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ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______  to _______
Commission file number 1-12383
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
 
25-1797617
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
1201 South Second Street
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
53204
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
(Zip Code)
+1 (414) 382-2000
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 
_________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock ($1.00 par value)
 
ROK
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large Accelerated Filer
 
Accelerated Filer
 
 
Non-accelerated Filer
 
Smaller Reporting Company
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging Growth Company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No
The aggregate market value of registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of registrant on March 29, 2019 was approximately $21.7 billion.
115,546,942 shares of registrant’s Common Stock, par value $1 per share, were outstanding on October 31, 2019.


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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareowners of registrant to be held on February 4, 2020 is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.


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PART I
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains statements (including certain projections and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe”, “estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “will”, “intend” and other similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to:
macroeconomic factors, including global and regional business conditions, the availability and cost of capital, commodity prices, the cyclical nature of our customers’ capital spending, sovereign debt concerns and currency exchange rates;
laws, regulations and governmental policies affecting our activities in the countries where we do business, including those related to tariffs, taxation, and trade controls;
the availability and price of components and materials;
the successful execution of our cost productivity initiatives;
the availability, effectiveness and security of our information technology systems;
our ability to manage and mitigate the risk related to security vulnerabilities and breaches of our products, solutions and services;
the successful development of advanced technologies and demand for and market acceptance of new and existing hardware and software products;
our ability to manage and mitigate the risks associated with our solutions and services businesses;
competitive hardware and software products, solutions and services and pricing pressures, and our ability to provide high quality products, solutions and services;
disruptions to our distribution channels or the failure of distributors to develop and maintain capabilities to sell our products;
the successful integration and management of strategic transactions and achievement of the expected benefits of these transactions;
a disruption of our business due to natural disasters, pandemics, acts of war, strikes, terrorism, social unrest or other causes;
intellectual property infringement claims by others and the ability to protect our intellectual property;
the uncertainty of claims by taxing authorities in the various jurisdictions where we do business;
our ability to attract, develop, and retain qualified personnel;
the uncertainties of litigation, including liabilities related to the safety and security of the hardware and software products, solutions and services we sell;
risks associated with our investment in common stock of PTC Inc., including the potential for volatility in our reported quarterly earnings associated with changes in the market value of such stock;
our ability to manage costs related to employee retirement and health care benefits; and
other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.
These forward-looking statements reflect our beliefs as of the date of filing this report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for more information.
Item 1.    Business
General
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (“Rockwell Automation” or the “Company”) is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Our hardware and software products, solutions and services are designed to meet our customers’ needs to reduce total cost of ownership, maximize asset utilization, improve time to market and reduce enterprise business risk.
The Company continues the business founded as the Allen-Bradley Company in 1903. The privately-owned Allen-Bradley Company was a leading North American manufacturer of industrial automation equipment when the former Rockwell International Corporation (RIC) purchased it in 1985.

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The Company was incorporated in Delaware in connection with a tax-free reorganization completed on December 6, 1996, pursuant to which we divested our former aerospace and defense businesses (the A&D Business) to The Boeing Company (Boeing). In the reorganization, RIC contributed all of its businesses, other than the A&D Business, to the Company and distributed all capital stock of the Company to RIC’s shareowners. Boeing then acquired RIC.
As used herein, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Rockwell Automation” or the “Company” include wholly-owned and controlled majority-owned subsidiaries and predecessors unless the context indicates otherwise. Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K refers to our continuing businesses unless otherwise indicated.
Whenever an Item of this Annual Report on Form 10-K refers to information in our Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held on February 4, 2020 (the Proxy Statement), or to information under specific captions in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), or in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (the Consolidated Financial Statements), the information is incorporated in that Item by reference. All date references to years and quarters refer to our fiscal year and quarters unless otherwise stated.
Operating Segments
We have two operating segments: Architecture & Software and Control Products & Solutions. Both operating segments share a common sales organization and supply chain and conduct business globally. Major markets served by both segments consist of discrete end markets (e.g., Automotive, Semiconductor, and Warehousing & Logistics), hybrid end markets (e.g., Food & Beverage, and Life Sciences), and process end markets (e.g., Oil & Gas, Metals, and Chemicals).
Geographic Information
We do business in more than 100 countries around the world. The largest sales outside the United States on a country-of-destination basis are in China, Canada, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Brazil. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with our global operations.
Competition
Our competitors range from large diversified corporations that may also have business interests outside of industrial automation to smaller companies that offer a limited portfolio of industrial automation products, solutions and services. Factors that influence our competitive position include the breadth of our product portfolio and scope of solutions, technology differentiation, domain expertise, installed base, distribution network, quality of hardware and software products, solutions and services, global presence and price. Major competitors include Siemens AG, ABB Ltd, Schneider Electric SA, Emerson Electric Co., Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and Honeywell International Inc.
Distribution
In most countries, we sell primarily through independent distributors in conjunction with our direct sales force. In other countries, we sell through a combination of our direct sales force and to a lesser extent, through independent distributors. Approximately 75 percent of our global sales are through independent distributors. Sales to our largest distributor in 2019, 2018 and 2017 were approximately 10 percent of our total sales.
Employees
At September 30, 2019, we had approximately 23,000 employees. Approximately 8,600 were employed in the United States.
Raw Materials
We purchase a wide range of equipment, components, finished products and materials used in our business. The raw materials essential to the manufacture of our products generally are available at competitive prices. We have a broad base of suppliers and subcontractors. We depend upon the ability of our suppliers and subcontractors to meet performance and quality specifications and delivery schedules. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with our reliance on third party suppliers.

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Backlog
Our total order backlog consists of (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Architecture & Software
 
$
174.7

 
$
168.5

Control Products & Solutions
 
1,194.7

 
1,243.5

 
 
$
1,369.4


$
1,412.0

Backlog is not necessarily indicative of results of operations for future periods due to the short-cycle nature of most of our sales activities. Backlog orders scheduled beyond 2020 were approximately $225 million as of September 30, 2019. Backlog was reclassified in 2018 to conform to our current reportable segments. See Note 17 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Environmental Protection Requirements
Information about the effect of compliance with environmental protection requirements and resolution of environmental claims is contained in Note 16 in the Consolidated Financial Statements. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with liabilities and costs related to environmental remediation.
Patents, Licenses and Trademarks
We own or license numerous patents and patent applications related to our hardware and software products and operations. While in the aggregate our patents and licenses are important in the operation of our business, we do not believe that loss or termination of any one of them would materially affect our business or financial condition. We have received various claims of patent infringement and requests for patent indemnification. We believe that none of these claims or requests will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of risks associated with our intellectual property.
The Company’s name and its registered trademark “Rockwell Automation®” and other trademarks such as “Allen-Bradley®”, “A-B®” and “PlantPAx® Process Automation System™” are important to both of our business segments. In addition, we own other important trademarks that we use, such as “ControlLogix®” and “CompactLogix®” for our control systems, “PowerFlex®” for our AC drives, and “Rockwell Software®” and “FactoryTalk®” for our software offerings.
Seasonality
Our business segments are not subject to significant seasonality. However, the calendarization of our results can vary and may be affected by the seasonal spending patterns of our customers due to their annual budgeting processes and their working schedules.
Available Information
We maintain a website at https://www.rockwellautomation.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), as well as our annual reports to shareowners and Section 16 reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5, are available free of charge on this site through the “Investors” link as soon as reasonably practicable after we file or furnish these reports with the SEC. All reports we file with the SEC are also available free of charge via EDGAR through the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Our Guidelines on Corporate Governance and charters for our Board committees are also available on our website. The information contained on and linked from our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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Item 1A.     Risk Factors
In the ordinary course of our business, we face various strategic, operating, compliance and financial risks. These risks could have an impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Our most significant risks are set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process seeks to identify and address significant risks. Our ERM process assesses, manages, and monitors risks consistent with the integrated risk framework in the Enterprise Risk Management - Integrated Framework (2017) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). We believe that risk-taking is an inherent aspect of the pursuit of our strategy. Our goal is to manage risks prudently rather than avoid risks. We can mitigate risks and their impact on the Company only to a limited extent.
A team of senior executives prioritizes identified risks and assigns an executive to address each major identified risk area and lead action plans to manage risks. Our Board of Directors provides oversight of the ERM process and reviews significant identified risks. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors also reviews significant financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and manage them. Our other Board committees also play a role in risk management, as set forth in their respective charters.
Our goal is to proactively manage risks in a structured approach in conjunction with strategic planning, with the intent to preserve and enhance shareowner value. However, the risks set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other risks and uncertainties could adversely affect us and cause our results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results.
Adverse changes in business or industry conditions and volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets may result in decreases in our sales and profitability.
We are subject to macroeconomic cycles and when recessions occur, we may experience reduced, canceled or delayed orders, payment delays or defaults, supply chain disruptions or other factors as a result of the economic challenges faced by our customers, prospective customers and suppliers.
Demand for our hardware and software products is sensitive to changes in levels of industrial production and the financial performance of major industries that we serve. As economic activity slows, credit markets tighten, or sovereign debt concerns arise, companies tend to reduce their levels of capital spending, which could result in decreased demand for our products.
Our ability to access the credit markets and the costs of borrowing are affected by the strength of our credit rating and current market conditions. If our access to credit, including the commercial paper market, is adversely affected by a change in market conditions or otherwise, our cost of borrowings may increase or our ability to fund operations may be reduced.
The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) is the basis for determining the amount of our interest payments on borrowings under our $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility. In addition, we have outstanding interest rate swaps that contain a variable element based on LIBOR. The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to amend certain agreements that use LIBOR as a benchmark and we cannot predict what alternative index or other amendments may be negotiated with our counterparties. As a result, our interest expense could increase and our available cash flow for general corporate requirements may be adversely affected. Additionally, uncertainty as to the nature of a potential discontinuance or modification of LIBOR, alternative reference rates or other reforms may materially adversely affect the trading market for securities linked to such benchmarks. For additional information, see Financial Condition in MD&A.
We sell to customers around the world and are subject to the risks of doing business in many countries.
We do business in more than 100 countries around the world. Approximately 46 percent of our sales in 2019 were to customers outside the U.S. In addition, many of our manufacturing operations, suppliers and employees are located in many places around the world. The future success of our business depends in large part on growth in our sales in non-U.S. markets. Our global operations are subject to numerous financial, legal and operating risks, such as political and economic instability; prevalence of corruption in certain countries; enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights; and compliance with existing and future laws, regulations and policies, including those related to exports, imports, tariffs, embargoes and other trade restrictions, investments, taxation, product content and performance, employment and repatriation of earnings. In addition, we are affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, inflation rates and interest rates. The occurrence or consequences of these risks may make it more

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difficult to operate our business and increase our costs, which could decrease our profitability and have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
We rely on suppliers to provide equipment, components and services.
Our business requires that we buy equipment, components and services including finished products, electronic components and commodities. Our reliance on suppliers involves certain risks, including:
poor quality or an insecure supply chain, which could adversely affect the reliability and reputation of our hardware and software products;
changes in the cost of these purchases due to inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, taxes, tariffs, commodity market volatility or other factors that affect our suppliers;
embargoes, sanctions and other trade restrictions that may affect our ability to purchase from various suppliers;
intellectual property risks such as challenges to ownership of rights or alleged infringement by suppliers; and
shortages of components, commodities or other materials, which could adversely affect our manufacturing efficiencies and ability to make timely delivery of our products, solutions and services.
Any of these uncertainties could adversely affect our profitability and ability to compete. We also maintain several single-source supplier relationships, because either alternative sources are not available or the relationship is advantageous due to performance, quality, support, delivery, capacity, or price considerations. Unavailability of, or delivery delays for single-source components or products could adversely affect our ability to ship the related products in a timely manner. The effect of unavailability or delivery delays would be more severe if associated with our higher volume and more profitable products. Even where substitute sources of supply are available, qualifying alternative suppliers and establishing reliable supplies could cost more or result in delays and a loss of sales.
Failures or security breaches of our products, connected services, manufacturing environment, supply chain, or information technology systems could have an adverse effect on our business.
We rely heavily on information technology (IT) in our hardware and software products, solutions and services for customers, manufacturing environment, and in our enterprise infrastructure. Despite the implementation of security measures, our IT systems are vulnerable to unauthorized access by nation states, hackers, cyber-criminals, malicious insiders, and other actors who may engage in fraud, theft of confidential or proprietary information, or sabotage. Our systems could be compromised by malware (including ransomware), cyber attacks, and other events, ranging from widespread, non-targeted, global cyber threats to targeted advanced persistent threats. Given that our hardware and software products and services are used in critical infrastructure, these threats could indicate increased risk for our products, services, manufacturing, and IT infrastructure. Recent global cyber attacks have been perpetuated by compromising software updates in widely-used software products, increasing the risk that vulnerabilities or malicious content could be inserted into our products. In some cases, malware attacks were spread throughout the supply chain, moving from one company to the next via authorized network connections.
Our hardware and software products, solutions, and services are used by our direct and indirect customers in applications that may be subject to information theft, tampering, or sabotage. Careless or malicious actors could cause a customer’s process to be disrupted or could cause equipment to operate in an improper manner that could result in harm to people or property. While we continue to improve the security attributes of our hardware and software products, solutions and services, we can reduce risk, not eliminate it. To a significant extent, the security of our customers’ systems depends on how those systems are designed, installed, protected, configured, updated and monitored, much of which are typically outside our control.
Our business uses IT resources on a dispersed, global basis for a wide variety of functions including development, engineering, manufacturing, sales, accounting, and human resources. Our vendors, partners, employees and customers have access to, and share, information across multiple locations via various digital technologies.  In addition, we rely on partners and vendors for a wide range of outsourced activities, including cloud providers, as part of our internal IT infrastructure and our commercial offerings. Secure connectivity is important to these ongoing operations. Also, our partners and vendors frequently have access to our confidential information as well as confidential information about our customers, employees, and others. We design our security architecture to reduce the risk that a compromise of our partners’ infrastructure, for example a cloud platform, could lead to a compromise of our internal systems or customer networks, but this risk cannot be eliminated and vulnerabilities at third parties could result in unknown risk exposure to our business.
The current cyber threat environment indicates increased risk for all companies, including those in industrial automation and information. Like other global companies, we have experienced cyber threats and incidents, although none have been material or

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had a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. Our information security efforts, under the leadership of our Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Product Security Officer, with the support of the entire management team, include major programs designed to address security governance, product security, identification and protection of critical assets, insider risk, third-party risk, and cyber defense operations. We believe these measures reduce, but cannot eliminate, the risk of an information security incident. Any significant security incidents could have an adverse impact on sales, harm our reputation and cause us to incur legal liability and increased costs to address such events and related security concerns.
An inability to respond to changes in customer preferences could result in decreased demand for our products.
Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and offer hardware and software products that appeal to the changing needs and preferences of our customers in the various markets we serve. Developing new hardware and software products requires high levels of innovation, and the development process is often lengthy and costly. If we are not able to anticipate, identify, develop and market products that respond to changes in customer preferences and emerging technological and broader industry trends, demand for our products could decline.
There are inherent risks in our solutions and services businesses.
Risks inherent in the sale of solutions and services include assuming greater responsibility for successfully delivering projects that meet a particular customer specification, including defining and controlling contract scope, efficiently executing projects, and managing the performance and quality of our subcontractors and suppliers. If we are unable to manage and mitigate these risks, we could incur cost overruns, liabilities and other losses that would adversely affect our results of operations.
New legislative and regulatory actions could adversely affect our business.
Legislative and regulatory action may be taken in the various countries and other jurisdictions where we operate that may affect our business activities in these countries or may otherwise increase our costs to do business. For example, we are increasingly required to comply with various environmental and other material, product, certification and labeling laws and regulations. Our customers may also be required to comply with such legislative and regulatory requirements. These requirements could increase our costs and could potentially have an adverse effect on our ability to do business in certain jurisdictions. Changes in these requirements could impact demand for our hardware and software products, solutions and services. Compliance with state, federal and foreign privacy regulations, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), could increase our operating costs as part of our efforts to protect and safeguard our sensitive data and personal information. Failure to maintain information privacy could result in legal liability or reputational harm.
Our industry is highly competitive.
We face strong competition in all of our market segments in several significant respects. We compete based on breadth and scope of our hardware and software product portfolio and solution and service offerings, technology differentiation, the domain expertise of our employees and partners, product performance, quality of our hardware and software products, solutions and services, knowledge of integrated systems and applications that address our customers’ business challenges, pricing, delivery and customer service. The relative importance of these factors differs across the geographic markets and product areas that we serve and across our market segments. We seek to maintain acceptable pricing levels across and within geographic markets by continually developing advanced technologies for new hardware and software products and product enhancements and offering complete solutions for our customers’ business problems. In addition, we continue to drive productivity to reduce our cost structure. If we fail to achieve our objectives, to keep pace with technological changes, or to provide high quality hardware and software products, solutions and services, we may lose business or experience price erosion and correspondingly lower sales and margins. We expect the level of competition to remain high in the future, which could limit our ability to maintain or increase our market share or profitability.
We rely on our distribution channel for a substantial portion of our sales.
In North America, a large percentage of our sales are through distributors. In certain other countries, the majority of our sales are also through a limited number of distributors. We depend on the capabilities and competencies of our distributors to sell our hardware and software products and services and deliver value to our customers. Disruptions to our existing distribution channel or the failure of distributors to maintain and develop the appropriate capabilities to sell our hardware and software products and services could adversely affect our sales. A disruption could result from the sale of a distributor to a competitor, financial instability of a distributor or other events.

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Failure to identify, manage, complete, and integrate strategic transactions may adversely affect our business or we may not achieve the expected benefits of these transactions.
As part of our strategy, we may pursue strategic transactions, including acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, other business opportunities and purchases of technology from third parties. In order to be successful, we must identify attractive transaction opportunities, effectively complete the transaction, and manage post-closing matters, such as integration of the acquired business or technology (including related personnel) and cooperation with our joint venture and other strategic partners. We may not be able to identify or complete beneficial transaction opportunities given the intense competition for them. Even if we successfully identify and complete such transactions, we may not achieve the expected benefits of such transactions and we may not be able to successfully address risks and uncertainties inherent in such transactions, including:

difficulties in integrating the purchased or new operations, technologies, products or services, retaining customers and achieving the expected benefits of the transaction, such as sales increases, access to technologies, cost savings and increases in geographic or product presence, in the desired time frames;
loss of key employees or difficulties integrating personnel;
legal and compliance issues;
difficulties implementing and maintaining consistent standards, financial systems, internal and other controls, procedures, policies and information systems;
difficulties maintaining relationships with our joint venture and other strategic partners (including as a result of such joint venture and other strategic partners having differing business objectives) and managing disputes with such joint venture and other strategic partners that may arise in connection with our relationships with them; and
diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns.

Future strategic transactions and technology investments could result in debt, dilution, liabilities, increased interest expense, restructuring charges, and impairment and amortization expenses related to intangible assets.
We face the potential harms of natural disasters, pandemics, acts of war, terrorism, international conflicts or other disruptions to our operations.
Our business depends on the movement of people and goods around the world. Natural disasters, pandemics, acts or threats of war or terrorism, international conflicts, power outages, fires, explosions, equipment failures, sabotage, political instability and the actions taken by governments could cause damage to or disrupt our business operations, our suppliers or our customers, and could create economic instability. Disruptions to our IT infrastructure from system failures, shutdowns, power outages, telecommunication or utility failures, and other events, including disruptions at third party IT and other service providers, could also interfere with or disrupt our operations. Although it is not possible to predict such events or their consequences, these events could decrease demand for our hardware and software products, solutions or services, increase our costs, or make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver products, solutions or services.
Intellectual property infringement claims of others and the inability to protect our intellectual property rights could harm our business and our customers.
Others may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us or our customers. We frequently provide a limited intellectual property indemnity in connection with our terms and conditions of sale to our customers and in other types of contracts with third parties. Indemnification payments and legal expenses to defend claims could be costly.
In addition, we own the rights to many patents, trademarks, brand names and trade names that are important to our business. The inability to enforce our intellectual property rights may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Expenses related to enforcing our intellectual property rights could be significant.
Claims from taxing authorities could have an adverse effect on our income tax expense and financial condition.
We conduct business in many countries, which requires us to interpret and comply with the income tax laws and rulings in each of those taxing jurisdictions. Due to the ambiguity of tax laws among those jurisdictions as well as the uncertainty of how underlying facts may be construed, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments. We must successfully defend any claims from taxing authorities to avoid an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.


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Our business success depends on attracting, developing, and retaining highly qualified personnel.
Our success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of our management team and key employees, and the effective implementation of processes and technology to increase employee engagement, productivity, and efficiency. The skills, experience and industry knowledge of our employees significantly benefit our operations and performance. Difficulty attracting, developing, and retaining members of our management team and key employees with the necessary expertise, including by offering attractive compensation, benefits, and development opportunities, could have a negative effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. We continuously evaluate, modify, and enhance our internal processes and technologies to increase employee engagement, productivity, and efficiency, and to mitigate failure risks from older technologies currently in use. Failure to identify and successfully implement new processes and technologies could add costs and complications to ongoing operations and negatively impact employee engagement, productivity, and efficiency.
Potential liabilities and costs from litigation (including asbestos claims and environmental remediation) could reduce our profitability.
Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business, including those pertaining to the safety and security of the hardware and software products, solutions and services we sell, employment, contract matters, and environmental remediation.
We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos that was used in certain of our products many years ago. Our products may also be used in hazardous industrial activities, which could result in product liability claims. The uncertainties of litigation (including asbestos claims) and the uncertainties related to the collection of insurance proceeds make it difficult to predict the ultimate resolution of these lawsuits.
Our operations are subject to various environmental regulations concerning human health, the limitation and control of emissions and discharges into the air, ground, and water, the quality of air and bodies of water, and the handling, use and disposal of specified substances. Our financial responsibility to clean up contaminated property or for natural resource damages may extend to previously owned or used properties, waterways and properties owned by unrelated companies or individuals, as well as properties that we currently own and use, regardless of whether the contamination is attributable to prior owners. We have been named as a potentially responsible party at cleanup sites and may be so named in the future, and the costs associated with these current and future sites may be significant.
We have, from time to time, divested certain of our businesses. In connection with these divestitures, certain lawsuits, claims and proceedings may be instituted or asserted against us related to the period that we owned the businesses, either because we agreed to retain certain liabilities related to these periods or because such liabilities fall upon us by operation of law. In some instances, the divested business has assumed the liabilities; however, it is possible that we might be responsible for satisfying those liabilities if the divested business is unable to do so.
We own common stock in PTC Inc. and are exposed to the volatility, liquidity and other risks inherent in holding that stock.
We own common stock of PTC Inc. (PTC), a Nasdaq-listed company, that we acquired for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.0 billion. We present this investment on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at its fair value at the end of each reporting period, less a valuation adjustment for periods ending prior to the registration of our shares of PTC common stock (Shares) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on November 28, 2018, per a registration rights agreement entered into with PTC. The fair value of the Shares is subject to fluctuation in the future due to the volatility of the stock market, changes in general economic conditions, and the performance of PTC. We will recognize all changes in the fair value of the Shares (whether realized or unrealized) as gains or losses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the Shares can materially impact the earnings we report, which introduces volatility in our earnings that is not associated with the results of our business operations. In particular, significant declines in the fair value of the Shares would produce significant declines in our reported earnings.

While there is an established trading market for shares of PTC common stock, there are limitations on our ability to dispose of some or all of the Shares should we wish to reduce our investment. Until July 19, 2021, we are subject to contractual restrictions on our ability to transfer the Shares, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, we are subject to certain restrictions on our ability to transfer the Shares under the securities laws. Further, the reported value of the Shares does not necessarily reflect their lowest current market price. If we were forced to sell some or all of the Shares in the market, there can be no assurance that we would be able to sell them at prices equivalent to the value of the Shares that we have reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and we may be forced to sell them at significantly lower prices.

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Finally, our equity position in PTC is a minority position which exposes us to further risk as we are not able to exert control over PTC.
Increasing employee benefit costs could have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition.
One important aspect of attracting and retaining qualified personnel is continuing to offer competitive employee retirement and health care benefits. The expenses we record for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans depend on factors such as changes in market interest rates, the value of plan assets, mortality assumptions and healthcare trend rates. Significant unfavorable changes in these factors would increase our expenses. Expenses related to employer-funded healthcare benefits depend on laws and regulations, which could change, as well as healthcare cost inflation. An inability to control costs related to employee and retiree benefits could negatively impact our operating results and financial condition.


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Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

Item 2.    Properties
We operate manufacturing facilities in the United States and multiple other countries. Manufacturing space occupied approximately 2.8 million square feet, of which 40 percent was in North America. Our global headquarters are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a facility that we own. We lease the remaining facilities noted below. Most of our facilities are shared by operations in both segments and may be used for multiple purposes such as administrative, manufacturing, warehousing and / or distribution.
The following table sets forth information regarding our headquarter locations as of September 30, 2019:
 
 
 
Location
 
Segment/Region
 
 
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
 
Global and North America Headquarters and Control Products & Solutions
Mayfield Heights, Ohio, United States
 
Architecture & Software
Capelle, Netherlands / Diegem, Belgium
 
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Hong Kong
 
Asia Pacific
Weston, Florida, United States
 
Latin America
 
 
 
The following table sets forth information regarding the manufacturing square footage of our principal locations as of September 30, 2019:
 
 
 
Location
 
Manufacturing Square Footage
 
 
 
Monterrey, Mexico
 
607,000

Mequon, Wisconsin, United States
 
230,000

Tecate, Mexico
 
225,000

Aarau, Switzerland
 
223,000

Twinsburg, Ohio, United States
 
200,000

Richland Center, Wisconsin, United States
 
189,000

Cambridge, Canada
 
165,000

Ladysmith, Wisconsin, United States
 
150,000

Katowice, Poland
 
140,000

Harbin, China
 
138,000

Shanghai, China
 
106,000

Jundiai, Brazil
 
95,000

Singapore
 
74,000

There are no major encumbrances (other than financing arrangements, which in the aggregate are not significant) on any of our plants or equipment. In our opinion, our properties have been well maintained, are in sound operating condition and contain all equipment and facilities necessary to operate at present levels. The square footage of a given manufacturing facility is not indicative of the sales contribution of the products manufactured there.


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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
The information required by this Item is contained in Note 16 in the Consolidated Financial Statements within the section entitled Other Matters.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 4A.    Information about our Executive Officers
The name, age, office and position held with the Company and principal occupations and employment during the past five years of each of the executive officers of the Company as of November 1, 2019 are:
 
 
Name, Office and Position, and Principal Occupations and Employment
Age
 
 
Blake D. Moret — Chairman of the Board since January 1, 2018, and President and Chief Executive Officer since July 1, 2016; previously Senior Vice President
56

Sujeet Chand  Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
61

Thomas Donato — Senior Vice President since January 1, 2019; previously President, Europe, Middle East and Africa (from 2015-2018) and Vice President, Canada
47

David M. Dorgan — Vice President and Controller
55

Steven W. Etzel — Vice President and Treasurer
59

Elik I. Fooks — Senior Vice President since March 16, 2017; previously Vice President and General Manager, Sensing, Safety, and Connectivity Business
68

John A. Genovesi — Senior Vice President since January 1, 2019; previously Vice President and General Manager, Information Software Business
56

Patrick P. Goris — Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 7, 2017; previously Vice President, Finance, Architecture and Software and (from 2013-2015) Operations and Engineering Services, and (from July 2015) Vice President, Investor Relations
48

Rebecca W. House — Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since January 3, 2017; previously Assistant General Counsel, Operations and Compliance, and Assistant Secretary at Harley-Davidson, Inc. (motorcycle manufacturer)
46

Karen L. Keegans — Senior Vice President, Human Resources since January 7, 2019; previously Chief Human Resources Officer at Pentair PLC (diversified industrial manufacturer) (from 2016-2018) and Chief Human Resources Officer, Praxair, Inc. (industrial gas)
54

Frank C. Kulaszewicz  Senior Vice President
55

John M. Miller — Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel
52

Robert B. Murphy — Senior Vice President, Connected Enterprise Consulting since July 2, 2018; previously Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering Services (from May 2016 - July 2018) and Vice President, Manufacturing Operations
60

Christopher Nardecchia — Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer since November 1, 2017; previously Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Global Operations and Supply Chain, Amgen, Inc. (biopharmaceutical company)
57

Ernest Nicolas — Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering Services since November 1, 2019; previously Vice President, Global Supply Chain (from July 2018 to November 2019), Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Supply Management (from August 2015 to July 2018), Director, Strategic Sourcing (from February 2015 to August 2015), and Regional Director, Asia Pacific Manufacturing (January 2013 to February 2015)
42

Francis S. Wlodarczyk — Senior Vice President since July 2, 2018; previously Vice President, Control and Visualization Business
54


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There are no family relationships, as defined by applicable SEC rules, between any of the above executive officers and any other executive officer or director of the Company. No officer of the Company was selected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between the officer and any person other than the Company. All executive officers are elected annually.

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PART II

Item 5.    Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock, $1 par value, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “ROK”, On October 31, 2019, there were 15,269 shareowners of record of our common stock.
Company Purchases
The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of us of shares of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2019:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
 
Average Price Paid Per Share(2)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Approx. Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(3)
July 1 – 31, 2019
 
527,125

 
$
161.25

 
527,125

 
$
1,248,327,129

August 1 – 31, 2019
 
461,030

 
150.97

 
461,030

 
1,178,723,296

September 1 – 30, 2019
 
434,830

 
161.71

 
434,830

 
1,108,405,228

Total
 
1,422,985

 
158.06

 
1,422,985

 
 
(1) 
All of the shares purchased during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 were acquired pursuant to the repurchase programs described in (3) below.
(2) 
Average price paid per share includes brokerage commissions.
(3) 
On both September 6, 2018 and July 24, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized us to expend $1.0 billion to repurchase shares of our common stock. Our repurchase programs allow us to repurchase shares at management’s discretion or at our broker’s discretion pursuant to a share repurchase plan subject to price and volume parameters.

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Performance Graph
The following information is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Exchange Act or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing.
The following line graph compares the cumulative total shareowner return on our Common Stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P Composite-500 Stock Index (S&P 500 Index) and the S&P Electrical Components & Equipment Index for the period of five fiscal years from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2019, assuming in each case a fixed investment of $100 at the respective closing prices on September 30, 2014 and reinvestment of all dividends.
capturea01.jpg
The cumulative total returns on Rockwell Automation Common Stock and each index as of each September 30, 2014 through 2019 plotted in the above graph are as follows:
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
Rockwell Automation*
$
100.00

 
$
94.51

 
$
116.98

 
$
173.79

 
$
186.37

 
$
167.66

S&P 500 Index
100.00

 
99.39

 
114.72

 
136.07

 
160.44

 
167.27

S&P Electrical Components & Equipment
100.00

 
83.01

 
102.68

 
123.34

 
142.89

 
147.68

Cash dividends per common share
2.32

 
2.60

 
2.90

 
3.04

 
3.51

 
3.88

* Includes the reinvestment of all dividends in our Common Stock.







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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of our continuing operations. The data should be read in conjunction with MD&A and the Consolidated Financial Statements. The selected financial data below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in millions, except per share data)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
$
6,694.8

 
$
6,666.0

 
$
6,311.3

 
$
5,879.5

 
$
6,307.9

Interest expense
 
98.2

 
73.0

 
76.2

 
71.3

 
63.7

Net income(1)
 
695.8

 
535.5

 
825.7

 
729.7

 
827.6

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
5.88

 
4.27

 
6.42

 
5.60

 
6.15

Diluted
 
5.83

 
4.21

 
6.35

 
5.56

 
6.09

Cash dividends per share
 
3.88

 
3.51

 
3.04

 
2.90

 
2.60

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: 
    (at end of period)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
6,113.0

 
$
6,262.0

 
$
7,161.7

 
$
7,101.2

 
$
6,404.7

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
 
300.5

 
551.0

 
600.4

 
448.6

 

Long-term debt
 
1,956.4

 
1,225.2

 
1,243.4

 
1,516.3

 
1,500.9

Shareowners’ equity
 
404.2

 
1,617.5

 
2,663.6

 
1,990.1

 
2,256.8

Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
$
132.8

 
$
125.5

 
$
141.7

 
$
116.9

 
$
122.9

Depreciation
 
126.2

 
136.4

 
138.7

 
143.3

 
133.1

Intangible asset amortization
 
26.0

 
28.2

 
30.2

 
28.9

 
29.4

(1) 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we sold a product distribution business within our Control Products & Solutions segment. This business held no intellectual property and included products sold outside of our core channel and under different brands. We sold this business for approximately $94 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of $60.8 million, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. During fiscal 2018, we recorded a gain of $90 million due to a change in fair value of our investment in PTC, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. During fiscal 2018, we recorded charges of $538.3 million associated with the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. During fiscal 2019, we recorded a loss of $368.5 million due to a change in fair value of our investment in PTC, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Refer to Note 9 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our investment in PTC.


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Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations
Non-GAAP Measures
The following discussion includes organic sales, total segment operating earnings and margin, Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and free cash flow, which are non-GAAP measures. See Supplemental Sales Information for a reconciliation of reported sales to organic sales and a discussion of why we believe this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors. See Results of Operations for a reconciliation of income before income taxes to total segment operating earnings and margin and a discussion of why we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors. See Results of Operations for a reconciliation of income from continuing operations, diluted EPS from continuing operations and effective tax rate to Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, respectively, and a discussion of why we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors. See Financial Condition for a reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to free cash flow and a discussion of why we believe this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors.
Overview
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Overall demand for our hardware and software products, solutions and services is driven by: 
investments in manufacturing, including upgrades, modifications and expansions of existing facilities or production lines and new facilities or production lines;
investments in basic materials production capacity, which may be related to commodity pricing levels;
our customers’ needs for faster time to market, operational productivity, asset management and reliability, and enterprise risk management;
our customers’ needs to continuously improve quality, safety and sustainability;
industry factors that include our customers’ new product introductions, demand for our customers’ products or services and the regulatory and competitive environments in which our customers operate;
levels of global industrial production and capacity utilization;
regional factors that include local political, social, regulatory and economic circumstances; and
the spending patterns of our customers due to their annual budgeting processes and their working schedules.
Long-term Strategy
Our strategy is to bring The Connected Enterprise to life by integrating control and information across the enterprise. We deliver customer outcomes by combining advanced industrial automation with the latest information technology. Our growth and performance strategy seeks to:
achieve organic sales growth in excess of the automation market by expanding our served market and strengthening our competitive differentiation;
grow market share of our core platforms;
drive double digit growth in information solutions and connected services;
acquire companies that serve as catalysts to organic growth by increasing our information solutions and high-value services offerings and capabilities, expanding our global presence, or enhancing our process expertise;
enhance our market access by building our channel capability and partner network;
deploy human and financial resources to strengthen our technology leadership and our intellectual capital business model;
continuously improve quality and customer experience; and
drive annual cost productivity.
By implementing the above strategy, we seek to achieve our long-term financial goals, including above-market organic sales growth, EPS growth above sales growth, return on invested capital in excess of 20 percent and free cash flow equal to about 100 percent of Adjusted Income. We expect acquisitions to add a percentage point or more per year to long-term sales growth.

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Our customers face the challenge of remaining globally cost competitive and automation can help them achieve their productivity and sustainability objectives. Our value proposition is to help our customers reduce time to market, lower total cost of ownership, improve asset utilization and manage enterprise risks.
Differentiation through Technology Innovation and Domain Expertise
Our integrated control and information architecture, with Logix at its core, is an important differentiator. We are the only automation provider that can support discrete, process, batch, safety, motion and power control on the same hardware platform with the same software programming environment. Our integrated architecture is scalable with standard open communications protocols making it easier for customers to implement it more cost effectively. Our information software portfolio, combined with the software made available as a result of our strategic alliance with PTC, is the most comprehensive and flexible information platform in the industry.  Through the combination of this technology and our domain expertise we help customers to achieve additional productivity benefits, such as reduced unplanned downtime, improved energy efficiency, higher quality and increased throughput yield.
Intelligent motor control is one of our core competencies and an important aspect of an automation system. These hardware and software products and solutions enhance the availability, efficiency and safe operation of our customers’ critical and most energy-intensive plant assets. Our intelligent motor control offering can be integrated seamlessly with the Logix architecture.
Domain expertise refers to the industry and application knowledge required to deliver solutions and services that support customers through the entire life cycle of their automation investment. The combination of industry-specific domain expertise of our people with our innovative technologies enables us to help our customers solve their manufacturing and business challenges.
Global Expansion
As the manufacturing world continues to expand, we must be able to meet our customers’ needs around the world. Approximately 60 percent of our employees and 46 percent of our sales are outside the U.S. We continue to expand our footprint in emerging markets.
As we expand in markets with considerable growth potential and shift our global footprint, we expect to continue to broaden the portfolio of hardware and software products, solutions and services that we provide to our customers in these regions. We have made significant investments to globalize our manufacturing, product development and customer-facing resources in order to be closer to our customers throughout the world. The emerging markets of Asia Pacific, including China and India, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa are projected to be the fastest growing over the long term, due to higher levels of infrastructure investment and the growing middle-class population. We believe that increased demand for consumer products in these markets will lead to manufacturing investment and provide us with additional growth opportunities in the future.
Enhanced Market Access
Over the past decade, our investments in technology and globalization have enabled us to expand our addressed market to over $90 billion. Our process initiative has been the most important contributor to this expansion and remains our largest growth opportunity. i
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) represent another area of addressed market expansion and an important growth opportunity. To remain competitive, OEMs need to find the optimal balance of machine cost and performance while reducing their time to market. Our scalable integrated architecture and intelligent motor control offerings, along with design productivity tools and our motion and safety products, can assist OEMs in addressing these business needs.
We have developed a powerful network of channel partners, technology partners and commercial partners that act as amplifiers to our internal capabilities and enable us to serve our customers’ needs around the world.
Broad Range of Industries Served
We apply our knowledge of manufacturing applications to help customers solve their business challenges. We serve customers in a wide range of industries, which we group into three broad categories: discrete, hybrid, and process.

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Discrete
 
Hybrid
 
Process
Automotive
 
Food & Beverage
 
Oil & Gas
Semiconductor
 
Life Sciences
 
Mining, Aggregates & Cement
General Industries
 
Household & Personal Care
 
Metals
Warehousing & Logistics
 
Tire
 
Chemicals
Printing & Publishing
 
Eco Industrial
 
Pulp & Paper
Marine
 
Water / Wastewater
 
Traditional Power
Glass
 
Mass Transit
 
Other Process
Fiber/Textiles
 
Renewable Energy
 
 
Airports
 
 
 
 
Aerospace
 
 
 
 
Other Discrete
 
 
 
 
Outsourcing and Sustainability Trends
Demand for our hardware and software products, solutions and services across all industries benefits from the outsourcing and sustainability needs of our customers. Customers increasingly desire to outsource engineering services to achieve a more flexible cost base. Our manufacturing application knowledge enables us to serve these customers globally.
We help our customers meet their sustainability needs pertaining to energy efficiency, environmental and safety goals. Customers across all industries are investing in more energy-efficient manufacturing processes and technologies, such as intelligent motor control, and energy-efficient solutions and services. In addition, environmental and safety objectives often spur customers to invest to ensure compliance and implement sustainable business practices.
Acquisitions and Investments
Our acquisition and investment strategy focuses on hardware and software products, solutions and services that will be catalytic to the organic growth of our core offerings.
In January 2019, we acquired Emulate3D, an innovative engineering software developer whose products digitally simulate and emulate industrial automation systems. This acquisition enables our customers to virtually test machine and system designs before incurring manufacturing and automation costs and committing to a final design.
In 2018, we made several investments, including in shares of PTC common stock (the “PTC Shares”). PTC is the leader in the Industrial Internet of Things and augmented reality. Our investment in and alliance with PTC is accelerating growth for both companies and enabling us to be the partner of choice for customers around the world who want to transform their physical operations with digital technology. The result will be an unmatched integrated information solution that will enable customers to achieve increased productivity, heightened plant efficiency, reduced operational risk and better system interoperability.
In November 2017, we acquired Odos Imaging Limited, a Scottish technology company that provides three-dimensional, time-of-flight sensing systems for industrial imaging applications. This acquisition enables us to expand our existing capabilities by bringing 3-D time-of-flight sensor technology to industrial applications.
We believe these acquisitions and investments will help us expand our served market and deliver value to our customers.
Continuous Improvement
Productivity and continuous improvement are important components of our culture. We have programs in place that drive ongoing process improvement, functional streamlining, material cost savings and manufacturing productivity. These are intended to improve profitability that can be used to fund investments in growth and to offset inflation. Our ongoing productivity initiatives target both cost reduction and improved asset utilization. Charges for workforce reductions and facility rationalization may be required in order to effectively execute our productivity programs.

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U. S. Industrial Economic Trends
In 2019, sales in the U.S. accounted for approximately 54 percent of our total sales. The various indicators we use to gauge the direction and momentum of our served U.S. markets include:
The Industrial Production (IP) Index, published by the Federal Reserve, which measures the real output of manufacturing, mining, and electric and gas utilities. The IP Index is expressed as a percentage of real output in a base year, currently 2012. Historically there has been a meaningful correlation between the changes in the IP Index and the level of automation investment made by our U.S. customers in their manufacturing base.
The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), published by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which indicates the current and near-term state of manufacturing activity in the U.S. According to the ISM, a PMI measure above 50 indicates that the U.S. manufacturing economy is generally expanding while a measure below 50 indicates that it is generally contracting.
The table below depicts the trends in these indicators from fiscal 2017 to 2019. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the IP Index improved slightly compared to the prior quarter and the same quarter in the prior year. PMI is now below 50 and decreased compared to the prior quarter and the same quarter in the prior year.
 
 
IP Index
 
PMI
Fiscal 2019 quarter ended:
 
 
 
 
September 2019
 
109.5

 
47.8

June 2019
 
109.2

 
51.7

March 2019
 
109.8

 
55.3

December 2018
 
110.3

 
54.3

Fiscal 2018 quarter ended:
 
 
 

September 2018
 
109.3

 
59.5

June 2018
 
107.9

 
60.0

March 2018
 
106.7

 
59.3

December 2017
 
106.1

 
59.3

Fiscal 2017 quarter ended:
 
 
 

September 2017
 
104.2

 
60.2

June 2017
 
104.4

 
56.7

March 2017
 
103.0

 
56.6

December 2016
 
102.2

 
54.3

Note: Economic indicators are subject to revisions by the issuing organizations.

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Non-U.S. Economic Trends
In 2019, sales outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 46 percent of our total sales. These customers include both indigenous companies and multinational companies with expanding global presence. In addition to the global factors previously mentioned in the “Overview” section, international demand, particularly in emerging markets, has historically been driven by the strength of the industrial economy in each region, investments in infrastructure and expanding consumer markets. We use changes in the respective countries’ gross domestic product and IP as indicators of the growth opportunities in each region where we do business.

Macroeconomic indicators have slowed during 2019 and are projected to slow further in 2020, particularly in IP and gross domestic product growth rates. The economic outlook for Europe and China has softened further amid slowing global growth, trade tension with the U.S., and continued Brexit uncertainty. Overall Latin America IP is expected to increase.


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Summary of Results of Operations
In 2019, sales were $6,694.8 million, an increase of 0.4 percent year over year. Organic sales increased 2.8 percent. Currency translation decreased sales by 2.4 percentage points. Organic sales growth was broad-based across regions and was led by strength in process end markets.
The following is a summary of our results related to key growth initiatives:
Logix reported sales decreased 2 percent year over year in 2019 compared to 2018. Organic sales increased 1 percent, and currency translation decreased sales by 3 percentage points.
Process control initiative reported sales increased 1 percent year over year in 2019 compared to 2018. Organic sales increased 4 percent, and currency translation decreased sales by 3 percentage points.
Sales in emerging countries increased 1 percent year over year in 2019 compared to 2018. Organic sales in emerging countries increased 6 percent, and currency translation decreased sales in emerging countries by 5 percentage points.

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The following table reflects our sales and operating results (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
3,021.9

 
$
3,050.2

 
$
2,858.6

Control Products & Solutions
 
3,672.9

 
3,615.8

 
3,452.7

Total sales (a)
 
$
6,694.8

 
$
6,666.0

 
$
6,311.3

Segment operating earnings1
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
874.8

 
$
897.9

 
$
780.0

Control Products & Solutions
 
598.8

 
543.9

 
448.1

Total segment operating earnings2 (b)
 
1,473.6

 
1,441.8

 
1,228.1

Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
 
(16.6
)
 
(17.4
)
 
(21.4
)
General corporate — net
 
(108.8
)
 
(100.0
)
 
(95.9
)
Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit credit (cost)
 
8.4

 
(23.8
)
 
(77.6
)
Costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals
 

 
(11.2
)
 

(Loss) gain on investments
 
(402.2
)
 
123.7

 

Valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares
 
33.7

 
(33.7
)
 

Gain on sale of business3
 

 

 
60.8

Interest (expense) income, net
 
(87.1
)
 
(48.6
)
 
(56.6
)
Income before income taxes (c)
 
901.0

 
1,330.8

 
1,037.4

Income tax provision4
 
(205.2
)
 
(795.3
)
 
(211.7
)
Net income
 
$
695.8

 
$
535.5

 
$
825.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS
 
$
5.83

 
$
4.21

 
$
6.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EPS5
 
$
8.67

 
$
8.10

 
$
6.73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted weighted average outstanding shares
 
119.3

 
126.9

 
129.9

Total segment operating margin2 (b/a)
 
22.0
%
 
21.6
%
 
19.5
%
Pre-tax margin (c/a)
 
13.5
%
 
20.0
%
 
16.4
%
(1) 
See Note 17 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the definition of segment operating earnings. Effective October 1, 2018, we realigned our reportable segments for a transfer of business activities between our segments. We also reclassified interest income from General corporate - net to Interest (expense) income - net. As a result, the prior period presentation of reportable segments has been restated to conform to the current segment reporting structure.
(2) 
Total segment operating earnings and total segment operating margin are non-GAAP financial measures. We exclude purchase accounting depreciation and amortization, general corporate – net, non-operating pension and postretirement benefit credit (cost), costs related to the unsolicited Emerson proposals in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, gains and losses on investments, valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares, gains and losses from the disposition of businesses, interest (expense) income - net and income tax provision because we do not consider these costs to be directly related to the operating performance of our segments. We believe that these measures are useful to investors as measures of operating performance. We use these measures to monitor and evaluate the profitability of our operating segments. Our measures of total segment operating earnings and total segment operating margin may be different from measures used by other companies.
(3) 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we sold a product distribution business within our Control Products & Solutions segment. This business held no intellectual property and included products sold outside of our core channel and under different brands. We sold this business for approximately $94 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of $60.8 million, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
(4) 
During fiscal 2018, we recorded charges of $538.3 million associated with the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). Refer to Note 15 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

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(5) 
Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP earnings measure that excludes non-operating pension and postretirement benefit cost (credit), costs related to the unsolicited Emerson proposals in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, gains and losses on investments, and valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares, including their respective tax effects and the charges associated with the enactment of the Tax Act in fiscal 2018. See Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation for more information on this non-GAAP measure.
Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization and non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost are not allocated to our operating segments because these costs are excluded from our measurement of each segment’s operating performance for internal purposes. If we were to allocate these costs, we would attribute them to each of our segments as follows (in millions):
 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
6.4

 
$
6.3

 
$
6.4

Control Products & Solutions
 
9.1

 
10.1

 
14.0

Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
(5.4
)
 
7.1

 
27.7

Control Products & Solutions
 
(8.5
)
 
11.2

 
43.4

Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate are non-GAAP earnings measures that exclude non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost, costs related to the unsolicited Emerson proposals in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, gains and losses on investments, and valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares, including their respective tax effects, and the adjustments related to the Tax Act in fiscal 2018.

We believe that Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate provide useful information to our investors about our operating performance and allow management and investors to compare our operating performance period over period. Adjusted EPS is also used as a financial measure of performance for our annual incentive compensation. Our measures of Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate may be different from measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for income from continuing operations, diluted EPS and effective tax rate.

We have adopted ASU 2017-07, which defines operating and non-operating pension and postretirement benefit cost. Under this new standard, only the service cost component of pension and postretirement benefit cost is an operating cost. All other components of pension and postretirement benefit cost are considered to be non-operating costs. These components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost primarily relate to changes in pension assets and liabilities that are the result of market performance; we consider these and other excluded costs to be unrelated to the operating performance of our business.
The following are the components of operating and non-operating pension and postretirement benefit cost (in millions):
 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
 
$
79.1

 
$
90.2

 
$
98.4

Operating pension and postretirement benefit cost
 
79.1

 
90.2

 
98.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
 
160.6

 
157.7

 
154.1

Expected return on plan assets
 
(244.7
)
 
(244.8
)
 
(225.2
)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
(4.2
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(9.8
)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
 
78.7

 
115.1

 
155.2

Settlements
 
1.2

 
0.7

 
3.3

Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost
 
(8.4
)
 
23.8

 
77.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost
 
$
70.7

 
$
114.0

 
$
176.0


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The following are reconciliations of net income, diluted EPS from net income and effective tax rate to Adjusted Income, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate, respectively (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages):
 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net Income
 
$
695.8

 
$
535.5

 
$
825.7

Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost
 
(8.4
)
 
23.8

 
77.6

Tax effect of non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost
 
1.0

 
(7.5
)
 
(28.0
)
Costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals
 

 
11.2

 

Tax effect of costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals
 

 
(3.1
)
 

Change in fair value of investments1
 
368.5

 
(90.0
)
 

Tax effect of change in fair value of investments1
 
(21.7
)
 
21.7

 

Effect of deemed repatriation of foreign earnings due to the Tax Act2
 

 
395.8

 

Effect of net deferred tax asset revaluation due to the Tax Act2
 

 
104.4

 

Effect of withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings due to the Tax Act2
 

 
38.1

 

Adjusted Income
 
$
1,035.2

 
$
1,029.9

 
$
875.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted EPS from net income
 
$
5.83

 
$
4.21

 
$
6.35

Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost
 
(0.07
)
 
0.18

 
0.60

Tax effect of non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost
 
0.01

 
(0.06
)
 
(0.22
)
Costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals
 

 
0.09

 

Tax effect of costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals
 

 
(0.02
)
 

Change in fair value of investments1
 
3.08

 
(0.71
)
 

Tax effect of change in fair value of investments1
 
(0.18
)
 
0.17

 

Effect of deemed repatriation of foreign earnings due to the Tax Act2
 

 
3.12

 

Effect of net deferred tax asset revaluation due to the Tax Act2
 

 
0.82

 

Effect of withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings due to the Tax Act2
 

 
0.30

 

Adjusted EPS
 
$
8.67

 
$
8.10

 
$
6.73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
 
22.8
 %
 
59.8
 %
 
20.4
%
Tax effect of non-operating pension and postretirement benefit (credit) cost
 
0.1
 %
 
0.3
 %
 
1.1
%
Tax effect of costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals
 
 %
 
0.1
 %
 
%
Tax effect of change in fair value of investments1
 
(5.0
)%
 
(0.4
)%
 
%
Effect of deemed repatriation of foreign earnings due to the Tax Act2
 
 %
 
(29.8
)%
 
%
Effect of net deferred tax asset revaluation due to the Tax Act2
 
 %
 
(7.9
)%
 
%
Effect of withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings due to the Tax Act2
 
 %
 
(2.8
)%
 
%
Adjusted Effective Tax Rate
 
17.9
 %
 
19.3
 %
 
21.5
%
1Includes loss (gain) on investments and valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares.
2During fiscal year 2019, the Company completed its analysis of the impact of the Tax Act with no change to the provisional amounts recorded in fiscal year 2018. See Note 15 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.  

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2019 Compared to 2018
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
 
$
6,694.8

 
$
6,666.0

 
$
28.8

Income before income taxes
 
901.0

 
1,330.8

 
(429.8
)
Diluted EPS
 
5.83

 
4.21

 
1.62

Adjusted EPS
 
8.67

 
8.10

 
0.57

Sales
Sales in fiscal 2019 increased 0.4 percent compared to 2018. Organic sales increased 2.8 percent. Currency translation decreased sales by 2.4 percentage points. Including price increases relating to tariffs, pricing contributed less than two percentage points to growth.
The table below presents our sales, attributed to the geographic regions based upon country of destination, for the year ended September 30, 2019 and the percentage change from the same period a year ago:
 
 
 
 
Change vs.
 
Change in Organic
Sales(1) vs.
(in millions, except percentages)
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2019
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2018
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2018
North America
 
$
4,014.3

 
1.3
 %
 
1.6
%
Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
1,249.8

 
(2.9
)%
 
2.9
%
Asia Pacific
 
908.6

 
(2.6
)%
 
1.7
%
Latin America
 
522.1

 
8.4
 %
 
14.2
%
Total sales
 
$
6,694.8

 
0.4
 %
 
2.8
%
(1)
Organic sales are sales excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates, acquisitions and divestitures. See Supplemental Sales Information for information on this non-GAAP measure.

Sales in North America increased year over year, led by strength in process end markets, specifically Oil & Gas, and Pulp & Paper.

EMEA sales decreased year over year, primarily as a result of currency translation. Organic sales increased, led by strength in hybrid and process end markets, specifically Life Sciences and Tire.

Asia Pacific sales decreased year over year, primarily as a result of currency translation. Organic sales increased, led by strength in process end markets, specifically in Oil & Gas, Mass Transit, and Water / Wastewater, partially offset by weakness in Semiconductor.

Sales in Latin America increased year over year, led by process end markets, including Mining and Oil & Gas.
General Corporate - Net
General corporate - net expenses were $108.8 million in fiscal 2019 compared to $100.0 million in fiscal 2018.
Income before Income Taxes
Income before income taxes decreased 32 percent from $1,330.8 million in 2018 to $901.0 million in 2019, primarily due to gains and losses on investments and valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares (“PTC adjustments”). Total segment operating earnings increased 2 percent year over year from $1,441.8 million in 2018 to $1,473.6 million in 2019.

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Income Taxes
The effective tax rate in 2019 was 22.8 percent compared to 59.8 percent in 2018. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the prior year impact of tax expense related to the transition tax on the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings ($395.8 million or 29.8 percent), withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings ($38.1 million or 2.8 percent), the revaluation of net deferred tax assets resulting from the Tax Act ($104.4 million or 7.9 percent), and the impact of the lower U.S. statutory tax rate under the Tax Act.
The Adjusted Effective Tax Rate in 2019 was 17.9 percent compared to 19.3 percent in 2018. The decrease in the Adjusted Effective Tax Rate was primarily due to the lower U.S. statutory tax rate under the Tax Act.
See Note 15 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete reconciliation of the United States statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate and more information on tax events in 2019 and 2018 affecting each year’s respective tax rates.
Architecture & Software
The Architecture & Software operating segment contains a comprehensive portfolio of automation and information platforms, including hardware and software. This integrated portfolio is capable of controlling our customers’ industrial processes and manufacturing, as well as providing connections to enterprise business systems.
Our automation platform is multi-discipline and scalable with the ability to handle applications in discrete, batch/hybrid and continuous process, drives control, motion control, machine safety and process safety. Our products include programmable automation controllers, design, visualization and simulation software, human machine interface products, networking products, industrial computers, sensing devices, machine safety devices, motion control products, and independent cart technology products. 
Our information platform includes manufacturing execution system software and analytics software that enables customers to improve operational productivity and meet regulatory requirements. This platform enables enterprise visibility, reduction of unplanned downtime, and optimization of processes.
 
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
 
Sales
 
$
3,021.9

 
$
3,050.2

 
$
(28.3
)
 
 
Segment operating earnings
 
874.8

 
897.9

 
(23.1
)
 
 
Segment operating margin
 
28.9
%
 
29.4
%
 
(0.5
)
 
pts
Sales
Architecture & Software sales decreased 0.9 percent in 2019 compared to 2018. Organic sales increased 1.5 percent, the effects of currency translation decreased sales by 2.5 percentage points, and the current year acquisition increased sales by 0.1 percentage points. All regions experienced reported sales declines, except for Asia Pacific. Organic sales growth was led by Asia Pacific and EMEA. Logix reported sales decreased 2 percent in 2019 compared to 2018. Logix organic sales increased 1 percent, and the effects of currency translation decreased sales by 3 percentage points.
Operating Margin
Architecture & Software segment operating earnings decreased 3 percent. Operating margin was 28.9 percent in 2019 compared to 29.4 percent in 2018.





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Control Products & Solutions
The Control Products & Solutions operating segment combines a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent motor control and industrial control products, value-added solutions and a complete portfolio of professionally delivered lifecycle services. This comprehensive portfolio includes:
Low and medium voltage electro-mechanical and electronic motor starters and AC/DC variable frequency drives, motor control and circuit protection devices, operator devices, signaling devices, termination and protection devices, relays and timers and electrical control accessories.
Value-added solutions ranging from pre-configured line to load power solutions, packaged drives, motor control centers, intelligent packaged power and engineered to order automation equipment solutions.
Professional lifecycle services combine technology and domain expertise to help maximize customers’ automation investment and provide total lifecycle support as they design, build, sustain and optimize their automation investments. This broad portfolio includes safety, security and digital transformation consulting, global automation and information project delivery capabilities, plant network, cloud, and cybersecurity services, asset management and predictive analytics, and remote, on-site and managed support services.
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
 
Sales
 
$
3,672.9

 
$
3,615.8

 
$
57.1

 
 
Segment operating earnings
 
598.8

 
543.9

 
54.9

 
 
Segment operating margin
 
16.3
%
 
15.0
%
 
1.3

 
pts
Sales
Control Products & Solutions sales increased 1.6 percent in 2019 compared to 2018. Organic sales increased 3.8 percent, and the effects of currency translation decreased sales by 2.2 percentage points. Control Products & Solutions experienced reported and organic sales growth, led by North America and Latin America.
Product sales decreased 1 percent year over year. Product organic sales increased 1 percent, and currency translation decreased sales by approximately 2 percentage points.
Sales in our solutions and services businesses increased approximately 3 percent year over year. Organic sales in our solutions and services businesses increased 6 percent during 2019, and currency translation decreased sales by approximately 3 percentage points.
Operating Margin
Control Products & Solutions segment operating earnings increased 10 percent year over year. Segment operating margin was 16.3 percent in 2019 compared to 15.0 percent a year ago, primarily due to higher sales.
2018 Compared to 2017
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Sales
 
$
6,666.0

 
$
6,311.3

 
$
354.7

Income before income taxes
 
1,330.8

 
1,037.4

 
293.4

Diluted EPS
 
4.21

 
6.35

 
(2.14
)
Adjusted EPS
 
8.10

 
6.73

 
1.37

Sales
Sales in fiscal 2018 increased 5.6 percent compared to 2017. Organic sales increased 5.5 percent. Currency translation increased sales by 1.4 percentage points, and the 2017 divestiture reduced sales by 1.3 percentage points. Pricing contributed about half of one percentage point to growth.

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The table below presents our sales, attributed to the geographic regions based upon country of destination, for the year ended September 30, 2018 and the percentage change from the same period a year ago:
 
 
 
 
Change vs.
 
Change in Organic
Sales(1) vs.
(in millions, except percentages)
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2018
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2017
North America
 
$
3,964.1

 
4.3
%
 
6.0
%
Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
1,286.8

 
7.8
%
 
0.8
%
Asia Pacific
 
933.3

 
7.7
%
 
5.4
%
Latin America
 
481.8

 
7.2
%
 
14.3
%
Total sales
 
$
6,666.0

 
5.6
%
 
5.5
%
(1)
Organic sales are sales excluding the effect of changes in currency exchange rates, acquisitions and divestitures. See Supplemental Sales Information for information on this non-GAAP measure.

Sales in North America increased year over year, led by strength in heavy industries.
 
EMEA sales increased year over year, led by consumer industries.

Asia Pacific sales increased year over year, led by heavy industries.

Sales in Latin America increased year over year, led by the food and beverage and mining industries.
General Corporate - Net
General corporate - net expenses were $100.0 million in fiscal 2018 compared to $95.9 million in fiscal 2017.
Income before Income Taxes
Income before income taxes increased 28 percent from $1,037.4 million in 2017 to $1,330.8 million in 2018, primarily due to PTC adjustments, higher sales, and lower restructuring charges, partially offset by the absence of the gain on the 2017 divestiture. Total segment operating earnings increased 17 percent year over year from $1,228.1 million in 2017 to $1,441.8 million in 2018, primarily due to higher sales.
Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate income tax rate, implementing a modified territorial tax system, and imposing a one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred from U.S. tax (“transition tax”). As a fiscal year taxpayer, certain provisions of the Tax Act impacted us in fiscal year 2018, including the change in the federal statutory rate and the transition tax, while other provisions were effective in fiscal year 2019, including the tax on global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”) of foreign subsidiaries, the deduction of foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”), and the elimination of the domestic manufacturing deduction.
The effective tax rate in 2018 was 59.8 percent compared to 20.4 percent in 2017. The increase in the effective tax rate was due to provisional expense related to the transition tax on deemed repatriation of foreign earnings ($395.8 million or 29.8 percent), withholding taxes on previously taxed foreign earnings ($38.1 million or 2.8 percent), and the revaluation of net deferred tax assets ($104.4 million or 7.9 percent).
The Adjusted Effective Tax Rate in 2018 was 19.3 percent compared to 21.5 percent in 2017. The decrease in the Adjusted Effective Tax Rate was primarily due to the lower U.S. statutory tax rate under the Tax Act partially offset by lower discrete tax items in 2018.
See Note 15 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete reconciliation of the United States statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate and more information on tax events in 2018 and 2017 affecting each year’s respective tax rates.


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Architecture & Software
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
 
Sales
 
$
3,050.2

 
$
2,858.6

 
$
191.6

 
 
Segment operating earnings
 
897.9

 
780.0

 
117.9

 
 
Segment operating margin
 
29.4
%
 
27.3
%
 
2.1

 
pts
Sales
Architecture & Software sales increased 6.7 percent in 2018 compared to 2017. Organic sales increased 5.1 percent, the effects of currency translation increased sales by 1.6 percentage points. All regions experienced reported and organic sales growth. The United States was the strongest performing region. Logix reported sales increased 8 percent in 2018 compared to 2017. Logix organic sales increased 7 percent, and the effects of currency translation increased sales by 1 percentage point.
Operating Margin
Architecture & Software segment operating earnings increased 15 percent. Operating margin was 29.4 percent in 2018 compared to 27.3 percent in 2017, primarily due to higher sales.
Control Products & Solutions
(in millions, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
 
Sales
 
$
3,615.8

 
$
3,452.7

 
$
163.1

 
 
Segment operating earnings
 
543.9

 
448.1

 
95.8

 
 
Segment operating margin
 
15.0
%
 
13.0
%
 
2.0

 
pts
Sales
Control Products & Solutions sales increased 4.7 percent in 2018 compared to 2017. Organic sales increased 5.8 percent, the effect of currency translation increased sales by 1.3 percentage points, and the 2017 divestiture reduced sales by 2.4 percentage points. All regions experienced reported and organic sales growth, except for EMEA. The United States was the strongest performing region.
Product sales decreased 2 percent year over year. Product organic sales increased 2 percent, currency translation increased sales by approximately 1 percentage point, and the 2017 divestiture reduced sales by approximately 5 percentage points.
Sales in our solutions and services businesses increased approximately 10 percent year over year. Organic sales in our solutions and services businesses increased 9 percent during 2018, and currency translation contributed 1 percentage point to sales growth.
Operating Margin
Control Products & Solutions segment operating earnings increased 21 percent year over year. Segment operating margin was 15.0 percent in 2018 compared to 13.0 percent in 2017, primarily due to higher sales.


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Financial Condition
The following is a summary of our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in millions):
 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Cash provided by (used for):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
1,182.0

 
$
1,300.0

 
$
1,034.0

Investing activities
 
225.0

 
(170.4
)
 
(516.7
)
Financing activities
 
(985.9
)
 
(1,888.9
)
 
(649.6
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(21.5
)
 
(32.8
)
 
16.8

Cash provided by (used for) continuing operations
 
$
399.6

 
$
(792.1
)
 
$
(115.5
)
The following table summarizes free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure (in millions):
 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Cash provided by continuing operating activities
 
$
1,182.0

 
$
1,300.0

 
$
1,034.0

Capital expenditures
 
(132.8
)
 
(125.5
)
 
(141.7
)
Free cash flow
 
$
1,049.2

 
$
1,174.5

 
$
892.3

Our definition of free cash flow takes into consideration capital investments required to maintain our businesses’ operations and execute our strategy. Cash provided by continuing operating activities adds back non-cash depreciation expense to earnings but does not reflect a charge for necessary capital expenditures. Our definition of free cash flow excludes the operating cash flows and capital expenditures related to our discontinued operations, if any. Operating, investing and financing cash flows of our discontinued operations, if any, are presented separately in our statement of cash flows. In our opinion, free cash flow provides useful information to investors regarding our ability to generate cash from business operations that is available for acquisitions and other investments, service of debt principal, dividends and share repurchases. We use free cash flow, as defined, as one measure to monitor and evaluate our performance, including as a financial measure for our annual incentive compensation. Our definition of free cash flow may differ from definitions used by other companies.
Cash provided by operating activities was $1,182.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1,300.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2018. Free cash flow was $1,049.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2019, compared to $1,174.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2018. The year-over-year decreases in cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow were primarily due to an increase in working capital, a payment due to settlement of treasury locks, and higher tax payments, including a payment for taxes under the Tax Act related to deemed repatriation of foreign earnings.
We repurchased approximately 6.1 million shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program in 2019 at a total cost of $1.0 billion. In 2018, we repurchased approximately 8.3 million shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program at a total cost of $1.5 billion. At September 30, 2019, there were $9.3 million of outstanding common stock share repurchases recorded in accounts payable that did not settle until 2020. At September 30, 2018, there were $18.3 million of outstanding common stock share repurchases recorded in accounts payable that did not settle until 2019. Our decision to repurchase shares in 2020 will depend on business conditions, free cash flow generation, other cash requirements and stock price. On both September 6, 2018 and July 24, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized us to expend an additional $1.0 billion to repurchase shares of our common stock. At September 30, 2019, we had approximately $1,108.4 million remaining for share repurchases under our existing board authorizations. See Part II, Item 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, for additional information regarding share repurchases.
We expect future uses of cash to include working capital requirements, capital expenditures, additional contributions to our retirement plans, acquisitions of businesses and other inorganic investments, dividends to shareowners, repurchases of common stock and repayments of debt. We expect capital expenditures in 2020 to be about $160 million. We expect to fund future uses of cash with a combination of existing cash balances and short-term investments, cash generated by operating activities, commercial paper borrowings or a new issuance of debt or other securities.


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At September 30, 2019, approximately half of our cash and cash equivalents were held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. As a result of the broad changes to the U.S. international tax system under the Tax Act, in fiscal year 2018 the Company began to account for substantially all of its non-U.S. subsidiaries as being immediately subject to tax, while still concluding that earnings are indefinitely reinvested for a limited number of subsidiaries.
During fiscal 2019, we repatriated approximately $767.3 million to the U.S. from our foreign subsidiaries. The source of these funds was cash and cash equivalents and from the liquidation of short and long-term investments.
In addition to cash generated by operating activities, we have access to existing financing sources, including the public debt markets and unsecured credit facilities with various banks.
In March 2019, we issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of long-term notes in a registered public offering. The offering consisted of $425.0 million of 3.500% notes due in March 2029 (“2029 Notes”) and $575.0 million of 4.200% notes due in March 2049 (“2049 Notes”), both issued at a discount. Net proceeds to the Company from the debt offering were $987.6 million. We used these net proceeds primarily to repay our outstanding commercial paper, with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes.
Our short-term debt obligations are primarily comprised of commercial paper borrowings. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2019. Commercial paper borrowings were $550.0 million at September 30, 2018. The weighted average interest rate of the commercial paper outstanding was 2.27 percent at September 30, 2018.
On November 13, 2018, we replaced our former five-year $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a new five-year $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in November 2023. We can increase the aggregate amount of this credit facility by up to $750.0 million, subject to the consent of the banks in the credit facility. We did not incur early termination penalties in connection with the termination of the former credit facility. We did not borrow against either facility during the periods ended September 30, 2019 or 2018. Borrowings under the new credit facility bear interest based on short-term money market rates in effect during the period the borrowings are outstanding. This credit facility contains covenants under which we agree to maintain an EBITDA-to-interest ratio of at least 3.0 to 1.0. The EBITDA-to-interest ratio is defined in the credit facility as the ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the facility) for the preceding four quarters to consolidated interest expense for the same period.
LIBOR is the basis for determining interest payments on borrowings under our $1.25 billion credit facility. In addition, we have outstanding interest rate swaps that contain a variable element based on LIBOR. Banks currently reporting information used to set LIBOR will stop doing so after 2021. Various parties, including government agencies, are seeking to identify an alternative rate to replace LIBOR. We are monitoring their efforts, and we will likely amend contracts to accommodate any replacement rate where it is not already provided.
Separate short-term unsecured credit facilities of approximately $217.1 million at September 30, 2019 were available to non-U.S. subsidiaries. Borrowings under our non-U.S. credit facilities at September 30, 2019 and 2018 were not significant. We were in compliance with all covenants under our credit facilities at September 30, 2019 and 2018. There are no significant commitment fees or compensating balance requirements under our credit facilities.
Among other uses, we can draw on our credit facility as a standby liquidity facility to repay our outstanding commercial paper as it matures. This access to funds to repay maturing commercial paper is an important factor in maintaining the short-term credit ratings set forth in the table below. Under our current policy with respect to these ratings, we expect to limit our other borrowings under our credit facility, if any, to amounts that would leave enough credit available under the facility so that we could borrow, if needed, to repay all of our then outstanding commercial paper as it matures.
The following is a summary of our credit ratings as of September 30, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Rating Agency
 
Short Term Rating
 
Long Term Rating
 
Outlook
Standard & Poor’s
 
A-1
 
A
 
Stable
Moody’s
 
P-2
 
A3
 
Stable
Fitch Ratings
 
F1
 
A
 
Stable

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Our ability to access the commercial paper market, and the related costs of these borrowings, is affected by the strength of our credit ratings and market conditions. We have not experienced any difficulty in accessing the commercial paper market to date. If our access to the commercial paper market is adversely affected due to a change in market conditions or otherwise, we would expect to rely on a combination of available cash and our unsecured committed credit facility to provide short-term funding. In such event, the cost of borrowings under our unsecured committed credit facility could be higher than the cost of commercial paper borrowings.
We regularly monitor the third-party depository institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. We diversify our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. In February 2017, we began investing in investment-grade fixed income securities, including corporate debt and government obligations, to provide further diversification. Refer to Note 9 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these investments. Our emphasis is primarily on safety and liquidity of principal and secondarily on maximizing yield on those funds.
We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage certain foreign currency risks. We enter into these contracts to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate variability in the expected future cash flows associated with certain third-party and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies forecasted to occur within the next two years. We also use these contracts to hedge portions of our net investments in certain non-U.S. subsidiaries against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of foreign currency balances to the U.S. dollar. In addition, we use foreign currency forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges to offset transaction gains or losses associated with some of our assets and liabilities resulting from intercompany loans or other transactions with third parties that are denominated in currencies other than our entities’ functional currencies. Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are usually denominated in currencies of major industrial countries. We diversify our foreign currency forward exchange contracts among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities.
Cash dividends to shareowners were $459.8 million in 2019 ($3.88 per common share), $440.8 million in 2018 ($3.51 per common share) and $390.7 million in 2017 ($3.04 per common share). Our quarterly dividend rate as of September 30, 2019 is $0.97 per common share ($3.88 per common share annually), which is determined at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.
A summary of our projected contractual cash obligations at September 30, 2019 is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Payments by Period
 
 
Total
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
2024
 
Thereafter
Long-term debt and interest (a)
 
$
4,461.3

 
$
394.5

 
$
92.0

 
$
92.0

 
$
92.0

 
$
92.0

 
$
3,698.8

Minimum operating lease payments
 
341.9

 
90.6

 
72.6

 
51.8

 
36.7

 
26.4

 
63.8

Postretirement benefits (b)
 
60.7

 
7.4

 
6.2

 
5.9

 
5.6

 
5.3

 
30.3

Pension funding contribution (c)
 
32.2

 
32.2

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase obligations (d)
 
448.1

 
361.8

 
60.0

 
13.4

 
5.6

 
5.5

 
1.8

Other long-term liabilities (e)
 
98.0

 
9.6

 

 

 

 

 

Transition tax (f)
 
355.9

 
28.7

 
31.2

 
31.2

 
31.1

 
58.4

 
175.3

Unrecognized tax benefits (g)
 
23.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
5,821.3

 
$
924.8

 
$
262.0

 
$
194.3

 
$
171.0


$
187.6

 
$
3,970.0


(a)
The amounts for long-term debt assume that the respective debt instruments will be outstanding until their scheduled maturity dates. The amounts include interest but exclude the amounts to be paid or received under interest rate swap contracts, including the $7.0 million fair value adjustment recorded for the interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2019 and the unamortized discount of $46.6 million at September 30, 2019. See Note 6 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding our long-term debt.

(b)
Our postretirement benefit plans are unfunded and are subject to change. Amounts reported are estimates of future benefit payments, to the extent estimable.


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(c)
Amounts reported for pension funding contributions reflect current estimates of known commitments. Contributions to our pension plans beyond 2020 will depend on future investment performance of our pension plan assets, changes in discount rate assumptions and governmental regulations in effect at the time. Amounts subsequent to 2020 are excluded from the summary above, as we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of these amounts. The minimum contribution for our U.S. pension plan as required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is currently zero. We may make additional contributions to this plan at the discretion of management.

(d)
This item includes contractual commitments for capital expenditures, certain materials purchases and long-term obligations under agreements with various service providers. Included in this amount is $250 million paid to Schlumberger in connection with the formation of Sensia on October 1, 2019.

(e)
Other long-term liabilities include environmental remediation costs, conditional asset retirement obligations and indemnification liabilities. Amounts subsequent to 2020 are excluded from the summary above, as we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when the liabilities will be paid.

(f)
Under the Tax Act, the Company may elect to pay the transition tax interest-free over eight years, with 8% due in each of the first five years, 15% in year six, 20% in year seven, and 25% in year eight.

(g)
Amount for unrecognized tax benefits includes accrued interest and penalties. We are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits will be settled or paid.
Supplemental Sales Information
We translate sales of subsidiaries operating outside of the United States using exchange rates effective during the respective period. Therefore, changes in currency exchange rates affect our reported sales. Sales by acquired businesses also affect our reported sales. We believe that organic sales, defined as sales excluding the effects of changes in currency exchange rates and acquisitions, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, provides useful information to investors because it reflects regional and operating segment performance from the activities of our businesses without the effect of changes in currency exchange rates and acquisitions. We use organic sales as one measure to monitor and evaluate our regional and operating segment performance. We determine the effect of changes in currency exchange rates by translating the respective period’s sales using the same currency exchange rates that were in effect during the prior year. When we acquire businesses, we exclude sales in the current period for which there are no comparable sales in the prior period. When we divest a business, we exclude sales in the prior period for which there are no comparable sales in the current period. Organic sales growth is calculated by comparing organic sales to reported sales in the prior year, excluding divestitures. We attribute sales to the geographic regions based on the country of destination.
The following is a reconciliation of our reported sales by geographic region to organic sales (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
Year Ended September 30, 2018
 
Sales
 
Effect of
Changes in
Currency
 
Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency
 
Effect of
Acquisitions
 
Organic
Sales
 
Sales
 
Effect of Divestitures
 
Sales Excluding Divestitures
North America
$
4,014.3

 
$
13.7

 
$
4,028.0

 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
4,026.5

 
$
3,964.1

 
$

 
$
3,964.1

Europe, Middle East and Africa
1,249.8

 
74.7

 
1,324.5

 
(0.4
)
 
1,324.1

 
1,286.8

 

 
1,286.8

Asia Pacific
908.6

 
40.7

 
949.3

 
(0.3
)
 
949.0

 
933.3

 

 
933.3

Latin America
522.1

 
28.2

 
550.3

 

 
550.3

 
481.8

 

 
481.8

Total Company Sales
$
6,694.8

 
$
157.3

 
$
6,852.1

 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
6,849.9

 
$
6,666.0

 
$

 
$
6,666.0


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Year Ended September 30, 2018
 
Year Ended September 30, 2017
 
Sales
 
Effect of
Changes in
Currency
 
Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency
 
Effect of
Acquisitions
 
Organic
Sales
 
Sales
 
Effect of Divestitures
 
Sales Excluding Divestitures
North America
$
3,964.1

 
$
(9.6
)
 
$
3,954.5

 
$

 
$
3,954.5

 
$
3,801.8

 
$
(69.8
)
 
$
3,732.0

Europe, Middle East and Africa
1,286.8

 
(83.7
)
 
1,203.1

 

 
1,203.1

 
1,193.7

 

 
1,193.7

Asia Pacific
933.3

 
(19.8
)
 
913.5

 

 
913.5

 
866.4

 

 
866.4

Latin America
481.8

 
22.9

 
504.7

 

 
504.7

 
449.4

 
(8.0
)
 
441.4

Total Company Sales
$
6,666.0

 
$
(90.2
)
 
$
6,575.8

 
$

 
$
6,575.8

 
$
6,311.3

 
$
(77.8
)
 
$
6,233.5

The following is a reconciliation of our reported sales by operating segment to organic sales (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
Year Ended September 30, 2018
 
Sales
 
Effect of
Changes in
Currency
 
Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency
 
Effect of
Acquisitions
 
Organic
Sales
 
Sales
 
Effect of Divestitures
 
Sales Excluding Divestitures
Architecture & Software
$
3,021.9

 
$
76.5

 
$
3,098.4

 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
3,096.2

 
$
3,050.2

 
$

 
$
3,050.2

Control Products & Solutions
3,672.9

 
80.8

 
3,753.7

 

 
3,753.7

 
3,615.8

 

 
3,615.8

Total Company Sales
$
6,694.8

 
$
157.3

 
$
6,852.1

 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
6,849.9

 
$
6,666.0

 
$

 
$
6,666.0

 
Year Ended September 30, 2018
 
Year Ended September 30, 2017
 
Sales
 
Effect of
Changes in
Currency
 
Sales
Excluding
Changes in
Currency
 
Effect of
Acquisitions
 
Organic
Sales
 
Sales
 
Effect of Divestitures
 
Sales Excluding Divestitures
Architecture & Software
$
3,050.2

 
$
(46.1
)
 
$
3,004.1

 
$

 
$
3,004.1

 
$
2,858.6

 
$

 
$
2,858.6

Control Products & Solutions
3,615.8

 
(44.1
)
 
3,571.7

 

 
3,571.7

 
3,452.7

 
(77.8
)
 
3,374.9

Total Company Sales
$
6,666.0

 
$
(90.2
)
 
$
6,575.8

 
$

 
$
6,575.8

 
$
6,311.3

 
$
(77.8
)
 
$
6,233.5


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Critical Accounting Estimates
We believe the following accounting estimates are the most critical to the understanding of our financial statements as they could have the most significant effect on our reported results and require subjective or complex judgments by management. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. These estimates are based on our best judgment about current and future conditions, but actual results could differ from those estimates. Refer to Note 1 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our significant accounting policies.
Retirement Benefits — Pension
Pension costs and obligations are actuarially determined and are influenced by assumptions used to estimate these amounts, including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. Changes in any of the assumptions and the amortization of differences between the assumptions and actual experience will affect the amount of pension expense in future periods.
Our global pension expense in 2019 was $72.0 million compared to $114.1 million in 2018. Approximately 76 percent of our 2019 global pension expense and global projected benefit obligation relates to our U.S. pension plan. The discount rate used to determine our 2019 U.S. pension expense was 4.35 percent, compared to 3.90 percent for 2018.
For 2020, our U.S. discount rate will decrease to 3.30 percent from 4.35 percent in 2019. The discount rate was set as of our September 30 measurement date and was determined by modeling a portfolio of bonds that match the expected cash flow of our benefit plans.
The changes in our discount rate has an inverse relationship with our net periodic benefit cost and projected benefit obligation. The following chart illustrates the estimated change in projected benefit obligation and annual net periodic benefit cost assuming a change of 25 basis points in the discount rate for our U.S. pension plans (in millions):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
Change in
Projected Benefit
Obligation
 
Change in Net Periodic Benefit Cost(1)
Discount rate
 
$
141.1

 
$
14.7

(1) Change includes both operating and non-operating pension costs.
More information regarding pension benefits is contained in Note 13 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition Customer Incentives
We offer various incentive programs that provide distributors and direct sale customers with cash rebates, account credits or additional hardware and software products, solutions and services based on meeting specified program criteria. Customer incentives are recognized as a reduction of sales if distributed in cash or customer account credits. Customer incentives are recognized in cost of sales for additional hardware and software products, solutions and services to be provided. We record accruals at the time of revenue recognition as a current liability within Customer returns, rebates and incentives in our Consolidated Balance Sheet or, where a right of setoff exists, as a reduction of Receivables.
Our primary incentive program provides distributors with cash rebates or account credits based on agreed amounts that vary depending on the customer to whom our distributor ultimately sells the product. A critical assumption used in estimating the accrual for this program is the time period from when revenue is recognized to when the rebate is processed. Our estimate is based primarily on historical experience. If the time period were to change by 10 percent, the effect would be an adjustment to the accrual of approximately $12.0 million.
More information regarding our revenue recognition and returns, rebates and incentives policies are contained in Note 1 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 in the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding recent accounting pronouncements.

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Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk during the normal course of business from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We manage exposure to these risks through a combination of normal operating and financing activities as well as derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. We sometimes use interest rate swap contracts to manage the balance of fixed and floating rate debt.
Foreign Currency Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency risks that arise from normal business operations. These risks include the translation of local currency balances of foreign subsidiaries, transaction gains and losses associated with intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries and transactions denominated in currencies other than a location’s functional currency. Our objective is to minimize our exposure to these risks through a combination of normal operating activities and the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Contracts are usually denominated in currencies of major industrial countries. The fair value of our foreign currency forward exchange contracts is an asset of $28.1 million and a liability of $5.6 million at September 30, 2019. We enter into these contracts with major financial institutions that we believe to be creditworthy.
We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In 2019, the relative strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies had an unfavorable impact on our sales and results of operations. In 2018, the relative weakening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies had a favorable impact on our sales and results of operations. While future changes in foreign currency exchange rates are difficult to predict, our sales and profitability may be adversely affected if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to 2019 levels.
Certain of our locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies. We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the transaction gains or losses associated with some of these assets and liabilities. For such assets and liabilities without offsetting foreign currency forward exchange contracts, a 10 percent adverse change in the underlying foreign currency exchange rates would reduce our pre-tax income by approximately $23 million.
We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value regardless of the purpose for holding them. The use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts allows us to manage transactional exposure to exchange rate fluctuations as the gains or losses incurred on these contracts will offset, in whole or in part, losses or gains on the underlying foreign currency exposure. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes are adjusted to fair value through earnings. For derivatives that are hedges, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in fair value are either offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. We recognize the ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value in earnings immediately. There was no impact on earnings due to ineffective hedges in 2019, 2018 or 2017. A hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in underlying foreign currency exchange rates associated with the hedged exposures and related contracts would not be significant to our financial condition or results of operations.
Interest Rate Risk
In addition to existing cash balances and cash provided by normal operating activities, we use a combination of short-term and long-term debt to finance operations. We are exposed to interest rate risk on certain of these debt obligations.
Our short-term debt obligations are primarily comprised of commercial paper borrowings. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2019. Commercial paper borrowings were $550.0 million at September 30, 2018, with a weighted average interest rate of 2.27 percent and weighted average maturity period of 26 days. We have issued, and anticipate continuing to issue, additional short-term commercial paper obligations as needed. Changes in market interest rates on commercial paper borrowings affect our results of operations.
We had outstanding fixed rate long-term and current portion of long-term debt obligations with a carrying value of $2,256.9 million at September 30, 2019 and $1,225.2 million at September 30, 2018. The fair value of this debt was approximately $2,680.9 million at September 30, 2019 and $1,391.3 million at September 30, 2018. The potential increase in fair value on such fixed-rate debt obligations from a hypothetical 50 basis point decrease in market interest rates would not be significant to our results of operations or financial condition. We currently have no plans to repurchase our outstanding fixed-rate instruments before their maturity and, therefore, fluctuations in market interest rates would not have an effect on our results of operations or shareowners’ equity.
In February 2015, we entered into interest rate swap contracts, which we designated as fair value hedges. These interest rate swaps effectively converted the $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.050 percent notes payable in March 2020 (“2020 Notes”) and 2.875 percent notes payable in March 2025 (“2025 Notes”) to floating rate debt, each at a rate based on three-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread. The effective floating interest rates were 2.576 percent for the 2020 Notes and 2.986 percent for the 2025 Notes at September 30, 2019. The fair value of our interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2019 was a net unrealized gain of $7.0 million. A hypothetical 50 basis point increase in average market interest rates related to our interest rate swaps would not be significant to our results of operations or financial condition.

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
September 30,
 
2019
 
2018
ASSETS
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,018.4

 
$
618.8

Short-term investments
39.6

 
290.9

Receivables
1,178.7

 
1,190.1

Inventories
575.7

 
581.6

Other current assets
173.3

 
149.3

Total current assets
2,985.7

 
2,830.7

Property, net
571.9

 
576.8

Goodwill
1,071.1

 
1,075.5

Other intangible assets, net
194.1

 
215.2

Deferred income taxes
364.1

 
179.6

Long-term investments
793.9

 
1,288.0

Other assets
132.2

 
96.2

Total
$
6,113.0

 
$
6,262.0

LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$

 
$
551.0

Current portion of long-term debt
300.5

 

Accounts payable
694.6

 
713.4

Compensation and benefits
239.0

 
289.4

Contract liabilities
275.6

 
249.9

Customer returns, rebates and incentives
199.2

 
206.6

Other current liabilities
227.9

 
226.6

Total current liabilities
1,936.8

 
2,236.9

Long-term debt
1,956.4

 
1,225.2

Retirement benefits
1,231.9

 
605.1

Other liabilities
583.7

 
577.3

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 16)

 

Shareowners’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock ($1.00 par value, shares issued: 181.4)
181.4

 
181.4

Additional paid-in capital
1,709.1

 
1,681.4

Retained earnings
6,440.2

 
6,198.1

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,488.0
)
 
(941.9
)
Common stock in treasury, at cost (shares held: 2019, 65.7; 2018, 60.3)
(6,438.5
)
 
(5,501.5
)
Total shareowners’ equity
404.2

 
1,617.5

Total
$
6,113.0

 
$
6,262.0

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
Products and solutions
$
5,938.5

 
$
5,930.5

 
$
5,628.9

Services
756.3

 
735.5

 
682.4

 
6,694.8

 
6,666.0

 
6,311.3

Cost of sales
 
 
 
 
 
Products and solutions
(3,313.6
)
 
(3,327.5
)
 
(3,216.2
)
Services
(481.1
)
 
(453.6
)
 
(427.2
)
 
(3,794.7
)
 
(3,781.1
)
 
(3,643.4
)
Gross profit
2,900.1

 
2,884.9

 
2,667.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,538.5
)
 
(1,587.9
)
 
(1,557.6
)
Other income (expense) (Note 14)
(362.4
)
 
106.8

 
3.3

Interest expense
(98.2
)
 
(73.0
)
 
(76.2
)
Income before income taxes
901.0

 
1,330.8

 
1,037.4

Income tax provision (Note 15)
(205.2
)
 
(795.3
)
 
(211.7
)
Net income
$
695.8

 
$
535.5

 
$
825.7

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
5.88

 
$
4.27

 
$
6.42

Diluted
$
5.83

 
$
4.21

 
$
6.35

Weighted average outstanding shares:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
118.3

 
125.4

 
128.4

Diluted
119.3

 
126.9

 
129.9

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
$
695.8

 
$
535.5

 
$
825.7

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments (net of tax benefit (expense) of $150.0, ($87.2) and ($159.3))
(475.6
)
 
268.9

 
312.8

Currency translation adjustments
(55.3
)
 
(48.3
)
 
57.2

Net change in cash flow hedges (net of tax benefit (expense) of $5.5, ($6.6) and $2.8)
(17.4
)
 
18.8

 
(10.3
)
Net change in available-for-sale investments
2.2

 
(2.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(546.1
)
 
237.3

 
359.6

Comprehensive income
$
149.7

 
$
772.8

 
$
1,185.3

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
695.8

 
$
535.5

 
$
825.7

Adjustments to arrive at cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
126.2

 
136.4

 
138.7

Amortization of intangible assets
26.0

 
28.2

 
30.2

Change in fair value of investments
368.5

 
(90.0
)
 

Share-based compensation expense
43.1

 
38.5

 
38.5

Retirement benefit expense
70.7

 
114.0

 
176.0

Pension contributions
(30.9
)
 
(50.3
)
 
(254.9
)
Deferred income taxes
(29.0
)
 
170.5

 
33.8

Gain on sale of business

 

 
(60.8
)
Net loss on disposition of property
1.8

 
2.5

 
0.1

Settlement of treasury locks
(35.7
)
 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions and foreign currency adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables
(10.4
)
 
(91.7
)
 
(53.0
)
Inventories
(4.9
)
 
(37.4
)
 
(30.4
)
Accounts payable
14.5

 
67.2

 
81.1

Contract liabilities
12.1

 
12.9

 
21.3

Compensation and benefits
(45.2
)
 
22.4

 
124.7

Income taxes
(18.8
)
 
426.7

 
(22.2
)
Other assets and liabilities
(1.8
)
 
14.6

 
(14.8
)
Cash provided by operating activities
1,182.0

 
1,300.0

 
1,034.0

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(132.8
)
 
(125.5
)
 
(141.7
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(20.7
)
 
(9.9
)
 
(1.1
)
Purchases of investments
(5.1
)
 
(1,296.9
)
 
(1,444.2
)
Proceeds from maturities of investments
312.8

 
1,106.1

 
912.6

Proceeds from sale of investments
66.3

 
155.3

 
62.6

Proceeds from sale of business

 

 
94.0

Proceeds from sale of property
4.5

 
0.5

 
1.1

Cash provided by (used for) investing activities
225.0

 
(170.4
)
 
(516.7
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net (repayment) issuance of short-term debt
(551.0
)
 
200.6

 
(98.2
)
Issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs
987.6

 

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 
(250.0
)
 

Cash dividends
(459.8
)
 
(440.8
)
 
(390.7
)
Purchases of treasury stock
(1,009.0
)
 
(1,482.3
)
 
(342.6
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
47.4

 
81.8

 
181.9

Other financing activities
(1.1
)
 
1.8

 

Cash used for financing activities
(985.9
)
 
(1,888.9
)
 
(649.6
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(21.5
)
 
(32.8
)
 
16.8

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
399.6

 
(792.1
)
 
(115.5
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
618.8

 
1,410.9

 
1,526.4

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
1,018.4

 
$
618.8

 
$
1,410.9

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Common stock
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Retained earnings
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
 
Common stock in treasury, at cost
 
Total shareowners’ equity
Balance at September 30, 2016
$
181.4

 
$
1,588.2

 
$
5,668.4

 
$
(1,538.8
)
 
$
(3,909.1
)
 
$
1,990.1

Net income

 

 
825.7

 

 

 
825.7

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
359.6

 

 
359.6

Common stock issued (including share based compensation impact)

 
49.8

 

 

 
166.4

 
216.2

Treasury stock/other

 

 

 

 
(337.3
)
 
(337.3
)
Cash dividends declared(1)

 

 
(390.7
)
 

 

 
(390.7
)
Balance at September 30, 2017
$
181.4

 
$
1,638.0

 
$
6,103.4

 
$
(1,179.2
)
 
$
(4,080.0
)
 
$
2,663.6

Net income

 

 
535.5

 

 

 
535.5

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
237.3

 

 
237.3

Common stock issued (including share based compensation impact)

 
43.4

 

 

 
79.0

 
122.4

Treasury stock/other

 

 

 

 
(1,500.5
)
 
(1,500.5
)
Cash dividends declared(1)

 

 
(440.8
)
 

 

 
(440.8
)
Balance at September 30, 2018
$
181.4

 
$
1,681.4

 
$
6,198.1

 
$
(941.9
)
 
$
(5,501.5
)
 
$
1,617.5

Net income

 

 
695.8

 

 

 
695.8

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
(546.1
)
 

 
(546.1
)
Common stock issued (including share based compensation impact)

 
27.7

 

 

 
63.0

 
90.7

Treasury stock/other

 

 

 

 
(1,000.0
)
 
(1,000.0
)
Cash dividends declared(1)

 

 
(459.8
)
 

 

 
(459.8
)
Adoption of accounting standard

 

 
6.1

 

 

 
6.1

Balance at September 30, 2019
$
181.4

 
$
1,709.1

 
$
6,440.2

 
$
(1,488.0
)
 
$
(6,438.5
)
 
$
404.2

(1) Cash dividends were $3.88 per share in 2019; $3.51 per share in 2018; and $3.04 per share in 2017.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (“Rockwell Automation” or “the Company”) is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable.
Basis of Presentation
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP).
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and controlled majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliates over which we do not have control but exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These affiliated companies are not material individually or in the aggregate to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We use estimates in accounting for, among other items, customer returns, rebates and incentives; allowance for doubtful accounts; excess and obsolete inventory; discount valuation of PTC Inc. (“PTC”) common stock; share-based compensation; acquisitions; product warranty obligations; retirement benefits; litigation, claims and contingencies, including environmental matters, conditional asset retirement obligations and contractual indemnifications; and income taxes. We account for changes to estimates and assumptions prospectively when warranted by factually-based experience.
Revenue Recognition
On October 1, 2018, we adopted the new standard on revenue from contracts with customers using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts that were not completed as of October 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after October 1, 2018 are presented under the new standard, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous standard. See Note 2 for our revenue recognition policy under the new standard. Our policy under the previous standard is as follows:
We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Product and solution sales consist of industrial automation and information solutions; hardware and software products; and custom-engineered systems. Service sales include multi-vendor customer technical support and repair, asset management and optimization consulting and training. All service sales recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations are associated with our Control Products & Solutions segment.
For approximately 85 percent of our consolidated sales, we record sales when all of the following have occurred: persuasive evidence of a sales agreement exists; pricing is fixed or determinable; collection is reasonably assured; and hardware and software products have been delivered and acceptance has occurred, as may be required according to contract terms, or services have been rendered. Within this category, we will at times enter into arrangements that involve the delivery of multiple hardware and software products and/or the performance of services, such as installation and commissioning. The timing of delivery, though varied based upon the nature of the undelivered component or service, is generally short-term in nature. For these arrangements, revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on that element’s relative selling price, provided the delivered element has value to customers on a standalone basis and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return, delivery or performance of the undelivered items is probable and substantially in our control. Relative selling price is obtained from sources such as vendor-specific objective evidence, which is based on our separate selling price for that or a similar item, or from third-party evidence such as how competitors have priced similar items. If such evidence is not available, we use our best estimate of the selling price, which includes various internal factors such as our pricing strategy and market factors.
We recognize substantially all of the remainder of our sales as construction-type contracts using either the percentage-of-completion or completed contract methods of accounting. We record sales relating to these contracts using the percentage-of-completion method when we determine that progress toward completion is reasonably and reliably estimable; we use the completed contract

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

method for all others. Under the percentage-of-completion method, we recognize sales and gross profit as work is performed using the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Under the percentage-of-completion method, we adjust sales and gross profit for revisions of estimated total contract costs or revenue in the period the change is identified. We record estimated losses on contracts when they are identified.
We use contracts and customer purchase orders to determine the existence of a sales agreement. We use shipping documents and customer acceptance, when applicable, to verify delivery. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. We assess collectibility based on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit evaluations and analysis, as well as the customer’s payment history.
Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in sales and the related costs are included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Returns, Rebates and Incentives
Our primary incentive program provides distributors with cash rebates or account credits based on agreed amounts that vary depending on the customer to whom our distributor ultimately sells the product. We also offer various other incentive programs that provide distributors and direct sale customers with cash rebates, account credits or additional hardware and software products, solutions and services based on meeting specified program criteria. Certain distributors are offered a right to return product, subject to contractual limitations.
We record accruals for customer returns, rebates and incentives at the time of revenue recognition based primarily on historical experience. Returns are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a right of return asset and refund liability. Incentives in the form of rebates are estimated at the individual customer level and are recorded as a reduction of sales. Accruals for incentives in the form of additional hardware and software products, solutions and services are accounted for as an increase to other cost of sales and may accelerate or defer our revenue recognition.
Taxes on Revenue Producing Transactions
Taxes assessed by governmental authorities on revenue producing transactions, including sales, value added, excise and use taxes, are recorded on a net basis (excluded from revenue).
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include time deposits, certificates of deposit, and other fixed income securities with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Receivables
We record an allowance for doubtful accounts based on customer-specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past due balances and economic conditions. Receivables are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $17.4 million at September 30, 2019 and $17.1 million at September 30, 2018. In addition, receivables are recorded net of an allowance for certain customer returns, rebates and incentives of $12.4 million at September 30, 2019 and $8.7 million at September 30, 2018.
Inventories
Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods. Market is determined on the basis of estimated realizable values.
Investments
Investments include time deposits, certificates of deposit, other fixed income securities and equity securities. Investments with original maturities longer than three months at the time of purchase and less than one year from period end are classified as short-term. All other investments are classified as long-term. Fixed income securities meeting the definition of a security are accounted for as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Equity securities are recorded at fair value. All other investments are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
Property
Property, including internal-use software, is recorded at cost. We calculate depreciation of property using the straight-line method over 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment and 3 to 10 years for computer hardware and internal-use software. We capitalize significant renewals and enhancements and write off replaced units. We expense maintenance and repairs, as well as renewals of minor amounts. Property acquired during the year that is accrued within accounts

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

payable or other current liabilities at year end is considered to be a non-cash investing activity and is excluded from cash used for capital expenditures in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Capital expenditures of $26.4 million, $43.2 million and $29.6 million were accrued within accounts payable and other current liabilities at September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets generally result from business acquisitions. We account for business acquisitions by allocating the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values; the excess of the purchase price over the allocated amount is recorded as goodwill.
We review goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate impairment may be present. Any excess in carrying value over the estimated fair value is charged to results of operations. We perform our annual impairment test during the second quarter of our fiscal year.
We amortize certain customer relationships on an accelerated basis over the period of which we expect the intangible asset to generate future cash flows. We amortize all other intangible assets with finite useful lives on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Useful lives assigned range from 3 to 15 years for trademarks, 8 to 20 years for customer relationships, 5 to 17 years for technology and 5 to 30 years for other intangible assets.
Intangible assets also include costs of software developed or purchased by our software business to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed. Amortization of these computer software products is calculated on a product-by-product basis as the greater of (a) the unamortized cost at the beginning of the year times the ratio of the current year gross revenue for a product to the total of the current and anticipated future gross revenue for that product or (b) the straight-line amortization over the remaining estimated economic life of the product.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the recoverability of the recorded amount of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying amount. If we determine that an asset is impaired, we measure the impairment to be recognized as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. We report assets to be disposed of at the lower of the recorded amount or fair value less cost to sell. We determine fair value using a discounted future cash flow analysis.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage certain foreign currency risks. We enter into these contracts to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate variability in the expected future cash flows associated with certain third-party and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies forecasted to occur within the next two years. We also use these contracts to hedge portions of our net investments in certain non-U.S. subsidiaries against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of foreign currency balances to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, we use derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swap contracts to manage our borrowing costs of certain long-term debt and use treasury locks to manage our potential change in interest rates in anticipation of our fixed rate debt. We designate and account for these derivative financial instruments as hedges under U.S. GAAP.
Furthermore, we use foreign currency forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges to offset transaction gains or losses associated with some of our assets and liabilities resulting from intercompany loans or other transactions with third parties that are denominated in currencies other than our entities’ functional currencies. It is our policy to execute such instruments with global financial institutions that we believe to be creditworthy and not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are usually denominated in currencies of major industrial countries.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We record various financial instruments recorded at fair value. U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. U.S. GAAP also classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:
Level 1:
 
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 that are observable for the asset or liability.
 
 
 
Level 3:
 
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
We hold financial instruments consisting of cash and short-term debt. The fair values of our cash and short-term debt approximate their carrying amounts as reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
We also hold financial instruments consisting of long-term debt, investments and derivatives. The valuation methodologies for these financial instruments are described in Notes 6, 9, 10, and 13. The methods described in these Notes may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
Foreign Currency Translation
We translate assets and liabilities of subsidiaries operating outside of the United States with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar into U.S. dollars using exchange rates at the end of the respective period. We translate sales, costs and expenses at average exchange rates effective during the respective period. We report foreign currency translation adjustments as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Currency transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations in the period incurred.
Research and Development Expenses
We expense research and development (R&D) costs as incurred; these costs were $378.9 million in 2019, $371.8 million in 2018 and $348.2 million in 2017. We include R&D expenses in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Income Taxes
We account for uncertain tax positions by determining whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the consolidated financial statements based on our assertion of the most likely outcome resulting from an examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes.
Earnings Per Share
We present basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings available to common shareowners, which is income excluding the allocation to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, excluding unvested restricted stock. Diluted EPS amounts are based upon the weighted average number of common and common-equivalent shares outstanding during the year. We use the treasury stock method to calculate the effect of outstanding share-based compensation awards, which requires us to compute total employee proceeds as the sum of the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award and the amount of unearned share-based compensation costs attributed to future services. Share-based compensation awards for which the total employee proceeds of the award exceed the average market price of the same award over the period have an antidilutive effect on EPS, and accordingly, we exclude them from the calculation. Antidilutive share-based compensation awards for the years ended September 30, 2019 (1.8 million shares), 2018 (0.9 million shares) and 2017 (0.7 million shares) were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation. U.S. GAAP requires unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, to be treated as participating securities and included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. Our participating securities are composed of unvested restricted stock and non-employee director restricted stock units.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table reconciles basic and diluted EPS amounts (in millions, except per share amounts):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
 
$
695.8

 
$
535.5

 
$
825.7

Less: Allocation to participating securities
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.9
)
Net income available to common shareowners
 
$
695.1

 
$
535.0

 
$
824.8

Basic weighted average outstanding shares
 
118.3

 
125.4

 
128.4

Effect of dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 
0.9

 
1.3

 
1.2

Performance shares
 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.3

Diluted weighted average outstanding shares
 
119.3

 
126.9

 
129.9

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
5.88

 
$
4.27

 
$
6.42

Diluted
 
$
5.83

 
$
4.21

 
$
6.35


Share-Based Compensation
We recognize share-based compensation expense for equity awards on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date.
Product and Workers’ Compensation Liabilities
We record accruals for product and workers’ compensation claims in the period in which they are probable and reasonably estimable. Our principal self-insurance programs include product liability and workers’ compensation where we self-insure up to a specified dollar amount. Claims exceeding this amount up to specified limits are covered by insurance policies purchased from commercial insurers. We estimate the liability for the majority of the self-insured claims using our claims experience for the periods being valued.
Environmental Matters
We record liabilities for environmental matters in the period in which our responsibility is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. We make changes to the liabilities in the periods in which the estimated costs of remediation change. At third-party environmental sites where more than one potentially responsible party has been identified, we record a liability for our estimated allocable share of costs related to our involvement with the site, as well as an estimated allocable share of costs related to the involvement of insolvent or unidentified parties. If we determine that recovery from insurers or other third parties is probable and a right of setoff exists, we record the liability net of the estimated recovery. If we determine that recovery from insurers or other third parties is probable but a right of setoff does not exist, we record a liability for the total estimated costs of remediation and a receivable for the estimated recovery. At environmental sites where we are the sole responsible party, we record a liability for the total estimated costs of remediation. Ongoing operating and maintenance expenditures included in our environmental remediation obligations are discounted to present value over the probable future remediation period. Our remaining environmental remediation obligations are undiscounted due to subjectivity of timing and/or amount of future cash payments.
Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations
We record liabilities for costs related to legal obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible, long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction, development or the normal operation of the long-lived asset. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is not conditional even though the timing or method may be conditional.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard, referred to as Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, on revenue recognition related to contracts with customers. This standard supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance and involves a five-step principles-based approach to recognizing revenue. The underlying principle is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The new standard also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments made in applying the revenue guidance, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. We adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective transition method, which resulted in an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of October 1, 2018, our adoption date. The information for periods prior to our adoption date has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the period presented. See Note 2 for additional accounting policies and transition disclosures.
In March 2017, the FASB issued a new standard regarding the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost. This standard requires the service cost component to be reported in the income statement in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the related employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented separately from the service cost component in either a separate line item or within another appropriate line item with disclosure of where those costs are recorded. This standard also requires that only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. We adopted the new standard as of October 1, 2018, and applied the standard retrospectively. As a result of applying the pension standard retrospectively, the following adjustments were made to the Consolidated Statement of Operations (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2018
 
Year Ended September 30, 2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of adoption
 
As Restated
 
As Reported
 
Impact of adoption
 
As Restated
Cost of sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Products and solutions
$
(3,338.6
)
 
$
11.1

 
$
(3,327.5
)
 
$
(3,254.3
)
 
$
38.1

 
$
(3,216.2
)
Services
(455.2
)
 
1.6

 
(453.6
)
 
(432.8
)
 
5.6

 
(427.2
)
 
(3,793.8
)
 
12.7

 
(3,781.1
)
 
(3,687.1
)
 
43.7

 
(3,643.4
)
Gross profit
2,872.2

 
12.7

 
2,884.9

 
2,624.2

 
43.7

 
2,667.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,599.0
)
 
11.1

 
(1,587.9
)
 
(1,591.5
)
 
33.9

 
(1,557.6
)
Other income (expense)
130.6

 
(23.8
)
 
106.8

 
80.9

 
(77.6
)
 
3.3


Effective October 1, 2018, we realigned our reportable segments for a transfer of business activities between our segments. We also reclassified interest income from General corporate - net to Interest (expense) income - net. As a result, the prior period presentation of reportable segments has been restated to conform to the current segment reporting structure. These changes did not impact the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 17 for additional information about the restatements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard on accounting for leases that requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases, among other changes to existing lease accounting guidance. The new standard also requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures about leasing activities. We adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective transition method, which resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of October 1, 2019, our adoption date. The cumulative impact of adopting the new standard is expected to be immaterial. The estimated amount of lease right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities expected to be recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet upon adoption is approximately $305 million to $335 million. We have implemented necessary changes to accounting policies, processes, controls and systems to enable compliance with this new standard.
In February 2018, the FASB issued a new standard regarding the reporting of comprehensive loss, which gives entities the option to reclassify tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) stranded in accumulated other comprehensive loss into retained earnings. We adopted the new standard as of October 1, 2019 and elected to reclassify tax effects of approximately $147 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss into retained earnings.

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2. Revenue Recognition
Adoption
On October 1, 2018, we adopted the new standard on revenue from contracts with customers using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts that were not completed as of October 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after October 1, 2018 are presented under the new standard, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous standard.
As a result of applying the modified retrospective method, the following adjustments were made to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 1, 2018 (in millions):
 
September 30,
2018
 
Impact of Adoption
 
October 1,
2018
ASSETS
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables
$
1,190.1

 
$
4.5

 
$
1,194.6

Other current assets
149.3

 
17.7

 
167.0

Deferred income taxes
179.6

 
1.2

 
180.8

Other assets
96.2

 
11.4

 
107.6

LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Contract liabilities
$
249.9

 
$
18.7

 
$
268.6

Customer returns, rebates and incentives
206.6

 
4.4

 
211.0

Other current liabilities
226.6

 
5.6

 
232.2

Shareowners’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
6,198.1

 
6.1

 
6,204.2


We recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $6.1 million as of October 1, 2018, which reflects the cumulative impact of adopting the new standard. The primary drivers of the impact to retained earnings were changes to the capitalization and deferral of certain contract costs and the timing of revenue, net of costs, for software licenses bundled with services and projects previously accounted for on a completed contract basis. This impact was partially offset by a deferral of revenue, net of costs, related to the allocation of revenue to hardware and software products and services provided to our customers free of charge as incentives.
Nature of Products and Services
Substantially all of our revenue is from contracts with customers. We recognize revenue as promised products are transferred to, or services are performed for, customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those products and services. Our offerings consist of industrial automation and information products, solutions and services. Our products include hardware and software. Our solutions include engineered-to-order and custom-engineered systems. Our services include customer technical support and repair, asset management and optimization consulting, and training. Also included in our services is a portion of revenue related to spare parts that are managed within our services offering.
Our operations are comprised of the Architecture & Software segment and the Control Products & Solutions segment. See Note 17 for more information.
In North America, we sell primarily through independent distributors in conjunction with our direct sales force. In other countries, we sell through a combination of our direct sales force, and to a lesser extent, through independent distributors.
Performance Obligations
We use executed sales agreements and purchase orders to determine the existence of a customer contract.
For each customer contract, we determine if the products and services promised to the customer are distinct performance obligations. A product or service is distinct if both of the following criteria are met at contract inception: (i) the customer can benefit from the product or service on its own or together with other readily available resources, and (ii) our promise to transfer the product or

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perform the service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. The fact that we regularly sell a product or service separately is an indicator that the customer can benefit from a product or service on its own or with other readily available resources.
The objective when assessing whether our promises to transfer products or perform services are distinct within the context of the contract is to determine whether the nature of the promise is to transfer each of those products or perform those services individually, or whether the promise is to transfer a combined item or items to which the promised products or services are inputs. If a promised product or service is not distinct, we combine that product or service with other promised products or services until it comprises a bundle of products or services that is distinct, which may result in accounting for all the products or services in a contract as a single performance obligation.
For each performance obligation in a contract, we determine whether the performance obligation is satisfied over time. A performance obligation is satisfied over time if it meets any of the following criteria: (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance as we perform, (ii) our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced, or (iii) our performance does not create an asset for which we have an alternative use and we have an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. If one or more of these criteria are met, then we recognize revenue over time using a method that depicts performance. If none of the criteria are met, then control transfers to the customer at a point in time and we recognize revenue at that point in time.
Our products represent standard, catalog products for which we have an alternative use, and therefore we recognize revenue at a point in time when control of the product transfers to the customer. For the majority of our products, control transfers upon shipment, though for some contracts control may transfer upon delivery. Our product revenue also includes revenue from software licenses. When these licenses are determined to be distinct performance obligations, we recognize the related revenue at a point in time when the customer is provided the right to use the license. Product-type contracts are generally one year or less in length.
We offer a wide variety of solutions and services to our customers, for which we recognize revenue over time or at a point in time based on the contract as well as the type of solution or service. If one or more of the three criteria above for over-time revenue recognition are met, we recognize revenue over time as cost is incurred, as work is performed, or based on time elapsed, depending on the type of customer contract. If none of these criteria are met, we recognize revenue at a point in time when control of the asset being created or enhanced transfers to the customer, typically upon delivery. More than half of our solutions and services revenue is from contracts that are one year or less in length. For certain solutions and services offerings, when we have the right to invoice our customers in an amount that corresponds to our performance completed to date, we apply the practical expedient to measure progress and recognize revenue based on the amount for which we have the right to invoice the customer.
When assessing whether we have an alternative use for an asset, we consider both contractual and practical limitations. These include: (i) the level and cost of customization of the asset that is required to meet a customer’s needs, (ii) the activities, cost, and profit margin after any rework that would be required before the asset could be directed for another use, and (iii) the portion of the asset that could not be reworked for an alternative use.
At times we provide products and services free of charge to our customers as incentives when the customers purchase other products or services. These represent distinct performance obligations. As such, we allocate revenue to them based on relative standalone selling price.
Most of our global warranties are assurance in nature and do not represent distinct performance obligations. See Note 8 for additional information and disclosures. We occasionally offer extended warranties to our customers that are considered a distinct performance obligation, to which we allocate revenue which is recognized over the extended warranty period.
We account for shipping and handling activities performed after control of a product has been transferred to the customer as a fulfillment cost. As such, we have applied the practical expedient and we accrue for the costs of shipping and handling activities if revenue is recognized before contractually agreed shipping and handling activities occur.
Unfulfilled Performance Obligations
As of September 30, 2019, we expect to recognize approximately $485 million of revenue in future periods from unfulfilled performance obligations from existing contracts with customers. We expect to recognize revenue of approximately $310 million of our remaining performance obligations over the next 12 months with the remaining balance recognized thereafter.
We have applied the practical expedient to exclude the value of remaining performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original term of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue in proportion to the amount we have the right to invoice for services performed. The amounts above also do not include the impact of contract renewal options that are unexercised as of September 30, 2019.

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Transaction Price
The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring products to, or performing services for, a customer. We estimate the transaction price at contract inception, and update the estimate each reporting period for any changes in circumstances. In some cases a contract may involve variable consideration, including rebates, credits, allowances for returns or other similar items that generally decrease the transaction price. We use historical experience to estimate variable consideration, including any constraint.
The transaction price (including any discounts and variable consideration) is allocated between separate products and services based on their relative standalone selling prices. The standalone selling prices are determined based on the prices at which we separately sell each good or service. For items that are not sold separately, we estimate the standalone selling price using available information such as market reference points and other observable data.
We have elected the practical expedient to exclude sales taxes and other similar taxes from the measurement of the transaction price.
Significant Payment Terms
Our standard payment terms vary globally but do not result in a significant delay between the timing of invoice and payment. We occasionally negotiate other payment terms during the contracting process. We do not typically include significant financing components in our contracts with customers. We have elected the practical expedient to not adjust the transaction price for the period between transfer of products or performance of services and customer payment if expected to be one year or less.
For most of our products, we invoice at the time of shipment and we do not typically have significant contract balances. For our solutions and services as well as some of our products, timing may differ between revenue recognition and billing. Depending on the terms agreed to with the customer, we may invoice in advance of performance or we may invoice after performance. When revenue recognition exceeds billing we recognize a receivable, and when billing exceeds revenue recognition we recognize a contract liability.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following series of tables present our revenue disaggregation by geographic region and types of products or services, and also present these disaggregation categories for our two operating segments. We attribute sales to the geographic regions based on the country of destination.
The following reflects the disaggregation of our revenues by operating segment and by geographic region (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
Architecture & Software
 
Control Products & Solutions
 
Total
North America
$
1,752.1

 
$
2,262.2

 
$
4,014.3

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
654.2

 
595.6

 
1,249.8

Asia Pacific
426.4

 
482.2

 
908.6

Latin America
189.2

 
332.9

 
522.1

Total Company Sales
$
3,021.9

 
$
3,672.9

 
$
6,694.8









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The following reflects the disaggregation of our revenues by operating segment and by major types of products or services (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
Architecture & Software
 
Control Products & Solutions
 
Total
Products
$
3,021.9

 
$
1,469.1

 
$
4,491.0

Solutions & Services

 
2,203.8

 
2,203.8

Total Company Sales
$
3,021.9

 
$
3,672.9

 
$
6,694.8


Contract Balances
Contract liabilities primarily relate to consideration received in advance of performance under the contract. We do not have significant contract assets as of September 30, 2019.
Below is a summary of our contract liabilities balance:
 
 
September 30, 2019
Balance as of beginning of fiscal year
 
$
268.6

Balance as of end of period
 
275.6



The most significant changes in our contract liabilities balance during the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 were due to amounts billed, partially offset by revenue recognized that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the period.

In the twelve months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized revenue of approximately $248.0 million that was included in the opening contract liabilities balance. We did not have a material amount of revenue recognized in the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 from performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods.
Costs to Obtain and Fulfill a Contract

We capitalize and amortize certain incremental costs to obtain and fulfill contracts. These costs primarily consist of incentives paid to sales personnel, which are considered incremental costs to obtain customer contracts. We elected the practical expedient to expense incremental costs to obtain a contract when the contract has a duration of one year or less. Our capitalized contract costs, which are included in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, are not significant. There was no impairment loss in relation to capitalized costs in the period.

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Dual Reporting
In accordance with ASC 606, the disclosure of the impact of adoption to the Consolidated Balance Sheet was as follows (in millions):
 
September 30, 2019
 
As reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
ASSETS
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables
$
1,178.7

 
$
(3.0
)
 
$
1,175.7

Other current assets
173.3

 
(15.9
)
 
157.4

Deferred income taxes
364.1

 
(1.2
)
 
362.9

Other assets
132.2

 
(10.2
)
 
122.0

LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Contract liabilities
$
275.6

 
$
(19.7
)
 
$
255.9

Customer returns, rebates and incentives
199.2

 
(1.7
)
 
197.5

Other current liabilities
227.9

 
(4.0
)
 
223.9

Shareowners’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
6,440.2

 
(5.3
)
 
6,434.9

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,488.0
)
 
0.4

 
(1,487.6
)
In accordance with ASC 606, the disclosure of the impact of adoption to the Consolidated Statement of Operations was as follows (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
As reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
Products and solutions
$
5,938.5

 
$
7.1

 
$
5,945.6

Services
756.3

 
(16.1
)
 
740.2

Cost of sales
 
 
 
 
 
Products and solutions
(3,313.6
)
 
(8.3
)
 
(3,321.9
)
Services
(481.1
)
 
18.6

 
(462.5
)
Income tax provision
(205.2
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(205.7
)

In accordance with ASC 606, the disclosure of the impact of adoption to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income was as follows (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
As reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
Net income
$
695.8

 
$
0.8

 
$
696.6

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustments
(55.3
)
 
0.4

 
(54.9
)

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In accordance with ASC 606, the disclosure of the impact of adoption to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows was as follows (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
As reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
695.8

 
$
0.8

 
$
696.6

Deferred income taxes
(29.0
)
 
0.1

 
(28.9
)
Receivables
(10.4
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(11.9
)
Contract liabilities
12.1

 
(2.6
)
 
9.5

Income taxes
(18.8
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(20.9
)
Other assets and liabilities
(1.8
)
 
5.3

 
3.5

In accordance with ASC 606, the disclosure of the impact of adoption to the Consolidated Statement of Shareowners’ Equity was as follows (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30, 2019
 
As reported
 
Impact of Adoption
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
6,204.2

 
$
(6.1
)
 
$
6,198.1

Net income
695.8

 
0.8

 
696.6

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income
(1,488.0
)
 
0.4

 
(1,487.6
)


3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were (in millions):
 
 
Architecture &
Software
 
Control
Products &
Solutions
 
Total
Balance as of September 30, 2017
 
$
417.2

 
$
660.5

 
$
1,077.7

Acquisition of businesses
 
6.8

 

 
6.8

Translation
 
(1.7
)
 
(7.3
)
 
(9.0
)
Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
422.3

 
653.2

 
1,075.5

Acquisition of business
 
14.6

 

 
14.6

Translation
 
(4.6
)
 
(14.4
)
 
(19.0
)
Balance as of September 30, 2019
 
$
432.3

 
$
638.8

 
$
1,071.1





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Other intangible assets consist of (in millions):
 
 
September 30, 2019
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amortized intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computer software products
 
$
190.6

 
$
128.3

 
$
62.3

Customer relationships
 
110.5

 
69.2

 
41.3

Technology
 
110.4

 
69.5

 
40.9

Trademarks
 
31.4

 
26.4

 
5.0

Other
 
10.6

 
9.7

 
0.9

Total amortized intangible assets
 
453.5

 
303.1

 
150.4

Allen-Bradley® trademark not subject to amortization
 
43.7

 

 
43.7

Total
 
$
497.2

 
$
303.1

 
$
194.1

 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amortized intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computer software products
 
$
190.9

 
$
118.1

 
$
72.8

Customer relationships
 
112.9

 
66.2

 
46.7

Technology
 
106.8

 
64.0

 
42.8

Trademarks
 
32.0

 
24.0

 
8.0

Other
 
11.2

 
10.0

 
1.2

Total amortized intangible assets
 
453.8

 
282.3

 
171.5

Allen-Bradley® trademark not subject to amortization
 
43.7

 

 
43.7

Total
 
$
497.5

 
$
282.3

 
$
215.2

Computer software products represent costs of computer software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed. Computer software products amortization expense was $10.4 million in 2019, $11.8 million in 2018 and $9.8 million in 2017.
Estimated amortization expense is $23.4 million in 2020, $22.6 million in 2021, $19.9 million in 2022, $18.7 million in 2023 and $16.8 million in 2024.
We performed our annual evaluation of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets for impairment as required by U.S. GAAP during the second quarter of 2019 and concluded that these assets are not impaired.
4. Inventories
Inventories consist of (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Finished goods
 
$
223.7

 
$
224.3

Work in process
 
178.4

 
180.0

Raw materials
 
173.6

 
177.3

Inventories
 
$
575.7

 
$
581.6



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5. Property, net
Property consists of (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Land
 
$
4.1

 
$
5.3

Buildings and improvements
 
373.8

 
359.6

Machinery and equipment
 
1,154.5

 
1,164.2

Internal-use software
 
489.5

 
497.8

Construction in progress
 
116.0

 
111.3

Total
 
2,137.9

 
2,138.2

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(1,566.0
)
 
(1,561.4
)
Property, net
 
$
571.9

 
$
576.8


6. Long-term and Short-term Debt
Long-term debt consists of (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
2.050% notes, payable in March 2020
 
$
299.4

 
$
294.6

2.875% notes, payable in March 2025
 
307.6

 
281.4

6.70% debentures, payable in January 2028
 
250.0

 
250.0

3.500% notes, payable in March 2029
 
425.0

 

6.25% debentures, payable in December 2037
 
250.0

 
250.0

4.200% notes, payable in March 2049
 
575.0

 

5.20% debentures, payable in January 2098
 
200.0

 
200.0

Unamortized discount, capitalized lease obligations and other
 
(50.1
)
 
(50.8
)
Total
 
2,256.9

 
1,225.2

Less current portion
 
(300.5
)
 

Long-term debt
 
$
1,956.4

 
$
1,225.2


In March 2019, we issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of long-term notes in a registered public offering. The offering consisted of $425.0 million of 3.500% notes due in March 2029 (“2029 Notes”) and $575.0 million of 4.200% notes due in March 2049 (“2049 Notes”), both issued at a discount. Net proceeds to the Company from the debt offering were $987.6 million. We used these net proceeds primarily to repay our outstanding commercial paper, with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes.
We entered into treasury locks to manage the potential change in interest rates in anticipation of the issuance of $1.0 billion of fixed rate debt in March 2019. Treasury locks are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The effective differentials paid on these treasury locks was initially recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax effect.
As a result of the changes in the interest rates on the treasury locks between the time we entered into the treasury locks and the time we priced and issued the 2029 Notes and 2049 Notes, the Company made a payment of $35.7 million to the counterparty on March 1, 2019. The $35.7 million loss on the settlement of the treasury locks was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and is being amortized over the term of the 2029 Notes and 2049 Notes, and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In February 2015, upon issuance of our notes payable in March 2020 (“2020 Notes”) and March 2025 (“2025 Notes”), we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap contracts with multiple banks that effectively converted the $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2020 Notes and 2025 Notes to floating rate debt, each at a rate based on three-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread. The effective floating interest rates were 2.576 percent for the 2020 Notes and 2.986 percent for the 2025 Notes at September 30, 2019. The aggregate fair value of the interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2019 was a net unrealized gain of $7.0 million. We have designated these swaps as fair value hedges. The individual contracts are recorded in Other assets and

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Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with corresponding adjustments to the carrying value of the underlying debt. Additional information related to our interest rate swap contracts is included in Note 10.
On November 13, 2018, we replaced our former five-year $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with a new five-year $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in November 2023. We can increase the aggregate amount of this credit facility by up to $750.0 million, subject to the consent of the banks in the credit facility. We did not incur early termination penalties in connection with the termination of the former credit facility. We did not borrow against either facility during the periods ended September 30, 2019 or 2018. Borrowings under the new credit facility bear interest based on short-term money market rates in effect during the period the borrowings are outstanding. This credit facility contains covenants under which we agree to maintain an EBITDA-to-interest ratio of at least 3.0 to 1.0. The EBITDA-to-interest ratio is defined in the credit facility as the ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the facility) for the preceding four quarters to consolidated interest expense for the same period.
Interest payments were $97.5 million during 2019, $75.5 million during 2018 and $74.2 million during 2017.
Long-term debt is not measured at fair value. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt not measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):
 
 
September 30, 2019
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
300.5

 
$
300.1

 
$

 
$

Long-term debt
 
1,956.4

 
2,380.8

 
1,225.2

 
1,391.3


We base the fair value of long-term debt upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues and therefore consider this a Level 2 fair value measurement. The fair value of long-term debt considers the terms of the debt excluding the impact of derivative and hedging activity. The carrying amount of a portion of our long-term debt is impacted by fixed-to-floating interest rate swap contracts that are designated as fair value hedges. Refer to Note 1 for further information regarding levels in the fair value hierarchy.
Our short-term debt obligations are primarily comprised of commercial paper borrowings. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2019. Commercial paper borrowings were $550.0 million at September 30, 2018. The weighted average interest rate of the commercial paper outstanding was 2.27 percent at September 30, 2018.
7. Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consist of (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Unrealized losses on foreign exchange contracts (Note 10)
 
$
5.4

 
$
6.2

Product warranty obligations (Note 8)
 
25.2

 
27.9

Taxes other than income taxes
 
43.8

 
40.9

Accrued interest
 
15.5

 
12.3

Income taxes payable
 
62.9

 
74.4

Other
 
75.1

 
64.9

Other current liabilities
 
$
227.9

 
$
226.6





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8. Product Warranty Obligations
We record a liability for product warranty obligations at the time of sale to a customer based upon historical warranty experience. Most of our products are covered under a warranty period that runs for twelve months from either the date of sale or installation. We also record a liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and reasonably estimable.
Changes in product warranty obligations were (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Beginning balance
 
$
27.9

 
$
28.5

Warranties recorded at time of sale
 
21.3

 
25.5

Adjustments to pre-existing warranties
 
(5.6
)
 
(2.6
)
Settlements of warranty claims
 
(18.4
)
 
(23.5
)
Ending balance
 
$
25.2

 
$
27.9


9. Investments
Our investments consist of (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Fixed income securities
 
$
43.9

 
$
419.0

Equity securities
 
721.5

 
1,090.0

Other
 
68.1

 
69.9

Total investments
 
833.5

 
1,578.9

Less short-term investments
 
(39.6
)
 
(290.9
)
Long-term investments
 
$
793.9

 
$
1,288.0


We record investments in fixed income and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale investments or trading investments, at fair value.
Available-for-sale Investments
We invest in certificates of deposit, time deposits, commercial paper and other fixed income securities which are classified as available-for-sale. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of any deferred taxes. Realized gains and losses are included in net income.
Our available-for-sale investments consist of (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Certificates of deposit and time deposits
 
$
0.6

 
$
169.6

Corporate debt securities
 
31.8

 
158.4

Government securities
 
6.3

 
65.8

Asset-backed securities
 
5.2

 
25.2

Total
 
$
43.9

 
$
419.0


Pre-tax gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments were not material as of September 30, 2019. Pre-tax gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments were not material for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. At September 30, 2019, there were no outstanding purchases of available-for-sale investments recorded in accounts payable.
We evaluated all available-for-sale investments for which the fair value was less than amortized cost for impairment on an individual security basis at September 30, 2019. This assessment included consideration of our intent and ability to hold the security and the

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credit risks specific to each security. We determined that the declines in fair value of these investments were not other than temporary as of September 30, 2019, and accordingly we did not recognize any impairment charges in net income.
The table below summarizes the contractual maturities of our investments as of September 30, 2019 (in millions). Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities below as borrowers may have the right to prepay certain obligations.
 
 
Fair Value
Less than one year
 
$
39.6

Due in one to five years
 
4.3

Total
 
$
43.9


Classification of our available-for-sale investments as current or noncurrent is based on the nature of the investment and when the investment is reasonably expected to be realized. These investments were included in the following line items within the Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Short-term investments
 
$
39.6

 
$
290.9

Long-term investments
 
4.3

 
128.1

Total
 
$
43.9

 
$
419.0


Equity Securities
On July 19, 2018, we purchased 10,582,010 shares of PTC common stock (the “PTC Shares”) in a private placement at a purchase price of $94.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.0 billion (the “Purchase”). The PTC Shares are considered equity securities. For a period of approximately 3 years after the Purchase we are subject to entity-specific transfer restrictions subject to certain exceptions. Since the first anniversary of the Purchase, the Company has had the ability to transfer, in the aggregate in any 90-day period, a number of Shares equal to up to 1.0% of PTC’s total outstanding shares of common stock as of the first day in such 90-day period, but no more than 2.0% of PTC’s total outstanding shares of common stock in each of the second year and the third year after the Purchase.
The PTC Shares are recorded at fair value. At September 30, 2019, the fair value of the PTC Shares was $721.5 million, which was recorded in long-term investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For the year ended September 30, 2019, a loss of $368.5 million related to the PTC Shares was recorded in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. During fiscal 2019, the PTC Shares were registered by PTC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the discount for lack of marketability was reversed.
Fair Value of Investments
We recognize all available-for-sale and trading investments at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The valuation methodologies used for our investments measured at fair value are described below.
Certificates of deposit and time deposits — These investments are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
Commercial paper — These investments are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Corporate debt securities — Valued at either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.
Government securities — Valued at the most recent closing price on the active market on which the individual securities are traded or, absent an active market, utilizing observable inputs such as closing prices in less frequently traded markets.
Asset-backed securities — Valued using a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of benchmark instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)




Equity securities — Prior to their registration, the PTC Shares were valued using the most recent closing price of PTC common stock quoted on Nasdaq, less a temporary discount for lack of marketability. The discount for lack of marketability was calculated using a put-option model which included observable and unobservable inputs and was categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. As a result of the registration of the PTC Shares and reversal of the discount during fiscal 2019, these securities are now valued using the most recent closing price as quoted on Nasdaq and were transferred from Level 3 to Level 1.
Refer to Note 1 for further information regarding levels in the fair value hierarchy. We did not have any other transfers between levels of fair value measurements during the periods presented.
Fair values of our investments were (in millions):
 
 
September 30, 2019
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Certificates of deposit and time deposits
 
$

 
$
0.6

 
$

 
$
0.6

Corporate debt securities
 

 
31.8

 

 
31.8

Government securities
 
6.3

 

 

 
6.3

Asset-backed securities
 

 
5.2

 

 
5.2

Equity securities
 
721.5

 

 

 
721.5

Total
 
$
727.8

 
$
37.6

 
$

 
$
765.4

 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Certificates of deposit and time deposits
 
$

 
$
169.6

 
$

 
$
169.6

Corporate debt securities
 

 
158.4

 

 
158.4

Government securities
 
55.7

 
10.1

 

 
65.8

Asset-backed securities
 

 
25.2

 

 
25.2

Equity securities
 

 

 
1,090.0

 
1,090.0

Total
 
$
55.7

 
$
363.3

 
$
1,090.0

 
$
1,509.0


The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our Level 3 investments (in millions):
 
 
Fair Value
Balance September 30, 2018
 
$
1,090.0

Unrealized loss
 
(149.0
)
Transfer to Level 1 upon registration of PTC Shares on November 28, 2018
 
(941.0
)
Balance September 30, 2019
 
$



10. Derivative Instruments
We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency denominated debt obligations to manage certain foreign currency risks. We also use interest rate swap contracts and treasury locks to manage risks associated with interest rate fluctuations. The following information explains how we use and value these types of derivative instruments and how they impact our consolidated financial statements.
Additional information related to the impacts of cash flow hedges on other comprehensive income (loss) is included in Note 11.
Types of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Cash Flow Hedges
We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate variability in the expected future cash flows associated with certain third-party and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies forecasted to occur within the next two years (cash flow hedges). We report in other comprehensive income (loss) the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative financial instruments that we designate and that qualify as cash flow hedges. We reclassify

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




these gains or losses into earnings in the same periods when the hedged transactions affect earnings. To the extent forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges are ineffective, changes in value are recorded in earnings through the maturity date. There was no impact on earnings due to ineffective cash flow hedges. At September 30, 2019, we had a U.S. dollar-equivalent gross notional amount of $774.0 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges. We entered into treasury locks to manage the potential change in interest rates in anticipation of the issuance of $1.0 billion of fixed rate debt in March 2019. Treasury locks are accounted for as cash flow hedges since they hedge the risk of an increase in treasury rates for the forecasted interest payments of an anticipated fixed-rate debt issuance.
The pre-tax amount of gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedges that would have been recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations had they not been so designated was (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Forward exchange contracts
 
$
29.5

 
$
11.8

 
$
(16.1
)
Treasury locks
 
(35.7
)
 

 


The pre-tax amount of gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into the Consolidated Statement of Operations related to derivative forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, which offset the related gains and losses on the hedged items during the periods presented, was (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Sales
 
$
1.0

 
$
2.4

 
$
0.3

Cost of sales
 
18.2

 
(17.2
)
 
(2.8
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(1.3
)
 
1.2

 
(0.5
)
Interest expense
 
(1.2
)
 

 

Total
 
$
16.7

 
$
(13.6
)
 
$
(3.0
)

Approximately $15.7 million of pre-tax net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2019 will be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months. We expect that these net unrealized gains will be offset when the hedged items are recognized in earnings.
Net Investment Hedges
We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency denominated debt obligations to hedge portions of our net investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries (net investment hedges) against the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of foreign currency balances to the U.S. dollar. For all instruments that are designated as net investment hedges and meet effectiveness requirements, the net changes in value of the designated hedging instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareowners’ equity where they offset gains and losses recorded on our net investments globally. To the extent forward exchange contracts or foreign currency denominated debt designated as net investment hedges are ineffective, changes in value are recorded in earnings through the maturity date. There was no impact on earnings due to ineffective net investment hedges. At September 30, 2019, we had a gross notional amount of $110.3 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges.
The pre-tax amount of (losses) gains recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related to net investment hedges that would have been recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations had they not been so designated was (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Forward exchange contracts
 
$
(4.9
)
 
$
1.1

 
$
(16.3
)

Fair Value Hedges
We use interest rate swap contracts to manage the borrowing costs of certain long-term debt. In February 2015, we issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed rate notes. Upon issuance of these notes, we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap contracts that effectively convert these notes from fixed rate debt to floating rate debt. We designate these contracts as fair value hedges because they hedge the changes in fair value of the fixed rate notes resulting from changes in interest rates. The changes in value of these fair value hedges are recorded as gains or losses in interest expense and are offset by the losses or gains on the underlying debt instruments, which are also recorded in interest expense. There was no impact on earnings due to ineffective fair value hedges. At September 30, 2019, the aggregate notional value of our interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges was $600.0 million.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




The pre-tax amount of net gains (losses) recognized within the Consolidated Statement of Operations related to derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, which fully offset the related net gains and losses on the hedged debt instruments during the periods presented, was (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Interest income (expense)
 
$
30.9

 
$
(19.3
)
 
$
(24.1
)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Certain of our locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies resulting from intercompany loans and other transactions with third parties denominated in foreign currencies. We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts that we do not designate as hedging instruments to offset the transaction gains or losses associated with some of these assets and liabilities. Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments for which we do not elect hedge accounting are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in each period, based on the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments. At September 30, 2019, we had a U.S. dollar-equivalent gross notional amount of $318.1 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments.
The pre-tax amount of gains (losses) from forward exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations was (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Cost of sales
 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
1.0

 
$
(1.8
)
Other income (expense)
 
1.6

 
(0.1
)
 
(8.6
)
Total
 
$
1.2

 
$
0.9

 
$
(10.4
)

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
We recognize all derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We value our forward exchange contracts using a market approach. We use a valuation model based on inputs including forward and spot prices for currency and interest rate curves. We did not change our valuation techniques during fiscal 2019, 2018 or 2017. It is our policy to execute such instruments with major financial institutions that we believe to be creditworthy and not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. We diversify our foreign currency forward exchange contracts among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts are usually denominated in currencies of major industrial countries. The U.S. dollar-equivalent gross notional amount of our forward exchange contracts totaled $1,202.4 million at September 30, 2019. Currency pairs (buy/sell) comprising the most significant contract notional values were Euro/United States dollar (USD), USD/Canadian dollar, USD/Swiss franc, and USD/Singapore dollar. Refer to Note 1 for further information regarding levels in the fair value hierarchy.
We value interest rate swap contracts using a market approach based on observable market inputs including publicized swap curves.

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The fair value of our derivatives and their location in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were (in millions):
 
 
 
 
Fair Value (Level 2)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
September 30, 2019
 
September 30, 2018
Forward exchange contracts
 
Other current assets
 
$
20.3

 
$
15.8

Forward exchange contracts
 
Other assets
 
3.0

 
1.9

Forward exchange contracts
 
Other current liabilities
 
(4.5
)
 
(5.1
)
Forward exchange contracts
 
Other liabilities
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.7
)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other assets
 
7.6

 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other current liabilities
 
(0.6
)
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other liabilities
 

 
(24.0
)
Total
 
 
 
$
25.4

 
$
(12.1
)
 
 
 
 
Fair Value (Level 2)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
September 30, 2019
 
September 30, 2018
Forward exchange contracts
 
Other current assets
 
$
4.8

 
$
3.4

Forward exchange contracts
 
Other assets
 

 
0.6

Forward exchange contracts
 
Other current liabilities
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.1
)
Total
 
 
 
$
3.9

 
$
2.9




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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

11. Shareowners’ Equity
Common Stock
At September 30, 2019, the authorized stock of the Company consisted of one billion shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 25 million shares of preferred stock, without par value. At September 30, 2019, 8.7 million shares of authorized common stock were reserved for various incentive plans.
Changes in outstanding common shares are summarized as follows (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
 
121.0

 
128.4

 
128.5

Treasury stock purchases
 
(6.1
)
 
(8.3
)
 
(2.3
)
Common stock issued (including share based compensation impact)
 
0.8

 
0.9

 
2.2

Ending balance
 
115.7

 
121.0

 
128.4


At September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were $9.3 million and $18.3 million, of outstanding common stock share repurchases recorded in accounts payable, respectively
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component were (in millions):
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments, net of tax (Note 13)
 
Accumulated currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax
 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Balance as of September 30, 2016
 
$
(1,239.8
)
 
$
(294.9
)
 
$
(4.1
)
 
$

 
$
(1,538.8
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
215.2

 
57.2

 
(12.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 
260.0

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
97.6

 

 
2.0

 

 
99.6

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
312.8

 
57.2

 
(10.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 
359.6

Balance as of September 30, 2017
 
$
(927.0
)
 
$
(237.7
)
 
$
(14.4
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(1,179.2
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
188.4

 
(48.3
)
 
8.7

 
(2.1
)
 
146.7

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
80.5

 

 
10.1

 

 
90.6

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
268.9

 
(48.3
)
 
18.8

 
(2.1
)
 
237.3

Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
$
(658.1
)
 
$
(286.0
)
 
$
4.4

 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(941.9
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(532.1
)
 
(55.3
)
 
(5.3
)
 
2.2

 
(590.5
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
56.5

 

 
(12.1
)
 

 
44.4

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(475.6
)
 
(55.3
)
 
(17.4
)
 
2.2

 
(546.1
)
Balance as of September 30, 2019
 
$
(1,133.7
)
 
$
(341.3
)
 
$
(13.0
)
 
$

 
$
(1,488.0
)


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to the Consolidated Statement of Operations were (in millions):
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
Affected Line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
$
(4.2
)
 
$
(4.9
)
 
$
(9.8
)
 
(a)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
78.7

 
115.1

 
155.2

 
(a)
Settlements
1.2

 
0.7

 
2.8

 
(a)
 
75.7

 
110.9

 
148.2

 
Income before income taxes
 
(19.2
)
 
(30.4
)
 
(50.6
)
 
Income tax provision
 
$
56.5

 
$
80.5

 
$
97.6

 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward exchange contracts
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(2.4
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
Sales
Forward exchange contracts
(18.2
)
 
17.2

 
2.8

 
Cost of sales
Forward exchange contracts
1.3

 
(1.2
)
 
0.5

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Treasury locks related to 2019 debt issuance
1.2

 

 

 
Interest expense
 
(16.7
)
 
13.6

 
3.0

 
Income before income taxes
 
4.6

 
(3.5
)
 
(1.0
)
 
Income tax provision
 
$
(12.1
)
 
$
10.1

 
$
2.0

 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications
$
44.4

 
$
90.6

 
$
99.6

 
Net income
(a) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. These components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs. See Note 13 for further information.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

12. Share-Based Compensation
During 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recognized $43.1 million, $38.5 million and $38.5 million of pre-tax share-based compensation expense, respectively. The total income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense was $6.9 million, $9.6 million and $12.3 million during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We recognize compensation expense on grants of share-based compensation awards on a straight-line basis over the service period of each award recipient. As of September 30, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was $43.1 million, net of estimated forfeitures, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years.
Our 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended (“2012 Plan”), authorizes us to deliver up to 11.8 million shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options, upon grant, or in payment of stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock units or restricted stock. Our 2003 Directors Stock Plan, as amended, authorizes us to deliver up to 0.5 million shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options, upon grant, or in payment of restricted stock units. Shares relating to awards under our 2012 Plan, or 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, as amended, that terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation or otherwise without the issuance or delivery of shares will be available for further awards under the 2012 Plan. Approximately 3.4 million shares under our 2012 Plan and 0.2 million shares under our 2003 Directors Stock Plan remain available for future grant or payment at September 30, 2019. We use treasury stock to deliver shares of our common stock under these plans. Our 2012 Plan does not permit share-based compensation awards to be granted after February 7, 2022.
Stock Options
We have granted non-qualified and incentive stock options to purchase our common stock under various incentive plans at prices equal to the fair market value of the stock on the grant dates. The exercise price for stock options granted under the plans may be paid in cash, already-owned shares of common stock or a combination of cash and such shares. Stock options expire ten years after the grant date and vest ratably over three years.
The per-share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $32.46, $35.29 and $25.70, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $35.8 million, $71.0 million and $141.1 million during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We estimated the fair value of each stock option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following assumptions:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Average risk-free interest rate
 
2.79
%
 
2.14
%
 
1.85
%
Expected dividend yield
 
2.27
%
 
1.75
%
 
2.21
%
Expected volatility
 
23
%
 
22
%
 
24
%
Expected term (years)
 
5.0

 
5.0

 
5.1


The average risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury security rates corresponding to the expected term in effect as of the grant date. The expected dividend yield is based on the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the market value of our common stock as of the grant date. We determined expected volatility using daily historical volatility of our stock price over the most recent period corresponding to the expected term as of the grant date. We determined the expected term of the stock options using historical data adjusted for the estimated exercise dates of unexercised options.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)



A summary of stock option activity for the year ended September 30, 2019 is:
 
 
Shares
(in thousands)
 
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise
Price
 
Wtd. Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
of In-The-Money
Options
(in millions)
Outstanding at October 1, 2018
 
3,914

 
$
127.50

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
969

 
171.15

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(481
)
 
98.43

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(91
)
 
171.53

 
 
 
 
Canceled
 
(13
)
 
173.07

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2019
 
4,298

 
139.53

 
6.7
 
$
108.6

Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2019
 
3,129

 
115.01

 
5.4
 
155.8

Exercisable at September 30, 2019
 
2,520

 
116.75

 
5.5
 
121.1


Performance Share Awards
Certain officers and key employees are also eligible to receive shares of our common stock in payment of performance share awards granted to them. Grantees of performance shares will be eligible to receive shares of our common stock depending upon our total shareowner return, assuming reinvestment of all dividends, relative to the performance of companies in the S&P 500 Index over a three-year period. The number of shares actually earned will range from zero percent to 200 percent of the targeted number of performance shares for the three-year performance periods and will be paid, to the extent earned, in the fiscal quarter following the end of the applicable three-year performance period.
A summary of performance share activity for the year ended September 30, 2019 is as follows:
 
 
Performance
Shares
(in thousands)
 
Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Share
Fair Value
Outstanding at October 1, 2018
 
150

 
$
143.94

Granted(1)
 
57

 
155.04

Adjustment for performance results achieved(2)
 
72

 
178.06

Vested and issued
 
(145
)
 
132.85

Forfeited
 
(7
)
 
190.37

Outstanding at September 30, 2019
 
127

 
178.40


(1) 
Performance shares granted assuming achievement of performance goals at target.
(2) 
Adjustments were due to the number of shares vested under fiscal 2016 awards at the end of the three-year performance period ended September 30, 2018 being higher than the target number of shares.

The following table summarizes information about performance shares vested during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Percent payout
 
200
%
 
187
%
 
10
%
Shares vested (in thousands)
 
145

 
139

 
6

Total fair value of shares vested (in millions)
 
$
25.8

 
$
26.5

 
$
0.9


For the three-year performance period ending September 30, 2019, the payout will be 77 percent of the target number of shares, with a maximum of approximately 28,000 shares to be delivered in payment under the awards in December 2019.

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The per-share fair value of performance share awards granted during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $155.04, $219.04 and $174.37, respectively, which we determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Average risk-free interest rate
 
2.77
%
 
1.88
%
 
1.35
%
Expected dividend yield
 
2.24
%
 
1.72
%
 
2.20
%
Expected volatility
 
23
%
 
22
%
 
23
%

The average risk-free interest rate is based on the three-year U.S. Treasury security rate in effect as of the grant date. The expected dividend yield is based on the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the market value of our common stock as of the grant date. The expected volatilities were determined using daily historical volatility for the most recent three-year period as of the grant date.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
We grant restricted stock and restricted stock units to certain employees, and non-employee directors may elect to receive a portion of their compensation in restricted stock units. Restrictions on employee restricted stock and employee restricted stock units generally lapse over periods ranging from one to four years. Director restricted stock units generally are payable upon retirement. We value restricted stock and restricted stock units at the closing market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $170.75, $188.41 and $138.32, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $7.8 million, $7.2 million, and $7.6 million, respectively.
A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended September 30, 2019 is as follows:
 
 
Restricted
Stock and
Restricted
Stock Units
(in thousands)
 
Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Share
Fair Value
Outstanding at October 1, 2018
 
146

 
$
141.35

Granted
 
48

 
170.75

Vested
 
(44
)
 
108.40

Forfeited
 
(8
)
 
167.94

Outstanding at September 30, 2019
 
142

 
$
160.14


We also granted approximately 6,000 shares of unrestricted common stock to non-employee directors during the year ended September 30, 2019. The weighted average grant date fair value of the unrestricted stock awards granted during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $182.39, $183.76 and $129.68, respectively.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

13. Retirement Benefits
We sponsor funded and unfunded pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for our employees. The pension plans provide for monthly pension payments to eligible employees after retirement. Pension benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of credited service and average earnings. Pension benefits for hourly employees are primarily based on specified benefit amounts and years of service. Effective July 1, 2010, we closed participation in our U.S. and Canada pension plans to employees hired after June 30, 2010. Employees hired after June 30, 2010 are instead eligible to participate in defined contribution plans. Effective October 1, 2010, we also closed participation in our U.K. pension plan to employees hired after September 30, 2010 and these employees are now eligible for a defined contribution plan. Benefits to be provided to plan participants hired before July 1, 2010 or October 1, 2010, respectively, are not affected by these changes. Our policy with respect to funding our pension obligations is to fund at a minimum the amount required by applicable laws and governmental regulations. We were not required to make contributions to satisfy minimum funding requirements in our U.S. pension plans in 2019, 2018 or 2017. We did not make voluntary contributions to our U.S. qualified pension plan in 2019 or 2018. We made a voluntary contribution of $200.0 million to our U.S. qualified pension plan in 2017.
We sponsor various defined contribution savings plans that allow eligible employees to contribute a portion of their income in accordance with plan specific guidelines. We contribute to savings plans and/or will match a percentage of the employee contributions up to certain limits. The Company contributions to defined contribution plans are based on age and years of service and range from 3% to 7% of eligible compensation. Expense related to these plans was $53.1 million in 2019, $47.0 million in 2018 and $41.5 million in 2017.
Other postretirement benefits are primarily in the form of retirement medical plans that cover most of our employees in the U.S. and Canada and provide for the payment of certain medical costs of eligible employees and dependents after retirement.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) are (in millions):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost
 
$
78.2

 
$
88.9

 
$
97.0

 
$
0.9

 
$
1.3

 
$
1.4

Interest cost
 
158.3

 
155.3

 
151.6

 
2.3

 
2.4

 
2.5

Expected return on plan assets
 
(244.7
)
 
(244.8
)
 
(225.2
)
 

 

 

Amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost (credit)
 
1.2

 
0.6

 
(3.7
)
 
(5.4
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(6.1
)
Net actuarial loss
 
77.8

 
113.4

 
152.9

 
0.9

 
1.7

 
2.3

Settlements
 
1.2

 
0.7

 
3.3

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)
 
$
72.0

 
$
114.1

 
$
175.9

 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
0.1



The service cost component is included in Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. All other components are included in Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Significant assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost (income) are (in weighted averages):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.35
%
 
3.90
%
 
3.75
%
 
4.15
%
 
3.40
%
 
3.10
%
Expected return on plan assets
 
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
 

 

 

Compensation increase rate
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 

 

 

Non-U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
2.48
%
 
2.30
%
 
1.77
%
 
3.30
%
 
3.20
%
 
2.80
%
Expected return on plan assets
 
5.22
%
 
5.19
%
 
5.12
%
 

 

 

Compensation increase rate
 
3.02
%
 
2.99
%
 
2.86
%
 

 

 



69

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




Net Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation, plan assets, funded status and net liability information is summarized as follows (in millions):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
4,259.5

 
$
4,585.0

 
$
62.4

 
$
77.8

Service cost
 
78.2

 
88.9

 
0.9

 
1.3

Interest cost
 
158.3

 
155.3

 
2.3

 
2.4

Actuarial losses (gains)
 
720.4

 
(257.1
)
 
4.7

 
(8.5
)
Plan amendments
 
(4.9
)
 
(0.3
)
 

 

Plan participant contributions
 
3.4

 
3.7

 
3.4

 
3.4

Benefits paid
 
(263.1
)
 
(277.7
)
 
(12.8
)
 
(13.5
)
Settlements
 
(6.2
)
 
(10.4
)
 

 

Curtailments
 

 
(3.5
)
 

 

Currency translation and other
 
(38.3
)
 
(24.4
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.5
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
 
4,907.3

 
4,259.5

 
60.7

 
62.4

Plan assets at beginning of year
 
3,754.8

 
3,788.3

 

 

Actual return on plan assets
 
263.6

 
220.6

 

 

Company contributions
 
30.9

 
50.3

 
9.4

 
10.1

Plan participant contributions
 
3.4

 
3.7

 
3.4

 
3.4

Benefits paid
 
(263.1
)
 
(277.7
)
 
(12.8
)
 
(13.5
)
Settlements
 
(6.2
)
 
(10.4
)
 

 

Currency translation and other
 
(30.3
)
 
(20.0
)
 

 

Plan assets at end of year
 
3,753.1

 
3,754.8

 

 

Funded status of plans
 
$
(1,154.2
)
 
$
(504.7
)
 
$
(60.7
)
 
$
(62.4
)

Net amount on balance sheet consists of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
$
6.5

 
$
30.6

 
$

 
$

Compensation and benefits
 
(12.7
)
 
(12.3
)
 
(7.3
)
 
(10.1
)
Retirement benefits
 
(1,148.0
)
 
(523.0
)
 
(53.4
)
 
(52.3
)
Net amount on balance sheet
 
$
(1,154.2
)
 
$
(504.7
)
 
$
(60.7
)
 
$
(62.4
)

The actuarial losses recorded in 2019 were primarily the result of a decrease in the discount rate for U.S. Plans, which decreased from 4.35% in 2018 to 3.30% in 2019. The actuarial gains recorded in 2018 were primarily the result of an increase in the discount rate for U.S. Plans, which increased from 3.90% in 2017 to 4.35% in 2018. Approximately 76 percent of our 2019 global projected benefit obligation relates to our U.S. pension plan.
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in millions):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Prior service cost (credit)
 
$
2.7

 
$
4.3

 
$
(4.1
)
 
$
(8.2
)
Net actuarial loss
 
1,127.7

 
657.6

 
7.4

 
4.4

Total
 
$
1,130.4

 
$
661.9

 
$
3.3

 
$
(3.8
)

During 2019, we recognized prior service credits of $4.2 million ($3.2 million net of tax) and net actuarial losses of $78.7 million ($59.7 million net of tax) in pension and other postretirement net periodic benefit cost, which were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $4,548.8 million and $3,962.3 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Information regarding our pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets (underfunded plans) are as follows (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,607.4

 
$
3,755.5

Fair value of plan assets
 
3,446.7

 
3,220.2

Information regarding our pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets (underfunded plans) are as follows (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
4,019.7

 
$
679.7

Fair value of plan assets
 
3,205.2

 
392.9


Significant assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations are (in weighted averages):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
3.30
%
 
4.35
%
 
2.90
%
 
4.15
%
Compensation increase rate
 
3.40
%
 
3.50
%
 

 

Health care cost trend rate(1)
 

 

 
6.50
%
 
6.50
%
Non-U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
1.60
%
 
2.48
%
 
2.65
%
 
3.30
%
Compensation increase rate
 
3.06
%
 
3.02
%
 

 

Health care cost trend rate(1)
 

 

 
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
(1) 
The health care cost trend rate reflects the estimated increase in gross medical claims costs. As a result of the plan amendment adopted effective October 1, 2002, our effective per person retiree medical cost increase is zero percent beginning in 2005 for the majority of our postretirement benefit plans. For our other plans, we assume the gross health care cost trend rate will decrease to 5.00% in 2021 for U.S. Plans and will not change in 2020 for Non-U.S. Plans.
Estimated Future Payments
We expect to contribute $32.2 million related to our global pension plans and $7.4 million to our postretirement benefit plans in 2020.
The following benefit payments, which include employees’ expected future service, as applicable, are expected to be paid (in millions):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement Benefits
2020
 
$
322.2

 
$
7.4

2021
 
305.6

 
6.2

2022
 
322.6

 
5.9

2023
 
298.5

 
5.6

2024
 
299.7

 
5.3

2025-2029
 
1,475.1

 
21.0



71

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




Plan Assets
In determining the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we consider actual returns on plan assets over the long term, adjusted for forward-looking considerations, such as inflation, interest rates, equity performance and the active management of the plan’s invested assets. We also considered our current and expected mix of plan assets in setting this assumption. This resulted in the selection of the weighted average long-term rate of return on assets assumption. Our global weighted-average targeted and actual asset allocations at September 30, by asset category, are:
 
 
Allocation
 
Target
 
September 30,
Asset Category
 
Range
 
Allocations
 
2019
 
2018
Equity securities
 
40%
 –
65%
 
54%
 
49%
 
53%
Debt securities
 
30%
 –
50%
 
39%
 
44%
 
39%
Other
 
0%
 –
15%
 
7%
 
7%
 
8%

The investment objective for pension funds related to our defined benefit plans is to meet the plan’s benefit obligations, while maximizing the long-term growth of assets without undue risk. We strive to achieve this objective by investing plan assets within target allocation ranges and diversification within asset categories. Target allocation ranges are guidelines that are adjusted periodically based on ongoing monitoring by plan fiduciaries. Investment risk is controlled by rebalancing to target allocations on a periodic basis and ongoing monitoring of investment manager performance relative to the investment guidelines established for each manager.
As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, our pension plans do not directly own our common stock.
In certain countries where we operate, there are no legal requirements or financial incentives provided to companies to pre-fund pension obligations. In these instances, we typically make benefit payments directly from cash as they become due, rather than by creating a separate pension fund.
The valuation methodologies used for our pension plans’ investments measured at fair value are described as follows. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at September 30, 2019 and 2018.
Common stock — Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
Mutual funds — Valued at the net asset value (NAV) reported by the fund.
Corporate debt — Valued at either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or valued under a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable such as credit and liquidity risks.
Government securities — Valued at the most recent closing price on the active market on which the individual securities are traded or, absent an active market, utilizing observable inputs such as closing prices in less frequently traded markets.
Common collective trusts — Valued at the NAV as determined by the custodian of the fund. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities then divided by the number of units outstanding.
Private equity and alternative equity — Valued at the estimated fair value, as determined by the respective fund manager, based on the NAV of the investment units held at year end, which is subject to judgment.
Real estate funds — Consists of the real estate funds, which provide an indirect investment into a diversified and multi-sector portfolio of property assets. Publicly-traded real estate funds are valued at the most recent closing price reported on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The remainder is valued at the estimated fair value, as determined by the respective fund manager, based on the NAV of the investment units held at year end, which is subject to judgment.
Insurance contracts — Valued at the aggregate amount of accumulated contribution and investment income less amounts used to make benefit payments and administrative expenses which approximates fair value.
Other — Consists of other fixed income investments and common collective trusts with a mix of equity and fixed income underlying assets. Other fixed income investments are valued at the most recent closing price reported in the markets in which the individual securities are traded, which may be infrequently.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




Refer to Note 1 for further information regarding levels in the fair value hierarchy.
In accordance with ASC Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the line items presented in the consolidated financial statements.
The following table presents our pension plans’ investments measured at fair value as of September 30, 2019:
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2.6

 
$

 
$

 
$
2.6

   Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Mutual funds
 
129.7

 

 

 
129.7

      Common stock
 
919.7

 

 

 
919.7

      Common collective trusts
 

 
419.0

 

 
419.0

   Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Corporate debt
 

 
698.7

 

 
698.7

      Government securities
 
285.1

 
130.0

 

 
415.1

      Common collective trusts
 

 
138.4

 

 
138.4

   Other types of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Insurance contracts
 

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Total U.S. Plans investments in fair value hierarchy
 
$
1,337.1

 
$
1,386.1

 
$
0.9

 
2,724.1

U.S. Plans investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Private equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.6

      Alternative equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25.6

Total U.S. Plans investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,781.3

Non-U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
16.6

 
$

 
$

 
16.6

   Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Common stock
 
63.4

 

 

 
63.4

      Common collective trusts
 

 
304.5

 

 
304.5

   Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Corporate debt
 

 
61.2

 

 
61.2

      Government securities
 
1.3

 

 

 
1.3

      Common collective trusts
 

 
329.7

 

 
329.7

   Other types of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Real estate funds
 

 
85.1

 

 
85.1

      Insurance contracts
 

 

 
95.4

 
95.4

      Other
 

 

 
4.5

 
4.5

Total Non-U.S. Plans investments in fair value hierarchy
 
$
81.3

 
$
780.5

 
$
99.9

 
961.7

Non-U.S. Plans investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Real estate funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1

Total Non-U.S. Plans investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
971.8

Total investments measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,753.1


73

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




The following table presents our pension plans’ investments measured at fair value as of September 30, 2018:
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2.0

 
$

 
$

 
$
2.0

   Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Mutual funds
 
222.1

 

 

 
222.1

      Common stock
 
964.7

 

 

 
964.7

      Common collective trusts
 

 
422.2

 

 
422.2

   Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Corporate debt
 

 
627.7

 

 
627.7

      Government securities
 
242.9

 
105.8

 

 
348.7

      Common collective trusts
 

 
141.4

 

 
141.4

   Other types of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Insurance contracts
 

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Total U.S. Plans investments in fair value hierarchy
 
$
1,431.7

 
$
1,297.1

 
$
0.9

 
2,729.7

U.S. Plans investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Private equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36.5

      Alternative equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61.1

Total U.S. Plans investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,827.3

Non-U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
12.8

 
$

 
$

 
12.8

   Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Common stock
 
59.2

 

 

 
59.2

      Common collective trusts
 

 
320.7

 

 
320.7

   Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Corporate debt
 

 
33.8

 

 
33.8

      Government securities
 
1.1

 
15.5

 

 
16.6

      Common collective trusts
 

 
310.4

 

 
310.4

   Other types of investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Real estate funds
 

 
80.5

 

 
80.5

      Insurance contracts
 

 

 
79.1

 
79.1

      Other
 

 

 
4.6

 
4.6

Total Non-U.S. Plans investments in fair value hierarchy
 
$
73.1

 
$
760.9

 
$
83.7

 
917.7

Non-U.S. Plans investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Real estate funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.8

Total Non-U.S. Plans investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
927.5

Total investments measured at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,754.8



74

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




The table below sets forth a summary of changes in fair market value of our pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the year ended September 30, 2019:
 
 
Balance
October 1, 2018
 
Realized Gains (Losses)
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
Purchases, Sales, Issuances, and Settlements, Net
 
Balance September 30, 2019
U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Insurance contracts
 
$
0.9

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.9

Non-U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Insurance contracts
 
79.1

 

 
14.3

 
2.0

 
95.4

   Other
 
4.6

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
4.5

 
 
$
84.6

 
$

 
$
14.2

 
$
2.0

 
$
100.8

The table below sets forth a summary of changes in fair market value of our pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the year ended September 30, 2018:
 
 
Balance
October 1, 2017
 
Realized Gains (Losses)
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
Purchases, Sales, Issuances, and Settlements, Net
 
Balance September 30, 2018
U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Insurance contracts
 
$
0.9

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.9

Non-U.S. Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Insurance contracts
 
71.5

 

 
(0.4
)
 
8.0

 
79.1

   Other
 
4.8

 

 
(0.2
)
 

 
4.6

 
 
$
77.2

 
$

 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
8.0

 
$
84.6



14. Other Income (Expense)
The components of other income (expense) are (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Gain on sale of business
 
$

 
$

 
$
60.8

Change in fair value of investments
 
(368.5
)
 
90.0

 

Interest income
 
11.1

 
24.4

 
19.6

Royalty income
 
10.2

 
9.7

 
8.9

Legacy product liability and environmental (charges) benefit
 
(22.1
)
 
2.6

 
(8.3
)
Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit credit (cost)
 
8.4

 
(23.8
)
 
(77.6
)
Other
 
(1.5
)
 
3.9

 
(0.1
)
Other income (expense)
 
$
(362.4
)
 
$
106.8

 
$
3.3


In September 2017, we sold W Interconnections, Inc. and subsidiaries, which was included within our Control Products & Solutions segment, for approximately $94.0 million. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $60.8 million as a result of this divestiture, which is included within Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The change in fair value of investments includes the gain (loss) on investments and valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares. Additional information related to our investments is included in Note 9.


75

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

15. Income Taxes
Selected income tax data (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Components of income before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
280.8

 
$
721.6

 
$
547.2

Non-United States
 
620.2

 
609.2

 
490.2

Total
 
$
901.0

 
$
1,330.8

 
$
1,037.4


Components of the income tax provision:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
105.6

 
$
475.3

 
$
67.3

Non-United States
 
112.1

 
131.4

 
109.9

State and local
 
16.5

 
18.1

 
0.7

Total current
 
234.2

 
624.8

 
177.9

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
(27.0
)
 
118.6

 
44.6

Non-United States
 
(0.1
)
 
48.0

 
(14.1
)
State and local
 
(1.9
)
 
3.9

 
3.3

Total deferred
 
(29.0
)
 
170.5

 
33.8

Income tax provision
 
$
205.2

 
$
795.3

 
$
211.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total income taxes paid
 
$
293.3

 
$
222.9

 
$
211.9


Tax Act
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. The Tax Act significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate income tax rate, implementing a modified territorial tax system, and imposing a one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred from U.S. tax (“transition tax”). As a fiscal year taxpayer, certain provisions of the Tax Act impacted us in fiscal year 2018, including the change in the federal statutory rate and the one-time transition tax, while other provisions became effective in fiscal year 2019, including the tax on global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”) of foreign subsidiaries, the deduction for foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”), and the elimination of the domestic manufacturing deduction.
The FASB allows companies to adopt an accounting policy to either recognize deferred taxes on GILTI or treat it as a cost in the year incurred. The Company has adopted an accounting policy to treat tax on GILTI as a tax cost in the year incurred.
Our base rate reflects the change in the U.S. federal statutory rate from 35 percent to 21 percent resulting from the enactment of the Tax Act. The statutory rate for our fiscal year 2019 is 21 percent.
In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on how a company may recognize provisional estimates related to the effects of the Tax Act. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company completed its analysis of the impact of the Tax Act in accordance with SAB 118 and the amounts are no longer considered provisional. This resulted in no change to the provisional amounts recorded in fiscal year 2018 related to the revaluation of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities and the one-time transition tax liability on earnings of our foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred from U.S. income tax.


76

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)



Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
The reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory rate and our effective tax rate was:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Statutory tax rate
 
21.0
 %
 
24.5
 %
 
35.0
 %
State and local income taxes
 
0.1

 
1.0

 
0.7

Non-United States taxes
 
(4.8
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(9.3
)
Repatriation of foreign earnings
 
2.8

 
4.2

 
0.5

Foreign-derived intangible income
 
(1.6
)
 

 

Impact of the Tax Act
 

 
36.6

 

Foreign currency transaction loss
 

 

 
(1.9
)
Change in valuation allowance(a)
 
7.6

 
0.7

 
0.1

Share-based compensation
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(2.8
)
Research and development tax credit
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(0.6
)
Other
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(1.3
)
Effective income tax rate
 
22.8
 %
 
59.8
 %
 
20.4
 %

(a) During fiscal year 2019, we recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets associated with the loss in fair value of the PTC Shares. This resulted in an increase to the effective tax rate of 7.5% and a corresponding valuation allowance of $67.3 million, as described further in the table below.
We operate in certain non-U.S. tax jurisdictions under government-sponsored tax incentive programs, which may be extended if certain additional requirements are met. The program which generates the primary benefit will expire in 2022. The tax benefit attributable to these programs was $55.1 million ($0.46 per diluted share) in 2019, $52.3 million ($0.41 per diluted share) in 2018 and $43.4 million ($0.33 per diluted share) in 2017.


77

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)



Deferred Taxes
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to our net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) were (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
Deferred income tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
$
6.0

 
$
6.5

Inventory
 
11.1

 
11.5

Returns, rebates and incentives
 
29.8

 
34.0

Retirement benefits
 
298.5

 
141.5

Environmental remediation and other site-related costs
 
26.2

 
20.7

Share-based compensation
 
21.6

 
19.6

Other accruals and reserves
 
46.9

 
49.7

Investments
 
69.6

 

Net operating loss carryforwards
 
18.5

 
19.6

Tax credit carryforwards
 
16.5

 
17.9

Capital loss carryforwards
 
9.5

 
10.0

Other
 
10.7

 
4.6

Subtotal
 
564.9

 
335.6

Valuation allowance
 
(93.8
)
 
(27.0
)
Net deferred income tax assets
 
471.1

 
308.6

Deferred income tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Property
 
(55.8
)
 
(54.7
)
Intangible assets
 
(24.4
)
 
(25.3
)
Investments
 

 
(21.7
)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries
 
(25.5
)
 
(22.7
)
Other
 
(1.3
)
 
(4.6
)
Deferred income tax liabilities
 
(107.0
)
 
(129.0
)
Total net deferred income tax assets
 
$
364.1

 
$
179.6


We believe it is more likely than not that we will realize our deferred tax assets through the reduction of future taxable income, other than for the deferred tax assets reflected below.
Tax attributes and related valuation allowances at September 30, 2019 were (in millions):
Tax attributes and related valuation allowances
 
Tax Benefit Amount
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Carryforward
Period Ends
Non-United States net operating loss carryforward
 
$
7.2

 
$
7.2

 
2020
-
2028
Non-United States net operating loss carryforward
 
3.3

 
3.1

 
Indefinite
Non-United States capital loss carryforward
 
9.5

 
9.5

 
Indefinite
United States net operating loss carryforward
 
0.4

 

 
2020
-
2036
State and local net operating loss carryforward
 
7.6

 
1.4

 
2020
-
2037
State tax credit carryforward
 
16.5

 
0.7

 
2020
-
2034
Subtotal
 
44.5

 
21.9

 
 
 
 
Other deferred tax assets
 
71.9

 
71.9

 
Indefinite
Total
 
$
116.4

 
$
93.8

 
 
 
 


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Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of our gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year
 
$
20.1

 
$
31.1

 
$
32.4

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 

 

 
1.9

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
 

 
3.0

 
10.8

Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
 

 
(1.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities
 

 
(11.3
)
 
(7.7
)
Reductions related to lapses of statute of limitations
 
(0.2
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(6.3
)
Effect of foreign currency translation
 

 

 
0.1

Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year
 
$
19.9

 
$
20.1

 
$
31.1


The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce our effective tax rate if recognized was $19.9 million, $20.1 million and $31.1 million at September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were $3.3 million and $2.5 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. Benefits (expense) recognized were $(0.8) million, $1.5 million and $1.2 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
We believe it is reasonably possible that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by up to $18.5 million in the next 12 months as a result of the resolution of tax matters in various global jurisdictions and the lapses of statutes of limitations. If all of the unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, the net reduction to our income tax provision, including the recognition of interest and penalties and offsetting tax assets, could be up to $19.8 million.
We conduct business globally and are routinely audited by the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years before 2016 and are no longer subject to state, local and non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2009.
16. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Environmental Matters
Federal, state and local requirements relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, the disposal of hazardous wastes and other activities affecting the environment have and will continue to have an effect on our manufacturing operations. Thus far, compliance with environmental requirements and resolution of environmental claims have been accomplished without material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We have been designated as a potentially responsible party at 13 Superfund sites, excluding sites as to which our records disclose no involvement or as to which our potential liability has been finally determined and assumed by third parties. In addition, various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been asserted against us seeking remediation of alleged environmental impairments, principally at previously owned properties.
Based on our assessment, we believe that our expenditures for environmental capital investment and remediation necessary to comply with present regulations governing environmental protection and other expenditures for the resolution of environmental claims will not have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot assess the possible effect of compliance with future requirements. Environmental remediation cost liabilities, net of related expected recoveries, were $56.3 million and $52.2 million as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations
We accrue for costs related to a legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that results from the acquisition, construction, development or the normal operation of the long-lived asset. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is not conditional even though the timing or method may be conditional. Identified conditional asset retirement obligations include asbestos abatement and remediation of soil contamination beneath current and previously divested facilities. We estimate

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conditional asset retirement obligations using site-specific knowledge and historical industry expertise. There have been no significant changes in liabilities incurred, liabilities settled, accretion expense or revisions in estimated cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. Conditional asset retirement obligations, net of related expected recoveries, were $21.5 million and $21.6 million as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Other Matters
Various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business, including those pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and health, intellectual property, employment and contract matters. Although the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to us, we believe the disposition of matters that are pending or have been asserted will not have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The following outlines additional background for obligations associated with asbestos, divested businesses and intellectual property.
We (including our subsidiaries) have been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos that was used in certain components of our products many years ago, including products from divested businesses for which we have agreed to defend and indemnify claims. Currently there are a few thousand claimants in lawsuits that name us as defendants, together with hundreds of other companies. But in all cases, for those claimants who do show that they worked with our products or products of divested businesses for which we are responsible, we nevertheless believe we have meritorious defenses, in substantial part due to the integrity of the products, the encapsulated nature of any asbestos-containing components, and the lack of any impairing medical condition on the part of many claimants. We defend those cases vigorously. Historically, we have been dismissed from the vast majority of these claims with no payment to claimants.
Additionally, we have maintained insurance coverage that includes indemnity and defense costs, over and above self-insured retentions, for many of these claims. We believe these arrangements will provide substantial coverage for future defense and indemnity costs for these asbestos claims throughout the remaining life of asbestos liability. The uncertainties of asbestos claim litigation make it difficult to predict accurately the ultimate outcome of asbestos claims. That uncertainty is increased by the possibility of adverse rulings or new legislation affecting asbestos claim litigation or the settlement process. Subject to these uncertainties and based on our experience defending asbestos claims, we do not believe these lawsuits will have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We have, from time to time, divested certain of our businesses. In connection with these divestitures, certain lawsuits, claims and proceedings may be instituted or asserted against us related to the period that we owned the businesses, either because we agreed to retain certain liabilities related to these periods or because such liabilities fall upon us by operation of law. In some instances the divested business has assumed the liabilities; however, it is possible that we might be responsible to satisfy those liabilities if the divested business is unable to do so. We do not believe these liabilities will have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In many countries we provide a limited intellectual property indemnity as part of our terms and conditions of sale. We also at times provide limited intellectual property indemnities in other contracts with third parties, such as contracts concerning the development and manufacture of our hardware and software products. As of September 30, 2019, we were not aware of any material indemnification claims that were probable or reasonably possible of an unfavorable outcome. Historically, claims that have been made under the indemnification agreements have not had a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations; however, to the extent that valid indemnification claims arise in the future, future payments by us could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations in a particular period.
Lease Commitments
Rental expense was $119.0 million in 2019, $120.3 million in 2018 and $115.1 million in 2017. As of September 30, 2019, minimum future rental commitments under operating leases having noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are payable as follows (in millions):
2020
$
90.6

2021
72.6

2022
51.8

2023
36.7

2024
26.4

Thereafter
63.8

Total
$
341.9



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Commitments from third parties under sublease agreements having noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year were not significant as of September 30, 2019. Most leases contain renewal options for varying periods, and certain leases include options to purchase the leased property.
17. Business Segment Information
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. We determine our operating segments based on the information used by our chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, to allocate resources and assess performance. Based upon this information, we organize our hardware and software products, solutions and services into two operating segments: Architecture & Software and Control Products & Solutions.
Architecture & Software
The Architecture & Software operating segment contains a comprehensive portfolio of automation and information platforms, including hardware and software. This integrated portfolio is capable of controlling our customers’ industrial processes and manufacturing, as well as providing connections to enterprise business systems.
Our automation platform is multi-discipline and scalable with the ability to handle applications in discrete, batch/hybrid and continuous process, drives control, motion control, machine safety and process safety. Our products include programmable automation controllers, design, visualization and simulation software, human machine interface products, networking products, industrial computers, sensing devices, machine safety devices, motion control products, and independent cart technology products. 
Our information platform includes manufacturing execution system software and analytics software that enables customers to improve operational productivity and meet regulatory requirements. This platform enables enterprise visibility, reduction of unplanned downtime, and optimization of processes.
Control Products & Solutions
The Control Products & Solutions operating segment combines a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent motor control and industrial control products, value-added solutions and a complete portfolio of professionally delivered lifecycle services. This comprehensive portfolio includes:
Low and medium voltage electro-mechanical and electronic motor starters and AC/DC variable frequency drives, motor control and circuit protection devices, operator devices, signaling devices, termination and protection devices, relays and timers and electrical control accessories.
Value-added solutions ranging from pre-configured line to load power solutions, packaged drives, motor control centers, intelligent packaged power and engineered to order automation equipment solutions.
Professional lifecycle services combine technology and domain expertise to help maximize customers’ automation investment and provide total lifecycle support as they design, build, sustain and optimize their automation investments. This broad portfolio includes safety, security and digital transformation consulting, global automation and information project delivery capabilities, plant network, cloud, and cybersecurity services, asset management and predictive analytics, and remote, on-site and managed support services.

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The following tables reflect the sales and operating results of our reportable segments (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
3,021.9

 
$
3,050.2

 
$
2,858.6

Control Products & Solutions
 
3,672.9

 
3,615.8

 
3,452.7

Total
 
$
6,694.8

 
$
6,666.0

 
$
6,311.3

Segment operating earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
874.8

 
$
897.9

 
$
780.0

Control Products & Solutions
 
598.8

 
543.9

 
448.1

Total
 
1,473.6

 
1,441.8

 
1,228.1

Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
 
(16.6
)
 
(17.4
)
 
(21.4
)
General corporate - net
 
(108.8
)
 
(100.0
)
 
(95.9
)
Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit credit (cost)
 
8.4

 
(23.8
)
 
(77.6
)
Gain on sale of business
 

 

 
60.8

Costs related to unsolicited Emerson proposals
 

 
(11.2
)
 

(Loss) gain on investments
 
(402.2
)
 
123.7

 

Valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares
 
33.7

 
(33.7
)
 

Interest (expense) income - net
 
(87.1
)
 
(48.6
)
 
(56.6
)
Income before income taxes
 
$
901.0

 
$
1,330.8

 
$
1,037.4


Effective October 1, 2018, we realigned our reportable segments for a transfer of business activities between our segments. We also reclassified interest income from General corporate - net to Interest (expense) income - net and retrospectively applied the requirements of the new pension standard, reclassifying the non-operating pension and postretirement benefit cost out of segment operating earnings. As a result, the prior period presentation of reportable segments has been restated to conform to the current segment reporting structure. These changes did not impact the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Among other considerations, we evaluate performance and allocate resources based upon segment operating earnings before income taxes, costs related to the unsolicited Emerson proposals in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, interest (expense) income - net, costs related to corporate offices, non-operating pension and postretirement benefit credit (cost), certain corporate initiatives, gains and losses on investments, valuation adjustments related to the registration of PTC Shares, gains and losses from the disposition of businesses, and purchase accounting depreciation and amortization. Depending on the product, intersegment sales within a single legal entity are either at cost or cost plus a mark-up, which does not necessarily represent a market price. Sales between legal entities are at an appropriate transfer price. We allocate costs related to shared segment operating activities to the segments using a methodology consistent with the expected benefit.

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The following tables summarize the identifiable assets at September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and the provision for depreciation and amortization and the amount of capital expenditures for property for the years then ended for each of the reportable segments and Corporate (in millions):
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Identifiable assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
1,410.5

 
$
1,788.9

 
$
2,482.8

Control Products & Solutions
 
2,114.8

 
2,094.9

 
2,078.2

Corporate
 
2,587.7

 
2,378.2

 
2,600.7

Total
 
$
6,113.0

 
$
6,262.0

 
$
7,161.7

Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
63.8

 
$
72.5

 
$
69.3

Control Products & Solutions
 
69.6

 
72.4

 
75.0

Corporate
 
2.2

 
2.3

 
3.2

Total
 
135.6

 
147.2

 
147.5

Purchase accounting depreciation and amortization
 
16.6

 
17.4

 
21.4

Total
 
$
152.2

 
$
164.6

 
$
168.9

Capital expenditures for property:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecture & Software
 
$
57.7

 
$
29.4

 
$
30.0

Control Products & Solutions
 
68.9

 
38.5

 
42.1

Corporate
 
6.2

 
57.6

 
69.6

Total
 
$
132.8

 
$
125.5

 
$
141.7


Identifiable assets at Corporate consist principally of cash, net deferred income tax assets, prepaid pension and property. Property shared by the segments and used in operating activities is also reported in Corporate identifiable assets and Corporate capital expenditures. Corporate identifiable assets include shared net property balances of $244.7 million, $234.4 million and $259.3 million at September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, for which depreciation expense has been allocated to segment operating earnings based on the expected benefit to be realized by each segment. Corporate capital expenditures include $6.2 million, $57.6 million and $69.6 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, that will be shared by our operating segments.
We conduct a significant portion of our business activities outside the United States. The following tables present sales and property by geographic region (in millions):
 
 
Sales
 
Property
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
North America
 
$
4,014.3

 
$
3,964.1

 
$
3,801.8

 
$
443.8

 
$
450.2

 
$
452.2

Europe, Middle East and Africa
 
1,249.8

 
1,286.8

 
1,193.7

 
60.5

 
53.3

 
52.5

Asia Pacific
 
908.6

 
933.3

 
866.4

 
41.9

 
42.9

 
40.0

Latin America
 
522.1

 
481.8

 
449.4

 
25.7

 
30.4

 
39.2

Total
 
$
6,694.8

 
$
6,666.0

 
$
6,311.3

 
$
571.9

 
$
576.8

 
$
583.9


We attribute sales to the geographic regions based on the country of destination. Sales in North America include $3,640.2 million related to the U.S.
In most countries, we sell primarily through independent distributors in conjunction with our direct sales force. In other countries, we sell through a combination of our direct sales force and to a lesser extent, through independent distributors. We sell large systems and service offerings principally through our direct sales force, though opportunities are sometimes identified through distributors. Sales to our largest distributor in 2019, 2018 and 2017, which are attributable to both segments, were approximately 10 percent of our total sales.

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18. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
 
 
2019 Quarters
 
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
2019
Sales
 
$
1,642.3

 
$
1,657.2

 
$
1,665.1

 
$
1,730.2

 
$
6,694.8

Gross profit
 
738.7

 
708.2

 
730.3

 
722.9

 
2,900.1

Income before income taxes
 
120.8

 
402.4

 
321.4

 
56.4

 
901.0

Net income
 
80.3

 
346.0

 
261.4

 
8.1

 
695.8

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
0.67

 
2.91

 
2.22

 
0.07

 
5.88

Diluted
 
0.66

 
2.88

 
2.20

 
0.07

 
5.83

 
 
2018 Quarters
 
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
2018
Sales
 
$
1,586.6

 
$
1,651.2

 
$
1,698.7

 
$
1,729.5

 
$
6,666.0

Gross profit
 
700.2

 
703.9

 
744.7

 
736.1

 
2,884.9

Income before income taxes
 
297.8

 
299.6

 
251.7

 
481.7

 
1,330.8

Net (loss) income
 
(236.4
)
 
227.4

 
198.6

 
345.9

 
535.5

(Loss) Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
(1.84
)
 
1.79

 
1.60

 
2.84

 
4.27

Diluted
 
(1.84
)
 
1.77

 
1.58

 
2.80

 
4.21

Note: The sum of the quarterly per share amounts will not necessarily equal the annual per share amounts presented.
19. Subsequent Event
On October 1, 2019, we completed the formation of a joint venture, Sensia, the first fully integrated digital oilfield automation solutions provider. Sensia operates as an independent entity, with Rockwell Automation owning 53% and Schlumberger owning 47% of the joint venture. As part of the transaction, we made a $250 million payment to Schlumberger, which was funded by cash on hand. See the contractual cash obligations table under Financial Condition in MD&A. We control Sensia and, as of October 1, 2019, have consolidated Sensia in our financial results.

As of October 1, 2019, Rockwell Automation will record a preliminary purchase price allocation for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the formation of Sensia based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, October 1, 2019. We have not completed our analysis of estimating the fair value of intangible assets acquired, specifically customer relationships. The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (in millions):
 
 
Purchase Price Allocation
Net current and tangible assets
 
$
86.9

Goodwill and intangible assets
 
563.4

Total assets acquired
 
650.3

Less: current liabilities assumed
 
(25.3
)
Less: noncontrolling interest portion
 
(294.0
)
Net assets acquired
 
$
331.0

 
 
 
 
 
Purchase consideration
Cash
 
$
250.0

Noncontrolling interest portion of Rockwell Automation’s contributed business
 
32.0

Additional paid in capital adjustment
 
42.0

Other
 
7.0

Net purchase consideration
 
$
331.0



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We will assign the full amount of goodwill to our Control Products & Solutions segment. Some of the goodwill recorded is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The allocation of the purchase price to identifiable assets is based on the preliminary valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date. The measurement period for the valuation of net assets acquired ends as soon as information on the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date becomes available, but not to exceed 12 months following the acquisition date. Adjustments in purchase price allocations may require a change in the amounts allocated to net assets during the periods in which the adjustments are determined. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest of the contributed business upon acquisition was $294 million. The consolidated value of Sensia will be recorded at fair value for Schlumberger’s contribution and at carrying value for Rockwell Automation’s contribution.

We expensed an immaterial amount of acquisition-related costs in the year ended September 30, 2019.
Pro forma financial information

Pro forma consolidated sales for the year ended September 30, 2019 are approximately $6.9 billion and the impact on earnings is not material. The preceding pro forma consolidated financial results of operations are as if the 2019 formation of Sensia occurred on October 1, 2018. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the transaction occurred as of that time.


85


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareowners of
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rockwell Automation, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareowners’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2019, and the related notes and schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Retirement Benefits - U.S. Pension Benefit Obligation - Refer to Note 13 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s pension benefit obligation is actuarially determined on an annual basis. The determination of the pension benefit obligation requires management to make significant judgments related to the selection of discount rates. Changes in discount rates could have a significant impact on the pension benefit obligation. Management selected discount rates based upon an analysis of a hypothetical portfolio of bonds that match the expected cash flow of their pension plans.
The Company had a pension benefit obligation of $4,907 million as of September 30, 2019, of which approximately 76% is related to the U.S. pension plans. If the discount rate for the U.S. pension plans were to change by 25 basis points, the effect would be a $141 million change in the U.S. projected benefit obligation.
Given the significance of the U.S. pension obligation and its sensitivity to a change in the discount rate, performing audit procedures to evaluate whether management’s judgments regarding the selection of the discount rate for the U.S. pension plans was appropriate required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our actuarial specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the selection of the discount rate for the U.S. pension plans included the following, among others:
We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s accounting for their pension obligation, including those over the selection of the discount rate.
With the assistance of our actuarial specialists, we evaluated the Company’s selection of the discount rate by:
Assessing the appropriateness of the bonds included in the analysis used by management by evaluating the criteria used to select bonds, and by testing the characteristics and investment grade of the bonds selected.
Testing the mathematical accuracy of the analysis used by management through recalculation.
Benchmarking the analysis used by management against an independent yield curve analysis.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 12, 2019
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1967.


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Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness, as of September 30, 2019, of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2019.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2019.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of September 30, 2019, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, as stated in their report that is included on the previous two pages.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We are currently evaluating the impact that the formation of Sensia on October 1, 2019 may have on our control environment.

Item 9B.    Other Information
None.

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PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Other than the information below, the information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled Corporate Governance, Election of Directors, and Stock Ownership Information in the Proxy Statement.
No nominee for director was selected pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between the nominee and any person other than the Company pursuant to which such person is or was to be selected as a director or nominee. See also the information about executive officers of the Company under Item 4A of Part I.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our executive officers, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of our Code of Conduct is posted on our Internet site at https://www.rockwellautomation.com under the “Investors” link. In the event that we amend or grant any waiver from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer and that requires disclosure under applicable SEC rules, we intend to disclose such amendment or waiver and the reasons therefor on our Internet site.
Item 11.     Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled Executive Compensation, Election of Directors, Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committee Report in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Other than the information below, the information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the section entitled Stock Ownership Information in the Proxy Statement.
The following table provides information, as of September 30, 2019, about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights granted to employees, consultants or directors under all of our existing equity compensation plans, including our 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan, 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, and 2003 Directors Stock Plan.
 
 
Number of Securities to be issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
 
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding Securities reflected in Column (a))
 
Plan Category
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by shareowners
 
4,580,630

(1) 
$
139.53

(2) 
3,588,730

(3) 
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareowners
 

 
n/a

 

 
Total
 
4,580,630

 
$
139.53

 
3,588,730

 
(1) 
Represents outstanding options and shares issuable in payment of outstanding performance shares (at maximum payout) and restricted stock units under our 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan, 2008 Long-Term Incentives Plan, and 2003 Directors Stock Plan.
(2) 
Represents the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options and does not take into account the performance shares and restricted stock units.
(3) 
Represents 3,375,304 and 213,426 shares available for future issuance under our 2012 Long-Term Incentives Plan and our 2003 Directors Stock Plan, respectively.

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Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled Corporate Governance and Election of Directors in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14.     Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the section entitled Audit Matters in the Proxy Statement.

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PART IV
Item 15.     Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedule and Exhibits

(1)
Financial Statements (all financial statements listed below are those of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries)
 
Page
Consolidated Balance Sheet, September 30, 2019 and 2018
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations, years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners’ Equity, years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
 
Page
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedules not filed herewith are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the information called for is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(3)
Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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101

 
Interactive Data Files.
_________________________
 
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC.
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ PATRICK P. GORIS
 
 
Patrick P. Goris
 
 
Senior Vice President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
Dated: November 12, 2019
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on the 12th day of November 2019 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
By
/s/ PATRICK P. GORIS
 
Patrick P. Goris
 
Senior Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
By
/s/ DAVID M. DORGAN
 
David M. Dorgan
 
Vice President and Controller
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
Blake D. Moret*
 
Chairman of the Board, President and
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
and Director
 
 
 
J. Phillip Holloman*
 
Director
 
 
 
Steven R. Kalmanson*
 
Director
 
 
 
James P. Keane*
 
Director
 
 
 
Lawrence D. Kingsley*
 
Director
 
 
 
Pam Murphy*
 
Director
 
 
 
Donald R. Parfet *
 
Director
 
 
 
Lisa A. Payne*
 
Director
 
 
 
Thomas W. Rosamilia*
 
Director
 
 
 
Patricia A. Watson*
 
Director
 
 
*By
/s/ REBECCA W. HOUSE
 
Rebecca W. House, Attorney-in-fact**
 
 
**By
authority of powers of attorney filed herewith

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SCHEDULE II
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017
 
 
 
 
Additions
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Balance at Beginning
of Year
 
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
 
Charged to
Other
Accounts
 
Deductions(b)
 
Balance at
End of
Year
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended September 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)
 
$
17.1

 
$
6.1

 
$

 
$
5.8

 
$
17.4

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
 
27.0

 
69.3

 

 
2.5

 
93.8

Year ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)
 
$
24.9

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$
7.9

 
$
17.1

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
 
18.6

 
8.9

 

 
0.5

 
27.0

Year ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)
 
$
24.5

 
$
5.0

 
$

 
$
4.6

 
$
24.9

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
 
17.3

 
1.5

 
0.4

 
0.6

 
18.6

(a)
Includes allowances for current and other long-term receivables.
 
 
(b)
Consists of amounts written off for the allowance for doubtful accounts and adjustments resulting from our ability to utilize foreign tax credits, capital losses, or net operating loss carryforwards for which a valuation allowance had previously been recorded.


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INDEX TO EXHIBITS*
 
 
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
 
 

 
 


 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
101

Interactive Data Files.
 
*
See Part IV, Item 15(a)(3) for exhibits incorporated by reference.
 
**
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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