Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies World Fuel Services Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in Florida in July 1984 and along with its consolidated subsidiaries is referred to collectively in this Annual Report on Form 10‑K (“ 2017 10‑K Report”) as “World Fuel,” “we,” “our” and “us.” We are a leading global fuel services company, principally engaged in the distribution of fuel and related products and services in the aviation, marine and land transportation industries. In recent years, we have expanded our product and service offerings to include energy advisory services and supply fulfillment with respect to natural gas and power and transaction and payment management solutions to commercial and industrial customers. Our intention is to become a leading global energy management company offering a full suite of energy advisory, management and fulfillment services and technology solutions across the energy product spectrum. We also seek to become a leading transaction and payment management company, offering payment management solutions to commercial and industrial customers, principally in the aviation, land and marine transportation industries. A. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements and related notes include our parent company and all wholly‑owned and majority‑owned subsidiaries and joint ventures where we exercise control. Our consolidated financial statements include the operations of an acquired business after the completion of the acquisition. The decision of whether or not to consolidate an entity requires consideration of majority voting interests, as well as effective economic or other control over the entity. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Our fiscal year-end is as of and for the year ended December 31 for each year presented. All transactions among our businesses have been eliminated. For additional information pertaining to our acquisitions, refer to Note 3. Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements and associated notes may not add due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts. B. New Accounting Standards Adoption of New Accounting Standards Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . In January 2017, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04 was issued, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation. As a result, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We have early adopted ASU 2017-04 and applied the new guidance for our goodwill impairment tests that were performed during the fourth quarter. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted Revenue Recognition (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, ASU 2014-09 was issued. Under this ASU and subsequently issued amendments, an entity is required to recognize the amount of revenue it expects to be entitled to for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. This ASU provides alternative methods of transition, a full retrospective and a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach would result in recognition of the cumulative impact of a retrospective application as of the beginning of the period of initial application, which in our case is the period beginning January 1, 2018. In preparation for adoption, we initially developed a cross-functional team and utilized a third-party service provider to assist us throughout our evaluation. In addition, we factored in the adoption into our ongoing enterprise resource planning platform upgrade, which we previously committed to perform. We have completed our review of a representative sample of contracts across each of our revenue streams. Through this process, we have made determinations on how our revenue streams will be accounted for after adoption, concluding that we will have similar performance obligations and timing of revenue recognition under ASC 606, as compared to those prior to adoption. As a result of completing these activities, we have prepared and made accessible internally our revenue recognition policy, which captures those decisions. We conducted an initial training that was distributed to our finance and accounting organization and we continue to train our commercial and operational teams on the relevant facets of our revenue recognition policy. We identified and implemented appropriate changes to our business processes and controls to support our revenue recognition and associated disclosure requirements under the new standard. An important aspect of adoption is the design of our contract management review process and its impact on the control environment. The ongoing training activities will also serve as a platform to communicate certain process changes associated with our contract review process. We have selected the modified retrospective adoption approach, and the cumulative adjustment did not have a material impact on our financial statements. We anticipate certain disclosure changes, specifically as it relates to the financial statement line items where certain costs are recorded. Accordingly, the adoption of the new standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements after adoption. Leases (Topic 842): Leases. In February 2016, ASU 2016-02 was issued. This standard will require all lessees to recognize a right of use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet, except for leases with durations that are less than twelve months. This standard is effective at the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating whether the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016 ASU 2016-15 was issued. The ASU provides guidance on classification of eight specific cash flows items. This standard is effective at the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating whether the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. In January 2017, ASU 2017-01 was issued. The update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of businesses. This standard is effective at the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year. We do not believe the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. In August 2017, ASU 2017-12 was issued. The ASU is targeted at simplifying the application of hedge accounting and is effective at the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. The amended guidance aims at aligning the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedge instruments and hedge items. We are currently evaluating whether the adoption of this new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. C. Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could materially differ from estimated amounts. We evaluate our estimated assumptions based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. D. Cash and Cash Equivalents Our cash equivalents consist principally of overnight investments, bank money market accounts and bank time deposits which have an original maturity date of less than 90 days. These securities are carried at cost, which approximates market value. E. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debt Our accounts receivables credit terms are generally 30-60 days. Accounts receivable balances that are not paid within the terms of the sales agreement are generally subject to finance fees, based on the outstanding balance. Credit extension, monitoring and collection are performed for each of our business segments. Each business segment has a credit function that is responsible for establishing credit limits and approving limits above previously approved amounts, and managing the overall quality of the credit portfolio. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by our review of our customer’s credit information. We extend credit on an unsecured basis to most of our customers. Accounts receivable are deemed past due based on contractual terms agreed to with our customers. Although we analyze customers’ payment history and creditworthiness, we cannot predict with certainty that the customers to whom we extend credit will be able to remit payments on a timely basis, or at all. Because we extend credit on an unsecured basis to most of our customers, there is a possibility that any accounts receivable not collected will ultimately need to be written off. Write-offs for the year ended December 31, 2017 did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations. We continuously monitor the composition of accounts receivable, collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience with our customers, current market and industry conditions affecting our customers and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. Principally based on these factors, an internally derived risk-based reserve is established on a quarterly basis. In addition to a risk-based reserve, a specific reserve is established for certain customers, based on customer receivable balances, overall exposure, payment history, current and expected market conditions, business developments, and other factors that influence the likelihood of collectability. Historical payment trends may not be an accurate indicator of current or future credit worthiness of our customers, particularly in difficult economic and financial markets. As a result of the limited predictability inherent in estimating which customers are less likely or unlikely to remit amounts owed to us, our provision for estimated credit losses may not be sufficient. Any write-off of accounts receivable in excess of our provision for estimated credit losses would have an adverse effect on our results of operations. If credit losses exceed established allowances, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected. F. Inventories Inventories are valued primarily using weighted average cost, and first-in first-out in certain limited locations, and are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. We utilize a variety of fuel indices and other indicators of market value. Sharp negative changes in these indices can result in reduction of our inventory valuation, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations in the period in which we take the adjustment. Historically these adjustments have not had a material impact on our consolidated statements of operations. Components of inventory include fuel purchase costs, the related transportation costs and changes in the estimated fair market values for inventories included in a fair value hedge relationship. G. Business Combinations We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, under which the purchase price of the acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using the fair values determined by management as of the acquisition date. We calculate the fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The estimated future cash flows are based on the best information available to us at the time. Acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. H. Fair Value of Financial Instruments We measure the fair value of financial instruments using observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect what market participants would use in pricing the instrument, based on publicly available market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs for which market data are not available and reflect internal market assumptions. The accounting guidance establishes the following fair value hierarchy: Level 1 Inputs - Quoted prices in active markets. Level 2 Inputs - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets other than quoted prices included within Level 1, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model based valuations whose inputs are observable. Level 3 Inputs - Inputs that are unobservable. Our policy is to recognize transfers between levels as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the event or change in circumstance caused the transfer to occur. There were no significant changes to our valuation techniques during 2017 and 2016 . For additional information pertaining to our fair value measurements, see Note 12. I. Derivatives We enter into financial derivative contracts to mitigate the risk of market price fluctuations in aviation, land and marine fuel, to offer our customers fuel pricing alternatives to meet their needs and to mitigate the risk due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. While we currently believe that our derivative contracts will be effective in mitigating the associated price risks, it is possible that our derivative instruments will be ineffective at mitigating material changes in prices, which could have an adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. At the inception and on an ongoing basis, we assess the hedging relationship to determine its effectiveness in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair value attributable to the hedged risk. Our derivative contracts are recognized at their estimated fair market value in accordance with the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The fair value of our derivatives is derived using observable and certain unobservable inputs, such as basis differentials, which are based on the difference between the historical prices of our prior transactions and the underlying observable data. Measurement of the fair value of our derivatives also requires the assessment of certain risks related to non-performance, which requires a significant amount of judgment. The effect on our income before income taxes of a 10% change in the model input for non-performance risk would not be material to our consolidated statements of operations. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, changes in the estimated fair market value are recognized as a component of revenue, cost of revenue or other income (expense), net (based on the underlying transaction type) in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Derivatives which qualify for hedge accounting may be designated as either a fair value or cash flow hedge. For our fair value hedges, changes in the estimated fair market value of the hedging instrument and the hedged item are recognized in the same line item as the underlying transaction type in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. For our cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair market value of the hedging instrument is initially recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into the same line item as the underlying forecasted transaction when both are settled or deemed probable of not occurring. The ineffective portion of the changes in the estimated fair market value of the hedging instrument is recognized in the same line item as the underlying transaction type in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Cash flows for our hedging instruments used in our hedges are classified in the same category as the cash flow from the hedged items. If for any reason hedge accounting is discontinued, then any cash flows subsequent to the date of discontinuance will be classified in a manner consistent with the nature of the instrument. For more information on our derivatives, see Note 4. J. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated primarily by using the straight‑line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized while expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the life of the asset, are expensed. Upon sale or disposition of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to income. Long‑lived assets held and used by us are reviewed based on market factors and operational considerations for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Purchases of computer software are capitalized. External costs and certain internal costs directly associated with developing significant computer software applications for internal use are capitalized. Computer software costs are amortized using the straight‑line method over the estimated useful life of the software. K. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill arises because the purchase price paid reflects numerous factors, including the strategic fit and expected synergies these acquisitions bring to our existing operations. Goodwill is recorded at fair value and is reviewed at least annually at year-end (or more frequently under certain circumstances) for impairment. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level and is initially based on an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any individual reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Such events or circumstances could include a material adverse change in the markets where we operate, similar to the current conditions within the shipping and offshore markets, limited market volatility, which adversely impact our supply and trading activities, among others. To determine whether goodwill is impaired, we would compare the fair value of the reporting units to which goodwill was assigned to their respective carrying values to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any. In calculating fair value, we use a combination of both an income and market approach as our primary indicator of fair value. Under the market approach we use a selection of global companies that correspond to each reporting unit to derive a market-based multiple. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The estimated future cash flows are based on the best information available to us at the time, including our annual operating plan, which is completed annually during the fourth quarter and is approved by our Board of Directors. Our estimates are considered supportable assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on information available to us at that time, and are based on a number of factors including industry experience, internal benchmarks, and the economic environment. Our cash flow estimates are discounted using rates that correspond to a weighted-average cost of capital consistent with those used internally for investment decisions. If our annual operating plan is not achieved or if there are other variations to our estimates and assumptions, particularly in the expected growth rates and profitability embedded in our cash flow projections or the discount rate used, there is the potential for a partial or total impairment of the carrying amount of goodwill within one or more of our reporting units. If we are required to impair all or a substantial amount of the goodwill attributable to one or more of our reporting units, our financial results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. In connection with our acquisitions, we record identifiable intangible assets at fair value. The determination of the fair values of our identifiable intangible assets involves a significant amount of forecasting and other assumptions associated with recently acquired businesses for which we may not have as much historical information or trend data as we would for our existing businesses. Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We assess identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization during the fourth quarter of each year for potential impairment. Our impairment analysis of our intangible assets not subject to amortization (primarily trademarks and/or trade names) generally involves the use of qualitative and quantitative analyses to estimate whether the estimated future cash flows generated as a result of these assets will be greater than or equal to the carrying value assigned to such assets. For information pertaining to our 2017 impairment assessment, see Note 7, Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets. L. Other Investments Our other investments consist primarily of equity investments, net of basis adjustments. These investments are accounted for under the equity method as we own less than 50% of the entities and exercise significant influence over the investee, but do not have operational or financial control. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had other investments of $70.9 million and $67.2 million , respectively, which are included within identifiable intangible and other non‑current assets. In 2017, we recorded a $9.0 million other-than-temporary impairment charge for two underperforming investments in the land segment, which is included in goodwill and other impairment on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. M. Revenue Recognition We execute contracts with customers through a variety of methods including by executing a master supply or blanket sales agreement combined with a purchase order or delivery ticket, stand-alone contracts, or through spot transactions where fuel is delivered for immediate settlement. Our contracts primarily require us to deliver fuel and fuel-related products, while other arrangements require us to complete agreed-upon services. Our contracts may contain fixed or variable pricing or some combination of those. The majority of our consolidated revenues are generated through the sale of fuel and fuel-related products. Revenue from the sale of fuel is recognized when delivery is made to our customers and title has passed, the sales price is determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Our fuel sales are generated as a fuel reseller as well as from inventory supply. When acting as a fuel reseller, we generally purchase fuel from the supplier, and contemporaneously resell the fuel to the customer, normally taking delivery for purchased fuel at the same place and time as the delivery is made to the customer. Revenue from services, including energy procurement advisory services and international trip planning support, and transaction and payment management processing, are recognized over the contract period when services have been performed and we have the right to invoice for those services. We record fuel sales and services on a gross basis as we generally take inventory risk, have latitude in establishing the sales price, have discretion in the supplier selection, maintain credit risk and are the primary obligor in the sales arrangement. Whether the services have been performed and when title and risk of loss passes to the customer are the factors we take into consideration in deciding when to recognize revenue. These factors are readily determinable and consistently applied throughout our business. Therefore, we generally have not needed to make material estimates or assumptions with respect to revenue recognition. N. Share‑Based Payment Awards We account for share‑based payment awards on a fair value basis. Under fair value accounting, the grant‑date fair value of the share‑based payment award is amortized as compensation expense, on a straight‑line basis, over the vesting period for both graded and cliff vesting awards. Annual compensation expense for share‑based payment awards is reduced by an expected forfeiture amount on outstanding share‑based payment awards. We utilize our historical forfeiture rates to calculate future expected forfeitures. These estimates can vary significantly from actual forfeiture rates experienced. Our estimated forfeiture rates have historically approximated actual forfeitures. O. Foreign Currency The functional currency of our U.S. and foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, except for certain subsidiaries which utilize their respective local currency as their functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized upon settlement of foreign currency transactions. In addition, for unsettled foreign currency transactions, foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized for changes between the transaction exchange rates and month‑end exchange rates. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in the period incurred. Revenues and expenses of the subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar have been translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries have been translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet dates. The resulting translation gain and loss adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. P. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and income tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recorded as a component of the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. Regular assessments are made on the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from our future taxable income. Our evaluation is based on estimates, assumptions, and includes an analysis of available positive and negative evidence, giving weight based on the evidence’s relative objectivity. Sources of positive evidence include estimates of future taxable income, future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, and available tax planning strategies. Sources of negative evidence include current and cumulative losses in recent years, losses expected in early future years, any history of operating losses or tax credit carryforwards expiring unused, and unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future profit levels. The remaining carrying value of our deferred tax assets, after recording the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, is based on our present belief that it is more likely than not that we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to utilize such deferred tax assets. The amount of the remaining deferred tax assets considered recoverable could be adjusted if our estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period change favorably or unfavorably. To the extent we believe that it is more likely than not that some or all of the remaining deferred tax assets will not be realized, we must establish a valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the period such determination is made. To the extent a valuation allowance currently exists, we will continue to monitor all positive and negative evidence until we believe it is more likely than not that it is no longer necessary, resulting in an income tax benefit in the period such determination is made. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions, and in determining our provisions for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We establish reserves when, despite our belief that the income tax return positions are fully supportable, certain positions are likely to be challenged and we may ultimately not prevail in defending those positions. Q. Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to World Fuel and available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to World Fuel and available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock and the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if our outstanding potentially dilutive securities had been issued. Potentially dilutive securities include restricted stock subject to forfeitable dividends, non‑vested RSUs and SSAR Awards. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per common share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, an increase in the fair market value of our common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive securities. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods presented (in millions, except per share amounts): 2017 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to World Fuel $ (170.2 ) $ 126.5 $ 174.5 Denominator: Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per common share 68.1 69.3 70.2 Effect of dilutive securities — 0.5 0.5 Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per common share 68.1 69.8 70.7 Weighted average securities which are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their impact is anti-dilutive or their performance conditions have not been met 1.4 1.3 1.0 Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ (2.50 ) $ 1.82 $ 2.49 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ (2.50 ) $ 1.81 $ 2.47 |