Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business UL Solutions Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UL Solutions” and the “Company”) is a global safety science leader that provides independent third-party testing, inspection and certification services and related software and advisory offerings. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (“UL Research Institutes”) is the sole member of ULSE Inc. (“UL Standards & Engagement”), which controls the majority of the voting power of the Company’s common stock. The Company serves its customers, manages the business and reports its financial results through three segments: Industrial, Consumer, and Software and Advisory (“S&A”). The Company generates revenue in these segments and the following service categories: Certification Testing; Ongoing Certification Services; Non-certification Testing and Other Services; and Software. Public Offerings On April 16, 2024, the Company completed its initial public offering of an aggregate of 38,870,000 shares of Class A common stock (the “IPO”) by UL Standards & Engagement at a price to the public of $28.00 per share. On September 9, 2024, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of an aggregate of 23,000,000 shares of Class A common stock by UL Standards & Engagement at a price to the public of $49.00 per share. The Company did not receive any proceeds from these offerings. Refer to Note 16 for further information. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company accounts for investments in businesses using the equity method when it has significant influence but not control (generally between 20% and 50% ownership) and is not the primary beneficiary. The significant accounting policies, as summarized below, conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The Company has reclassified certain amounts in prior period financial statements to conform to the current period’s presentation. Effective April 1, 2022, the Company changed the inputs used to estimate the revenue recognition pattern of Certification Testing and Non-certification Testing and Other Services arrangements recognized over time. Previously measurement was based on the relationship between time elapsed and expected project duration, which was considered the most indicative of the Company’s performance to date under the terms of the contract. Beginning April 1, 2022, the Company measures progress towards completion of these contracts based on the relationship between time elapsed of each project phase relative to the expected duration of that phase. Project phase data was not previously available and is considered a more precise measure of the Company’s performance to-date under the terms of the contract. Refer to the revenue recognition section of Note 1 for additional information. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are inherently uncertain and actual results could differ materially from estimated amounts. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, contractual revenue recognized, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for goodwill, certain assumptions related to pension and postretirement benefits and income taxes. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less. Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables billed and currently due from customers as well as amounts currently due from other external parties. Contract assets represent revenues for projects that have been recognized for accounting purposes, but not yet billed to customers. The Company extends credit to customers in the normal course of business and maintains an allowance for credit losses. The allowance is an estimate based on historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of each customer’s trade accounts receivable. Management evaluates the aging of the accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of its customers and all other forward-looking information that is reasonably available to estimate the amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected in the future and records the appropriate provision. Account balances are written off against the allowance when it is determined the accounts receivables will not be recovered. Allowance for Credit Losses Balance at Beginning of Year Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions Balance at End of Year (in millions) Year ended December 31, 2024 $ 10 9 (9) $ 10 Year ended December 31, 2023 $ 13 4 (7) $ 10 Year ended December 31, 2022 $ 14 6 (7) $ 13 Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and contract assets. Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties failed to perform as contracted. The Company believes the likelihood of incurring material losses due to concentration of credit risk is minimal. The Company actively limits its exposure to credit risk by maintaining cash deposits with major financial institutions as counterparties and by maintaining accounts receivable with a large number of customers in diverse industries and geographies in addition to establishing reasonable credit approvals and limits. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses resulting from sales and retirements are included within operating income. Depreciation is computed using the straight–line method over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows: Land improvements 15 years Building and building improvements 15 - 50 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of expected useful life or lease term Machinery, equipment and office furniture 3 - 15 years Goodwill The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations , which requires an allocation of the purchase consideration transferred to the identifiable assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired entity over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or conditions change that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount. The Company’s reporting units have been identified as one level below its operating segments. The goodwill impairment testing is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. To evaluate the recoverability of a reporting unit’s goodwill the Company has the option to first perform a qualitative analysis. If the qualitative analysis indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying amount, the Company performs a quantitative impairment assessment for that reporting unit. The Company did not perform a qualitative analysis for any of its reporting units for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company’s quantitative assessment consists of a fair value calculation for each reporting unit that combines an income approach and a market approach, using an equal weighting. The quantitative assessment requires the application of a number of significant assumptions which are further described below, including estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit, discount rates, and market multiples. The fair value using the income approach is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit, discounted at an appropriate risk‑adjusted rate. The Company uses its internally developed long-range plans to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long‑term future growth rates based on its most recent views of the long‑term outlook for each reporting unit. Development of the Company’s long-range plans includes consideration of current and projected levels of income for the reporting unit based on management’s plans for that business, business trends, market and economic conditions, as well as other relevant factors. The discount rate is based on the weighted average cost of capital for the reporting unit. The Company uses discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective businesses and in the Company’s long-range plans. The fair value using the market approach is derived from market multiples using comparable publicly traded companies for a group of benchmark companies. The selection of comparable businesses is based on the markets in which the reporting units operate given consideration to risk profiles, size, geography and diversity of products and services. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company identified a triggering event and performed a quantitative impairment assessment for a reporting unit in the Consumer segment, which resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge of $37 million. See Note 10 for further details. The Company did not recognize any impairments of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2022. Intangible and Other Long-lived Assets The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated economic useful lives, which range from three Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and reassesses that conclusion if the contract is modified. The Company evaluates whether the arrangement conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration in order to determine if the contract is or contains a lease. The right to control the use of an identified asset includes the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset. The Company’s classes of leased assets include real estate, vehicles, and equipment. When it is reasonably certain that an option to extend or terminate a lease will be exercised, the Company has included the option in the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities. The Company does not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The Company accounts for lease and non-lease components as a single component for all asset classes. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement and measured based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Variable lease payments are recognized as incurred and are not presented as part of the ROU asset or lease liability. Operating lease cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not have material finance leases. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is based on its estimated rate of interest for a collateralized borrowing over a similar term as the lease payments. The same process is followed for any new leases at their commencement dates or modification to existing leases that require remeasurement. Capitalized Software Costs related to software acquired, developed, or modified solely to meet the Company’s internal requirements, where no substantive plan either exists or is being developed to externally market the software, are capitalized in accordance with ASC Topic 350-40, Internal-use Software (“ASC 350-40”). Certain costs incurred after the completion of the preliminary project stage and after management, with the relevant authority, has authorized and committed funds to the software project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended, are capitalized. For development costs capitalized under the requirements of ASC 350-40, amortization begins when each software module is ready for its intended use. Costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software (generally three The Company capitalizes certain implementation costs related to cloud computing service arrangements that are incurred during the application development stage. Subsequently, the costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the hosting agreement plus any reasonably certain renewal period. Capitalized implementation costs are included as a component of other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortization is included as an operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additions to capitalized cloud implementation costs are reported within operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Costs related to software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established in accordance with ASC Topic 985-20, Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed. Certain costs incurred subsequent to establishing technological feasibility are capitalized up until the software is available for general release, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software (generally three Amortization expense of capitalized software costs totaled $59 million, $51 million and $43 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Accounts Payable and Contract Liabilities Accounts payable consists of trade payables currently due to vendors as well as amounts currently due to other external parties. Contract liabilities include payments received in advance of performance under the contract and are subsequently reduced when the associated revenue is recognized for the respective contract. Amounts initially recorded as contract liabilities are recognized as revenue in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy. Fair Value The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. For fair value of the Company’s debt see Note 6. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes information used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability as follows: • Level 1 observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; • Level 2 inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3 unobservable inputs where there is little or no market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. ASC 820 requires the use of observable market data, when available, in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company does not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that are Level 3, except for certain pension assets discussed in Note 12. The Company did not have any transfers between fair value levels during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, or as the Company renders services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services. For each arrangement the Company performs the following five steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) if applicable, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company’s standard payment terms are due upon receipt of the invoice, except for certain customers, which may be required to make advance payments. Certain customers may be offered extended payment terms on a case-by-case basis generally not longer than 90 days. The Company’s contracts with customers may include promises to transfer multiple goods and services to a customer. When a contract includes multiple goods and services, judgment is required to determine whether each good or service is considered distinct and accounted for separately, or not distinct and accounted for together with the other goods or services in the contract. Certain contracts contain goods or services that are highly integrated or highly interdependent and are accounted for as a single performance obligation. Other contracts have goods or services that are distinct and accounted for separately. Those goods and services that are determined to be separate performance obligations are treated as separate units of account and each separate performance obligations has its own stand-alone selling price, which is the price at which an entity would sell a promised good or service separately to a similar customer in similar circumstances. The stand-alone selling price is determined using an established list price for the specific service and geographical region, or through a needs-based assessment. If a needs-based assessment approach is used, the stand-alone selling price is estimated by multiplying the expected labor hours by a labor rate. The labor rate is determined by considering the cost of labor, other miscellaneous costs (e.g., overhead) and applying a margin. The labor rate may be adjusted for geographic differences and other items as determined necessary, and is reviewed on a periodic basis for appropriateness. The transaction price for contracts may include both fixed and variable consideration, which includes customer volume rebates, discounts, and the consideration received if contingent upon the quantity of tasks completed or occurrence or nonoccurrence of a future event. The Company estimates variable consideration using both the most likely amount and expected value methods to determine the total consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. The method used to estimate variable consideration varies by contract. Estimated amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Company’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of the Company’s anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available. As most variable consideration is estimable with a high degree of confidence, generally no such constraint is necessary. The Company typically has contracts in which the period between payment and transfer of the goods is less than one year. As such, the Company has elected the practical expedient to not adjust the amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component for all instances in which the period between payment and transfer of the goods will be one year or less. For those instances in which the period is greater than one year, UL Solutions determined that a significant financing component is not present in the transaction as the business purpose of these arrangements is not to provide financing to UL Solutions. The majority of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers represents revenue from services recognized over time as performance obligations are satisfied. The appropriate measure of progress is an input method, however, the amount of revenue to be recognized requires the Company to make estimates, in particular in relation to measuring progress towards completion. For the Company’s Certification Testing and Non-certification Testing and Other Services arrangements recognized over time, until April 1, 2022, the Company measured progress towards completion based on the relationship between time elapsed and expected project duration, which was considered the most indicative of the Company’s performance to date under the terms of the contract. The portion of the project’s revenue to be recognized was determined based on the percentage of time elapsed for the project during the period relative to expected project duration. The start-date was determined by the receipt of a confirmed order, and the end-date was determined by the completion of the order’s deliverables. Beginning April 1, 2022, the Company measures progress towards completion of these contracts based on the relationship between time elapsed of each project phase relative to the expected duration of that phase. Project phase data was not previously available and is considered a more precise measure of the Company’s performance to-date under the terms of the contract. The portion of a project’s revenue to be recognized is determined based on the time elapsed between the start-date of each project phase relative to its estimated duration. The start-date of each phase is based on the date that work begins on the phase and the estimated duration is determined using an analysis of historical data from similar projects. Management applies judgment in determining the expected duration of each phase. The Company applied the change in estimate prospectively to contracts in-process at the date of the change, as well as new contracts with a start-date subsequent to the change. The portion of a project’s revenue estimated as earned, but not yet completed, and recognized as revenue, is included in contract assets or as a reduction to contract liabilities. The net decrease to the Company’s results of operations and earnings per share was as follows: (in millions, except per share data December 31, 2022 Revenue $ 23 Operating income $ 23 Net income $ 21 Earnings per share $ 0.11 The net decrease to revenue and operating income of the Company’s Industrial segment for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $14 million. The net decrease to revenue and operating income of the Company’s Consumer segment for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $9 million. The resulting impact to the Company’s results of operations and earnings per share during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were not material. The Company’s cost to obtain a contract is generally commission paid to sales personnel for the sale of services. Management determined that the amortization period of the commission costs would be one year or less and therefore has elected the practical expedient to expense these costs as incurred. As a result, the costs to obtain a contract are expensed as incurred. The Company typically does not incur costs to fulfill contracts which would meet the capitalization criteria and therefore these costs are typically expensed as incurred. When the Company performs shipping and handling activities after the transfer of control to the customer (e.g., when control transfers prior to shipment), these are considered fulfillment activities, and accordingly, the costs are accrued when the related revenue is recognized. Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues. Refer to Note 3 for additional information. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue includes employee compensation consisting of salaries, incentives, stock-based compensation and other benefits for employees directly attributable to revenue generation across each of the Company’s four major service categories. In addition, cost of revenue includes services and materials expenses including facility related costs for laboratories and other buildings where testing and inspection services are performed, customer-related travel costs, expenses related to third party contractors or third party facilities and consumable materials and supplies used in testing and inspection and other costs associated with generating revenue. Cost of revenue also includes depreciation on equipment used in testing and amortization of capitalized software. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses include employee compensation consisting of salaries, incentives, stock-based compensation and other benefits for sales and indirect administrative functions such as executive, finance, legal, human resources and information technology, not included within cost of revenue. In addition, selling, general and administrative expenses include services and materials expenses including third party consultancy costs, facility costs, internal research and development costs as well as legal and accounting fees, travel, marketing, bad debt and non‑chargeable materials and supplies. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include depreciation and amortization. Foreign Currency The functional currency of certain of the Company’s foreign affiliates is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of international subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date, and income and expense items have been translated using monthly average exchange rates for the period. The resulting currency translation adjustments have been recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss). The Company revalues assets and liabilities entered in foreign currency at the balance sheet date and the resulting unrealized gain (loss) is recorded as other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions, which were previously recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses, are recorded within other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Losses on foreign currency transactions recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses were immaterial in 2023 and were $7 million in 2022. Stock-based Compensation The Company maintains long-term incentive plans under which equity awards are available to be issued to certain employees, officers and directors. Stock-based compensation expense, measured as the fair value of an award on the date of grant, is recognized ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally equal to the vesting period of the respective award, however may be impacted by certain factors including the employee’s death, disability or retirement. Compensation expense related to performance share units is adjusted each reporting period based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions applicable to each grant. The fair value of restricted stock units and performance share units is determined using the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The fair value of each stock option is measured on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model that uses various assumptions including expected stock price volatility, expected dividend yield, the risk-free interest rate, and expected term of the award. Other Income (Expense), net Other income (expense), net consists primarily of non-operating gains and losses, including gains and losses related to foreign exchange transactions and the revaluation performed on designated balance sheet accounts, interest income, gains and losses on equity investments, non-operating pension and postretirement benefit expenses and gains on divestitures. Interest Expense Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense on the Company's debt obligations. Income Taxes The Company recognizes income taxes based on amounts refundable or payable for the current year and records deferred tax assets or liabilities for temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to reverse. Inherent in determining the annual tax rate are judgments regarding business plans, planning opportunities and expectations about future outcomes. Realization of certain deferred tax assets, primarily net operating loss and other carryforwards, is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate jurisdiction prior to the expiration of the carryforward periods. The Company has classified all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowances, as net non-current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in the deferred tax asset or liability. The Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to reflect the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, the Company considers all available evidence, including three years of cumulative operating income/(loss), expected future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the realizable value of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company would adjust related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to income. For uncertain tax positions related to exposures associated with various tax filing positions, the Company recognizes a tax benefit only if it is more‑likely‑than‑not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more‑likely‑than‑not to be realized upon settlement. The Company adjusts its liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period they are settled, the statute of limitations expires, or when new information becomes available. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense. The Company has generated income in certain foreign jurisdictions that may be subject to additional foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes, if repatriated. The Company regularly reviews its plans for reinvestment or repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings and has recorded deferred tax liabilities on certain foreign subsidiaries’ unremitted earnings that are not c |