new limitation on deductible interest expense; and (4) limitations on net operating losses generated after December 31, 2017, to 80 percent of taxable income. Due to the specific facts and circumstances of our international operations, there are no material income tax effects related to the various international changes of the Tax Act.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include administrative payroll and related benefit charges associated with personnel performing sales and marketing, overall business management and executive oversight, information technology, facilities and facilities management, compliance, human resources, marketing, legal, and finance functions, and other expenses, including professional fees, Parent benefit plan administration, risk management, share-based compensation administration, and procurement, as well as depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and other costs not included in our cost of sales and research and development. Additionally, the Company has expenses allocated from Parent related to certain business insurance, medical insurance and benefit plan programs which Parent administered on behalf of the Company.
Costs related to certain support functions that were provided on a centralized basis by Parent were allocated to the Company using reasonable allocation methodologies and are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. (See Note 5 – “Related Parties”)
Advertising Costs, which were $842 and $749 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were expensed as incurred. Advertising costs include product displays, media production costs, trade shows and related freight, sales presentations, sales meetings and point of sale materials.
Share-Based Compensation. We record share-based compensation for options and unit awards as profit interests to employees based on the estimated fair value of the awards. Given the absence of any active market for the shares underlying the awards, the fair value of the awards was determined with input from our management and contemporaneous valuations. We recognize expense over the requisite service periods on a straight-line basis, adjusted for terminations.
As discussed further in Note 10 – “Share-Based Compensation”, certain employees of the Company participate in Parent’s equity plans. The share-based compensation expense specifically related to the Company’s employees was identified. Share-based compensation expense is recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses on our combined statements of operations and comprehensive (loss).
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recorded when it is realized or realizable, and is earned. This requires persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recorded net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns and allowances. Sales returns are based on historical returns, current trends, and forecasts of product demand. Payments received in advance of delivery are recorded as customer advances and recognized as revenue is earned. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a gross basis.
Shipping and Handling. Shipping and handling costs are generally charged directly to customers and are included in sales at the time of shipment.
Research and Development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Foreign Currency Translation. For our operations in countries where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, balance sheet amounts are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts are translated monthly using the average exchange rate for the respective month. Accordingly, the Company is subject to the inherent risks and volatility associated with foreign exchange rate movements. The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of the Company’s foreign operating subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred as a separate component of equity. Transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a legal entity are translated into the functional currency with resulting transaction gains or losses recorded in other (income) expense, net. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the foreign exchange gain (loss) was ($7,193) and $22,880, respectively reported in other (income) expense, net.
Debt Issuance Costs. Debt discount and debt issuance costs related to the senior credit facility are recorded as a reduction in long-term debt. Debt issuance costs associated with the Company’s revolving credit facility, which