Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business nVent Electric plc ("nVent," "we," "us," "our" or the "Company") is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. The Company is comprised of three reporting segments: Enclosures, Thermal Management and Electrical & Fastening Solutions. The Company was incorporated in Ireland on May 30, 2017. Although our jurisdiction of organization is Ireland, we manage our affairs so that we are centrally managed and controlled in the United Kingdom (the "U.K.") and therefore have tax residency in the U.K. Separation from Pentair On April 30, 2018, Pentair plc ("Pentair" or "Parent") completed the separation of its Water business and its Electrical business into two independent, publicly-traded companies (the "separation"). To effect the separation, Pentair distributed to its shareholders one ordinary share of nVent for every ordinary share of Pentair held as of the record date of April 17, 2018. As a result of the distribution, nVent is now an independent publicly-traded company and began "regular way" trading under the symbol "NVT" on the New York Stock Exchange on May 1, 2018. Except where indicated, references below to transactions completed by nVent prior to April 30, 2018 refer to transactions completed by or on behalf of the Electrical reporting segment of Pentair that are reflected on the consolidated and combined financial statements of nVent. Basis of presentation The consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared in U.S. dollars ("USD") and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The financial statements for periods prior to April 30, 2018 were prepared on a stand-alone basis derived from the consolidated financial statements and records of Pentair as if nVent were operated on a stand-alone basis. Cost allocations For periods prior to the separation, the consolidated and combined financial statements of nVent include general corporate expenses of Pentair for certain support functions that were provided on a centralized basis, such as expenses related to executive management, finance, audit, legal, information technology, human resources, communications, facilities and employee benefits and compensation. These general corporate expenses are included in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income within Selling, general and administrative expense and Other expense . The amounts allocated were $42.5 million , $65.7 million and $75.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of which $10.3 million , $31.0 million and $31.0 million , respectively, were historically recorded to the Electrical segment in Pentair’s consolidated financial statements. These expenses were allocated to nVent on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated based on a proportional basis of net sales, headcount or other measures. The Company considers the allocation methodology regarding Pentair’s general corporate expenses to be reasonable for all periods presented. Nevertheless, the consolidated and combined financial statements of nVent for periods prior to the separation may not reflect the actual expenses that would have been incurred and may not reflect nVent’s consolidated and combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows had it been a stand-alone company during the periods presented. Actual costs for periods prior to the separation that would have been incurred if nVent had been a standalone company would depend on multiple factors including organization structure, capital structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure. Transactions between nVent and Pentair have been included in related party transactions in these consolidated and combined financial statements and were considered to be effectively settled at the time the transaction was recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these transactions is reflected in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows as a financing activity and in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets as Net Parent investment . The Net Parent investment represents Pentair’s historical investment in nVent, the net effect of cost allocations from transactions with Pentair, net transfers of cash and assets to Pentair and nVent’s accumulated earnings. Prior to the separation, transfers of cash, both to and from Pentair’s centralized cash management system were reflected as a component of Net Parent investment in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets and as a financing activity on the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows. For periods prior to the separation, the cash and cash equivalents held by Pentair at the corporate level were not attributed to nVent, as legal ownership remained with the former Parent. For periods prior to the separation, certain nVent operations were included in Pentair’s U.S. federal and state income tax returns and substantially all income taxes on those operations have been paid by Pentair. Income tax expense and other income tax related information contained in these consolidated and combined financial statements for periods prior to the separation are presented on a separate return approach as if nVent filed its own tax returns. Under this approach, the provision for income taxes represented income tax paid or payable (or received or receivable) for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year calculated as if nVent was a stand-alone taxpayer filing hypothetical income tax returns where applicable. Current income tax liabilities were assumed to be immediately settled with Pentair and relieved through the Net Parent investment account and the Net transfers to Parent in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows. Fiscal year Our fiscal year ends on December 31. We report our interim quarterly periods on a calendar quarter basis. Use of estimates The preparation of our consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated and combined financial statements and accompanying notes, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include our accounting for valuation of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, estimated losses on accounts receivable, estimated realizable value on excess and obsolete inventory, percentage of completion revenue recognition, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in acquisitions, contingent liabilities, income taxes and pension and other post-retirement benefits. Actual results could differ from our estimates. Revenue recognition See Note 2 for information pertaining to our accounting policies for revenue recognition. Research and development We conduct research and development (“R&D”) activities in our own facilities, which consist primarily of the development of new products, product applications and manufacturing processes. Cash equivalents We consider highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Trade receivables and concentration of credit risk We record an allowance for doubtful accounts, reducing our receivables balance to an amount we estimate is collectible from our customers. Estimates used in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on current trends, aging of accounts receivable, periodic credit evaluations of our customers' financial condition and historical collection experience. We generally do not require collateral. No customer receivable balances exceeded 10% of total net receivable balances as of December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017 . Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with substantially all inventories recorded using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") cost method. Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost. We compute depreciation by the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives: Years Land improvements 5 to 20 Buildings and leasehold improvements 5 to 50 Machinery and equipment 3 to 15 Significant improvements that add to productive capacity or extend the lives of properties are capitalized. Costs for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the recorded cost of the assets and their related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets and any related gains or losses are included in income. We review the recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used, such as property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate the carrying value of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The assessment of possible impairment is based on our ability to recover the carrying value of the asset or asset group from the expected future pre-tax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the related operations. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value. Impairment losses on long-lived assets held for sale are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose of the assets. The measurement of impairment requires us to estimate future cash flows and the fair value of long-lived assets. We recorded no material impairment charges in 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . The following table presents geographic Property, plant and equipment, net by region as of December 31: In millions 2018 2017 U.S. & Canada $ 159.6 $ 159.7 Mexico 39.7 37.3 EMEA (1) 58.1 60.3 Rest of World (2) 7.4 8.5 Consolidated $ 264.8 $ 265.8 (1) EMEA includes Europe, Middle East and Africa (2) Rest of World includes Latin America and Asia-Pacific Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the net of the fair value of identifiable tangible net assets and identifiable intangible assets purchased and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and is tested for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test is performed using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit there is an indication that goodwill impairment exists and a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of the goodwill impairment, if any, which should be recorded. In the second step, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and market approach. Projecting discounted future cash flows requires us to make significant estimates regarding future revenues and expenses, projected capital expenditures, changes in working capital and the appropriate discount rate. Use of the market approach consists of comparisons to comparable publicly-traded companies that are similar in size and industry. Actual results may differ from those used in our valuations. In developing our discounted cash flow analysis, assumptions about future revenues and expenses, capital expenditures and changes in working capital are based on our annual operating plan and long-term business plan for each of our reporting units. These plans take into consideration numerous factors including historical experience, anticipated future economic conditions, changes in raw material prices and growth expectations for the industries and end markets we participate in. In estimating fair value using the market approach, we identify a group of comparable publicly-traded companies for each reporting unit that are similar in terms of size and product offering. These groups of comparable companies are used to develop multiples based on total market-based invested capital as a multiple of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). We determine our estimated values by applying these comparable EBITDA multiples to the operating results of our reporting units. The ultimate fair value of each reporting unit is determined considering the results of both valuation methods. Identifiable intangible assets Our primary identifiable intangible assets include: customer relationships, trade names, proprietary technology and patents. Identifiable intangibles with definite lives are amortized and those identifiable intangibles with indefinite lives are not amortized. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events warrant. We complete our annual impairment test during the fourth quarter each year for those identifiable assets not subject to amortization. The impairment test for trade names consists of a comparison of the fair value of the trade name with its carrying value. Fair value is measured using the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes the trade name has value to the extent that the owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. This method requires us to estimate the future revenue for the related brands, the appropriate royalty rate and the weighted average cost of capital. The non-recurring fair value measurement is a “Level 3” measurement under the fair value hierarchy described below. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded an impairment charge of $13.0 million related to a trade name in Electrical & Fastening Solutions as a result of lower forecasted sales volume in our annual impairment evaluation. We also recorded an impairment charge of $3.4 million related to certain trade names in Thermal Management as a result of rebranding strategies implemented in the fourth quarter of 2017. An impairment charge of $13.3 million was recorded in 2016 related to a trade name in Thermal Management as a result of a rebranding strategy implemented in the fourth quarter of 2016. The trade name impairment charges were recorded in Selling, general and administrative in our Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. There were no impairment charges recorded in 2018 for identifiable intangible assets. Income taxes We use the asset and liability approach to account for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities (including those attributed to the Company from the Parent for the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets) and their respective tax bases using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. We maintain valuation allowances unless it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in our tax provision in the period of change. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. Pension and other post-retirement plans We sponsor defined-benefit pension plans and a post-retirement health plan. The pension and other post-retirement benefit costs for these plans are determined from actuarial assumptions and methodologies, including discount rates and expected returns on plan assets. These assumptions are updated annually and are disclosed in Note 12. For periods prior to the separation, certain nVent employees participated in defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement health plans sponsored by the former Parent which also include the Parent participants. For purposes of these consolidated and combined financial statements, nVent accounts for these plans as multi-employer benefit plans. Accordingly, nVent does not record an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of these plans. However, nVent does record its share of the allocated expense, including net actuarial gains or losses described below. We recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains or losses for pension and other post-retirement benefits annually in the fourth quarter each year (“mark-to-market adjustment”) and, if applicable, in any quarter in which an interim remeasurement is triggered. Net actuarial gains and losses occur when the actual experience differs from any of the various assumptions used to value our pension and other post-retirement plans or when assumptions change, as they may each year. The remaining components of pension expense, including service and interest costs and estimated return on plan assets, are recorded on a quarterly basis. Earnings per ordinary share Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding including the dilutive effects of ordinary share equivalents. Derivative financial instruments We recognize all derivatives, including those embedded in other contracts, as either assets or liabilities at fair value in our Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets. If the derivative is designated and is effective as a cash-flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") as a separate component of equity in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets and are recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the hedged item affects earnings. For a derivative that is not designated as or does not qualify as a hedge, changes in fair value are reported in earnings immediately. Gains and losses on net investment hedges are included in AOCI as a separate component of equity in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets. We use derivative instruments for the purpose of hedging interest rate and currency exposures, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. All other contracts that contain provisions meeting the definition of a derivative also meet the requirements for the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception. Our policy is not to enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales. From time to time, we may enter into short duration foreign currency contracts to hedge foreign currency risks. Fair value measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date: Level 1: Valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2: Valuation is based on inputs such as quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3: Valuation is based upon other unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement. In making fair value measurements, observable market data must be used when available. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Foreign currency translation The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside of the U.S. are generally measured using the local currency as the functional currency, except for certain corporate entities outside of the U.S. which are measured using USD. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. The resultant translation adjustments are included in AOCI, a separate component of equity. Adoption of new accounting standards On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“the new lease standard” or “ASC 842”) using the alternative transition method. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of additional right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $44 million , as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income or our Consolidated and Combined Statement of Cash Flows. Under the alternative method of adoption, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the standards in effect for those periods. In addition, we elected to avail of the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. We also elected to apply the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the lease components to which they relate and instead account for each separate lease and non-lease component associated with that lease component as a single lease component for all underlying asset classes. Accordingly, all costs associated with a lease contract are accounted for as lease cost. We implemented internal controls and key system functionality to enable the preparation of financial information upon adoption. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and the related amendments ("ASC 606" or "the new revenue standard") using the modified retrospective method. As a result of adoption, the cumulative impact to our beginning equity at January 1, 2018 was $1.8 million . The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. We expect the impact of the adoption of the new standard to be immaterial to our net income on an ongoing basis. The adoption of the new standard had an impact on our accounting for certain custom products manufactured by our Enclosures segment. Prior to the adoption of the standard revenue was recognized for these custom products upon shipment. However, as these products have no alternative use to the Company and we have an enforceable right to payment for our performance completed to date, revenue related to these custom products will now be recognized over time. Additionally, the new revenue standard resulted in reclassifications on the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets related to accounting for sales returns. The impact of adoption of the new revenue standard on our Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2018 and Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 was not material. On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-07, "Retirement Benefits-Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." As a result of the adoption, the interest cost, expected return on plan assets and net actuarial gain/loss components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit cost have been reclassified from S elling, general and administrative to Other expense . Only the service cost component remains in Operating income and will be eligible for capitalization in assets on a prospective basis. The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the net periodic cost of our defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans on our Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income was a reclassification of $2.6 million and $16.4 million of pension and post-retirement expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, from Selling, general and administrative to Other expense . On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2016-16, "Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory" using the modified retrospective method. The ASU requires the tax effects of all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory to be recognized in the period in which the transaction occurs. The adoption resulted in a $174.5 million cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in equity as of the beginning of 2018 that reflects a $201.5 million reduction of non-current prepaid income tax assets, partially offset by the establishment of $27.0 million of deferred tax assets. The cumulative effect of the changes made to our January 1, 2018 Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets from the modified retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-16 and ASU 2014-09 was as follows: Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets In millions Balance at December 31, 2017 Adjustments due to ASU 2016-16 Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09 Balance at January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 349.3 $ — $ 3.8 $ 353.1 Inventories 224.1 — (1.8 ) 222.3 Other current assets 132.3 — 1.8 134.1 Other non-current assets 251.8 (174.5 ) — 77.3 Liabilities Other current liabilities 141.3 — 3.8 145.1 Deferred tax liabilities 279.4 — 0.4 279.8 Equity Net Parent investment 3,848.4 (174.5 ) 1.8 3,675.7 |