three months ended December 31, 2020 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has severely restricted the level of economic activity around the world and caused a significant contraction in the global economy. In response to this outbreak, the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions have taken and continue to take preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on travel and business operations.

The Company’s affiliates, employees, suppliers, customers and others have been and may continue to be restricted or prevented from conducting normal business activities, including as a result of shutdowns, travel restrictions and other actions that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities. Although some governments have lifted shutdown orders and similar restrictions, resurgences in the spread of COVID-19 have caused the reinstitution of such restrictions in certain jurisdictions and similar restrictions could be reinstituted elsewhere in response to further outbreaks. While a substantial portion of the Company's businesses have been classified as an essential business in jurisdictions in which facility closures have been mandated, some of its facilities have nevertheless been ordered to close, and we can give no assurance that there will not be additional closures in the future or that the Company's businesses will be classified as essential in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates.

In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19, the Company has focused its efforts on preserving the health and safety of its employees and customers, as well as maintaining the continuity of its operations. The Company has modified its business practices in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including restricting non-essential employee travel, implementation of remote work protocols, and cancellation of physical participation in meetings, events and conferences. The Company has also instituted preventive measures at its facilities, including enhanced health and safety protocols, temperature screening, requiring face coverings for all employees and encouraging employees to follow similar protocols when away from work. The Company has adopted a multifaceted framework to guide its decision making when evaluating the readiness of its facilities to safely reopen and operate, and will continue to monitor and audit its facilities to ensure that they are in compliance with the Company’s COVID-19 safety requirements.

During portions of fiscal 2020, the Company experienced temporary reductions of its manufacturing and operating capacity in China, India and Mexico. Currently, the Company’s facilities have been operating at normal levels. The Company has experienced, and may continue to experience, disruptions or delays in its supply chain as a result of government-mandated actions, which has resulted in higher supply chain costs to the Company in order to maintain the supply of materials and components for its products. While actions taken by the Company to mitigate manufacturing and supply chain disruptions,
40


including redistributing manufacturing capacity, expanding supplier diversity, government outreach and supplier financing, have generally been successful, a continued resurgence of COVID-19 could lead to further disruptions.

The Company experienced a decline in demand and volumes in its global businesses as a result of the impact of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, the Company experienced lower demand due to restricted access to customer sites to perform service and installation work as well as reduced discretionary capital spending by the Company's customers. Although the Company has experienced increases in demand and volumes as governments have lifted COVID-19-related restrictions, the reinstitution of lockdowns or other restrictive measures by governments could cause a decrease in economic activity and demand for the Company’s products and services.

The global pandemic has also provided the Company with the opportunity to help its customers prepare to re-open by delivering solutions and support that enhance the safety and increase the efficiency of their operations. The Company has seen an increase in demand for its products and solutions that promote building health and optimize customers’ infrastructure, including thermal cameras, indoor air quality, location-based services for contact tracing and touchless access control.

In fiscal 2020, the Company executed temporary and permanent cost mitigation actions to offset a portion of the impact of COVID-19 on the demand for its products and services. As a result of these and other permanent cost mitigation actions, including the Company's 2020 restructuring plan, the Company experienced a positive impact on its results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2020. Although the Company has largely ceased temporary cost mitigation actions initiated in fiscal 2020, the necessity of future cost mitigation actions will depend on the continued impact of COVID-19, which is highly uncertain.

During fiscal 2020, the Company determined that it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its indefinite-lived intangible assets due to declines in revenue directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and for certain of its indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and goodwill due to declines in revenue and further declines in forecasted cash flows in its North America Retail reporting unit. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $62 million related primarily to the Company's retail business indefinite-lived intangible assets and an impairment charge of $424 million related to the Company's North America Retail reporting unit's goodwill. There were no triggering events requiring that an impairment assessment be conducted in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. However, it is possible that future changes in circumstances, including a more prolonged and/or severe COVID-19 pandemic, would require the Company to record additional non-cash impairment charges.

The Company continues to actively monitor its liquidity position and working capital needs. The Company believes that, following its implementation of liquidity and cost mitigation actions in fiscal 2020, it remains in a solid overall capital resources and liquidity position that is adequate to meet its projected needs.

The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak continues to impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity and longevity of COVID-19, the resurgence of COVID-19 in regions that have begun to recover from the initial impact of the pandemic, the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity, and the actions to contain its impact on public health and the global economy See Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 for an additional discussion of risks related to COVID-19.

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Net Sales
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Net sales$5,341 $5,576 -4 %

The decrease in consolidated net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was due to lower organic sales ($260 million) and lower sales due to business divestitures ($73 million), partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($89 million) and incremental sales from acquisitions ($9 million). Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions and divestitures, consolidated net sales decreased 5% as compared to the prior year primarily due to the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand and volumes. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within this Item 2 for a discussion of net sales by segment.
    
Cost of Sales / Gross Profit
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Cost of sales$3,613 $3,773 -4 %
Gross profit1,728 1,803 -4 %
% of sales32.4 %32.3 %

Cost of sales and gross profit decreased for the three month period ended December 31, 2020, and gross profit as a percentage of sales increased by 10 basis points. Gross profit decreased due to organic sales declines from the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact on cost of sales of approximately $63 million. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within this Item 2 for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA") by segment.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Selling, general and administrative
     expenses
$1,294 $1,427 -9 %
% of sales24.2 %25.6 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the three month period ended December 31, 2020 decreased $133 million, and SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased by 140 basis points. The decrease in SG&A was primarily due to a favorable impact of cost mitigation actions and reduction in discretionary spend in the current quarter and the favorable year-over-year impact of net mark-to-market adjustments on restricted asbestos investments, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact on SG&A of $20 million. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within this Item 2 for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.

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Restructuring and Impairment Costs
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Restructuring and impairment costs$— $111 *

* Measure not meaningful

Refer to Note 10, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's restructuring plans and impairment costs.

Net Financing Charges
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Net financing charges$59 $52 13 %

Refer to Note 13, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Company's net financing charges.

Equity Income
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Equity income$58 $43 35 %

The increase in equity income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to higher income at certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on equity income of $3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" below within this Item 2 for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.

Income Tax Provision
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Income tax provision$61 $65 -6 %
Effective tax rate14 %25 %

In calculating the provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted, as appropriate, based upon changed facts and circumstances, if any, as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year and each interim period thereafter.

The statutory tax rate in Ireland is being used as a comparison since the Company is domiciled in Ireland. For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 14% and was higher than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the Company's effective tax rate for continuing operations was 25% and was higher than the statutory tax rate of 12.5% primarily due to a discrete tax charge related to the remeasurement
43


of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of Swiss tax reform and tax rate differentials, partially offset by the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives. The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2020 decreased as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to the discrete tax items. Refer to Note 11, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further detail.

Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
$124 $— *

* Measure not meaningful

Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company's discontinued operations.

Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
$45 $32 41 %


The increase in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to higher net income at certain partially-owned affiliates within the Global Products segment.

Net Income Attributable to Johnson Controls
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Net income attributable to Johnson Controls$451 $159 *

* Measure not meaningful

The increase in net income attributable to Johnson Controls for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to lower SG&A, the current year income from discontinued operations, and prior year restructuring and impairment charges, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Johnson Controls for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $0.62 compared to $0.21 for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

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Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Johnson Controls
Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls$723 $414 75 %

The increase in comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was due to higher net income attributable to Johnson Controls ($292 million) and an increase in other comprehensive income attributable to Johnson Controls ($17 million) resulting primarily from favorable currency translation adjustments. The year-over-year favorable foreign currency translation adjustments were primarily driven by the strengthening of the euro, Mexican peso and Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar in the current quarter.

Segment Analysis

Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBITA, which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans and restricted asbestos investments.

Net Sales
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Building Solutions North America$2,034 $2,167 -6 %
Building Solutions EMEA/LA906 928 -2 %
Building Solutions Asia Pacific615 629 -2 %
Global Products1,786 1,852 -4 %
$5,341 $5,576 -4 %

The decrease in Building Solutions North America was due to lower volumes ($136 million), partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($3 million). The decrease in volumes was primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to lower volumes ($52 million), partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($21 million) and incremental sales related to business acquisitions ($9 million). The decrease in volumes was primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to lower volumes ($40 million) and business divestitures ($2 million), partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($28 million). The decrease in volumes was primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in Global Products was due to business divestitures ($71 million) and lower volumes ($32 million), partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($37 million). The decrease in volumes was primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Segment EBITA
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
(in millions)20202019Change
Building Solutions North America$255 $258 -1 %
Building Solutions EMEA/LA95 90 %
Building Solutions Asia Pacific79 72 10 %
Global Products213 203 %
$642 $623 %

The decrease in Building Solutions North America was due to unfavorable volumes, net of productivity savings and cost mitigation actions ($4 million), partially offset by prior year integration costs ($1 million).

The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to productivity savings and cost mitigation actions, net of unfavorable volumes ($4 million) and higher income due to business acquisitions ($1 million).

The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to productivity savings and cost mitigation actions, net of unfavorable volumes ($4 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($3 million).

The increase in Global Products was due to higher equity income ($10 million) driven primarily by certain partially-owned affiliates of the Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture, the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($6 million) and prior year integration costs ($1 million), partially offset by lower income due to business divestitures ($6 million) and unfavorable volumes / mix, net of productivity savings and cost mitigation actions ($1 million).

Backlog

The Company’s backlog is applicable to its sales of systems and services. At December 31, 2020, the backlog was $9.8 billion, of which $9.5 billion was attributable to the field business. The backlog amount outstanding at any given time is not necessarily indicative of the amount of revenue to be earned in the upcoming fiscal year.

At December 31, 2020, remaining performance obligations were $14.9 billion, which is $5.1 billion higher than the Company's backlog of $9.8 billion. Differences between the Company’s remaining performance obligations and backlog are primarily due to:

Remaining performance obligations include large, multi-purpose contracts to construct hospitals, schools and other governmental buildings, which are services to be performed over the building's lifetime with initial contract terms of 25 to 35 years for the entire term of the contract versus backlog which includes only the lifecycle period of these contracts which approximates five years;
The Company has elected to exclude from remaining performance obligations certain contracts with customers with a term of one year or less or contracts that are cancelable without substantial penalty while these contracts are included within backlog; and
Remaining performance obligations include the full remaining term of service contracts with substantial termination penalties versus backlog which includes one year for all outstanding service contracts.

The Company will continue to report backlog as it believes it is a useful measure of evaluating the Company's operational performance and relationship to total orders.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working Capital
December 31,September 30,
(in millions)20202020Change
Current assets$10,034 $10,053 
Current liabilities(8,486)(8,248)
1,548 1,805 -14 %
Less: Cash(1,839)(1,951)
Add: Short-term debt11 31 
Add: Current portion of long-term debt453 262 
Working capital (as defined)$173 $147 18 %
Accounts receivable - net$5,177 $5,294 -2 %
Inventories1,913 1,773 %
Accounts payable3,210 3,120 %

The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash, short-term debt, the current portion of long-term debt, and the current portions of assets and liabilities held for sale. Management believes that this measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items and businesses to be divested, provides a more useful measurement of the Company’s operating performance.

The increase in working capital at December 31, 2020 as compared to September 30, 2020, was primarily due to the favorable resolution of certain post-closing working capital and net debt adjustments related to Power Solutions sale, an increase in inventory to meet anticipated customer demand, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and increase in accounts payable.

The Company’s days sales in accounts receivable at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 were 68 days and 63 days, respectively. There has been no significant adverse changes in the level of overdue receivables or significant changes in revenue recognition methods.

The Company’s inventory turns for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were lower than the comparable period ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to changes in inventory production levels.

Days in accounts payable at December 31, 2020 were 77 days, higher than 69 days at the comparable period ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to timing.

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Cash Flows From Continuing Operations
 Three Months Ended December 31,
(in millions)20202019
Cash provided by operating activities$515 $511 
Cash used by investing activities(37)(173)
Cash used by financing activities(547)(850)

The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to favorable changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by prior year income tax refunds.

The decrease in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to prior year payments for acquisitions, lower capital expenditures, higher proceeds from the sale of property, plant & equipment and current year cash proceeds from business divestitures.

The decrease in cash used by financing activities was primarily due to lower stock repurchases.

Capitalization
December 31,September 30,
(in millions)20202020Change
Short-term debt$11 $31 
Current portion of long-term debt453 262 
Long-term debt7,469 7,526 
Total debt7,933 7,819 %
Less: cash and cash equivalents1,839 1,951 
Total net debt6,094 5,868 %
Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls
   ordinary shareholders
17,656 17,447 %
Total capitalization$23,750 $23,315 %
Total net debt as a % of total capitalization25.7 %25.2 %

Net debt and net debt as a percentage of total capitalization are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes the percentage of total net debt to total capitalization is useful to understanding the Company’s financial condition as it provides a review of the extent to which the Company relies on external debt financing for its funding and is a measure of risk to its shareholders.

The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at December 31, 2020 are adequate to meet projected needs. The Company believes requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, minimum pension contributions, debt maturities and any potential acquisitions or stock repurchases in the remainder of fiscal 2021 will continue to be funded from operations, supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required. The Company currently manages its short-term debt position in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. In the event the Company is unable to issue commercial paper, it would have the ability to draw on its $2.5 billion revolving credit facility which expires in December 2024 or its $0.5 billion 364-day revolving credit facility which expires in December 2021. There were no draws on the revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020. In addition, the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2020. As such, the Company believes it has sufficient financial resources to fund operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future.

Financial covenants in the Company's revolving credit facilities requires a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of
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debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls for liens and pledges. For purposes of calculating these covenants, consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements set forth in its credit agreements and the indentures governing its notes, and expects to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Company’s debt agreements limit access to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the Company's credit rating.

The key financial assumptions used in calculating the Company’s pension liability are determined annually, or whenever plan assets and liabilities are re-measured as required under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., including the expected rate of return on its plan assets. In fiscal 2021, the Company believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 6.50%, 4.90% and 5.30% for U.S. pension, non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, respectively. During the first three months of fiscal 2021, the Company made approximately $17 million in total pension and postretirement contributions. In total, the Company expects to contribute approximately $46 million in cash to its defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2021. The Company expects to contribute $3 million in cash to its postretirement plans in fiscal 2021.

The Company earns a significant amount of its income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in these subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested except in limited circumstances. The Company currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate undistributed earnings included in the outside basis differences other than in tax efficient manners. The Company's intent is to reduce basis differences only when it would be tax efficient. The Company expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S., should the Company require more capital than is generated by its operations, the Company could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Company has borrowed funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the Company expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the Company require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be provided in tax efficient methods, the Company could also elect to raise capital through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Company’s earnings.

To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying markets, the Company committed to a significant restructuring plan in fiscal 2020 and recorded $297 million of restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statements of income. The restructuring actions related primarily to cost reduction initiatives. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments. The Company currently estimates that upon completion of the restructuring action, the fiscal 2020 restructuring plans will reduce annual operating costs for continuing operations by approximately $430 million, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and SG&A due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense. The Company expects the annual benefit of these actions will be substantially realized in 2021. The restructuring action is expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2021. The Company has outstanding restructuring reserves of $81 million at December 31, 2020, all of which is expected to be paid in cash.

Refer to Note 13, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information on items impacting capitalization.

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Co-Issued Securities: Summarized Financial Information

The following information is provided in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to the (i) $625 million aggregate principal amount of 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), (ii) €500 million aggregate principal amount of 0.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) and (iii) €500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.000% Senior Notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes” and together with the 2030 Notes and the 2027 Notes, the “Notes”), each issued by Johnson Controls International plc ("Parent Company") and Tyco Fire & Security Finance S.C.A. (“TFSCA”), a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions) incorporated and organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (“Luxembourg”).

TFSCA is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company that is 99.996% owned directly by the Parent Company and 0.004% owned by TFSCA’s sole general partner and manager, Tyco Fire & Security S.à r.l., which is itself wholly-owned by the Company. The Notes are the Parent Company’s and TFSCA’s unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. The Parent Company is incorporated and organized under the laws of Ireland and TFSCA is incorporated and organized under the laws of Luxembourg. The bankruptcy, insolvency, administrative, debtor relief and other laws of Luxembourg or Ireland, as applicable, may be materially different from, or in conflict with, those of the United States, including in the areas of rights of creditors, priority of governmental and other creditors, ability to obtain post-petition interest and duration of the proceeding. The application of these laws, or any conflict among them, could adversely affect noteholders’ ability to enforce their rights under the Notes in those jurisdictions or limit any amounts that they may receive.

The following tables set forth summarized financial information of the Parent Company and TFSCA (collectively, the “Obligor Group”) on a combined basis after intercompany transactions have been eliminated, including adjustments to remove the receivable and payable balances, investment in, and equity in earnings from, those subsidiaries of the Parent Company other than TFSCA (collectively, the "Non-Obligor Subsidiaries").

The following table presents summarized income statement information (in millions):

Three Months EndedYear
Ended
December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Net sales$— $— 
Gross profit— — 
Loss from continuing operations(63)(450)
Net loss(63)(450)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests— — 
Net loss attributable to the entity(63)(450)


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Excluded from the table above are the intercompany transactions between the Obligor Group and Non-Obligor Subsidiaries as follows (in millions):
Three Months EndedYear Ended
December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Net sales$— $— 
Gross profit— — 
Income from continuing operations117 702 
Net income117 702 
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests— — 
Net income attributable to the entity117 702 


The following table presents summarized balance sheet information as of December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 (in millions):
December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Current assets$834 $522 
Noncurrent assets324 318 
Current liabilities5,145 7,612 
Noncurrent liabilities7,217 7,258 
Noncontrolling interests— — 

Excluded from the table above are the intercompany balances between the Obligor Group and Non-Obligor Subsidiaries as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Current assets$840 $838 
Noncurrent assets7,343 7,338 
Current liabilities1,382 2,724 
Noncurrent liabilities3,483 3,406 
Noncontrolling interests— — 

The same accounting policies as described in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 are used by the Parent Company and each of its subsidiaries in connection with the summarized financial information presented above.

New Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 2, "New Accounting Standards," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had not experienced any adverse changes in market risk exposures that materially affected the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"). Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded
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that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Gumm v. Molinaroli, et al.

On August 16, 2016, a putative class action lawsuit, Gumm v. Molinaroli, et al., Case No. 16-cv-1093, was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, naming Johnson Controls, Inc., the individual members of its board of directors at the time of the merger with the Company’s merger subsidiary and certain of its officers, the Company and the Company’s merger subsidiary as defendants. The complaint asserted various causes of action under the federal securities laws, state law and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, including that the individual defendants allegedly breached their fiduciary duties and unjustly enriched themselves by structuring the merger among the Company, Tyco and the merger subsidiary in a manner that would result in a United States federal income tax realization event for the putative class of certain Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders and allegedly result in certain benefits to the defendants, as well as related claims regarding alleged misstatements in the proxy statement/prospectus distributed to the Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders, conversion and breach of contract. The complaint also asserted that Johnson Controls, Inc., the Company and the Company’s merger subsidiary aided and abetted the individual defendants in their breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks, among other things, disgorgement of profits and damages. On September 30, 2016, approximately one month after the closing of the merger, plaintiffs filed a preliminary injunction motion seeking, among other items, to compel Johnson Controls, Inc. to make certain intercompany payments that plaintiffs contend will impact the United States federal income tax consequences of the merger to the putative class of certain Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders and to enjoin Johnson Controls, Inc. from reporting to the Internal Revenue Service the capital gains taxes payable by this putative class as a result of the closing of the merger. The court held a hearing on the preliminary injunction motion on January 4, 2017, and on January 25, 2017, the judge denied the plaintiffs' motion. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on February 15, 2017, and the Company filed a motion to dismiss on April 3, 2017. On October 17, 2019, the court heard oral arguments on the motion to dismiss and took the matter under advisement. Although the Company believes it has substantial defenses to plaintiffs’ claims, it is not able to predict the outcome of this action.

Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for discussion of environmental, asbestos, insurable liabilities and other litigation matters, which is incorporated by reference herein and is considered an integral part of Part II, Item 1, "Legal Proceedings."

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the disclosure regarding risk factors presented in Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In March 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved an $8.5 billion increase to its existing share repurchase authorization, subject to the completion of the previously announced sale of the Company's Power Solutions business, which closed on April 30, 2019. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company
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repurchased approximately $0.3 billion of its ordinary shares on an open market. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $2.0 billion remains available under the share repurchase program.

The following table presents information regarding the repurchase of the Company’s ordinary shares by the Company as part of the publicly announced program during the three months ended December 31, 2020.

PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of the Publicly Announced ProgramApproximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased under the Programs
10/1/20 - 10/31/20
Purchases by Company2,601,820 $42.44 2,601,820 $2,251,501,572 
11/1/20 -11/30/20
Purchases by Company1,318,814 43.75 1,318,814 2,193,798,879 
12/1/20 - 12/31/20
Purchases by Company3,876,536 45.86 3,876,536 2,016,034,605 

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, acquisitions of shares by the Company from certain employees in order to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of restricted shares were not material.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.Description
10.1
10.2
10.3
31.1
31.2
32.1
101The following materials from Johnson Controls International plc's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls Ordinary Shareholders and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
**Management contract or compensatory plan


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC
Date: January 29, 2021 By:/s/ Olivier Leonetti
 Olivier Leonetti
 Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

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