| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations We are a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible TM products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification ("RFID") inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. We serve an array of industries worldwide, including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive. Principles of Consolidation Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation. Fiscal Year Our fiscal years have generally consisted of 52 weeks, with every fifth or sixth fiscal year consisting of 53 weeks; our 2024, 2023 and 2022 fiscal years consisted of 52-week periods ending December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Subsequent to fiscal year-end 2024, in January 2025, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors approved a change to our previous 52- or 53-week fiscal year generally ending on the Saturday closest to December 31 to a fiscal year coincident with the calendar year. Our 2025 fiscal year that began on December 29, 2024 will end on December 31, 2025 and fiscal years 2026 and beyond will begin on January 1 and end on December 31. Accounting Guidance Updates Segment Disclosures In the fourth quarter of 2024, we adopted guidance that requires additional disclosures about significant segment expenses. See Note 15, “Segment and Disaggregated Revenue Information,” for more information. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions for the reporting period and as of the date of our financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense. As the effects of future events cannot be determined, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash on hand, deposits in banks, cash-in-transit, and bank drafts and short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased or received. The carrying value of these assets approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Inventories We state inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value and categorize them as raw materials, work-in-progress or finished goods. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. We record inventory that is damaged, obsolete, excess and slow-moving to cost of products sold and establish a lower cost basis for that inventory. Slow-moving inventory is reviewed by category and may be recognized partially or fully to cost of products sold depending on the type of product, level of usage and length of time the product has been included in inventory. Trade Accounts Receivable We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amount. Our allowances for credit losses reflect customer trade accounts receivable that are estimated to be partially or entirely uncollectible. These allowances are used to reduce gross trade receivables to their net realizable values. We record these allowances based on estimates related to the financial condition of customers; the aging of receivable balances; our historical collection experience; and current and expected future macroeconomic and market conditions. Property, Plant and Equipment We generally compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, ranging from ten three Leases Our leases primarily relate to office and warehouse space, machinery, transportation, and equipment for information technology. We determine if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. For lease accounting purposes, we do not separate lease and nonlease components, nor do we record operating or finance lease assets and liabilities for short-term leases. We have options to renew or terminate some of our leases. We evaluate renewal and termination options at the lease commencement date and over the lease term to determine if we are reasonably certain to exercise these options. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. We recognize expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the periods in which they are incurred. Software We capitalize software costs incurred during the application development stage of software development, including costs incurred for design, coding, installation to hardware, testing, and upgrades and enhancements that provide the software or hardware with additional functionalities and capabilities. We expense software costs, including internal and external training costs and maintenance costs, incurred during the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation and/or operation stage. Capitalized software, which is included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally between five Cloud Computing Arrangements We capitalize certain costs incurred during the application development stage of implementation under a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. We expense costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation and/or operation stage. Capitalized implementation costs, which are included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the hosting arrangement plus optional renewal periods, which is generally between five Venture Investments We primarily invest in privately held companies and utilize the measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values, measuring them at cost less impairment plus or minus observable price changes in an orderly transaction. Venture investments that are publicly traded companies are recorded at fair value using Level 1 inputs. The carrying value of our venture investments is included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 9, “Fair Value Measurements,” for more information. Impairment of Long-lived Assets We record impairment charges when the carrying amounts of long-lived assets are determined not to be recoverable. We measure recoverability by comparing the undiscounted cash flows expected from the applicable asset or asset group’s use and eventual disposition to its carrying value. We calculate the amount of impairment loss as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value. Historically, changes in market conditions and management strategy have caused us to reassess the carrying amount of our long-lived assets. Goodwill and Other Intangibles Resulting from Business Acquisitions We account for business combinations using the acquisition method, with the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of acquired net tangible assets and identified intangible assets considered goodwill. As a result, we disclose goodwill separately from other intangible assets. Other identifiable intangibles include customer relationships, patented and other developed technology, and trade names and trademarks. We perform an annual impairment test of goodwill during the fourth quarter and, as necessary, if changes in facts and circumstances that indicate the fair value of a reporting unit may be less than its carrying value. Factors that may cause us to perform an impairment test outside of our annual assessment include significant underperformance of a business relative to expected operating results, significant adverse economic and industry trends, significant decline in our market capitalization for an extended period of time relative to net book value, or our decision to divest a portion of a reporting unit. In performing impairment tests, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative assessment. A quantitative assessment primarily uses the present value (discounted cash flow) method to determine the fair value of reporting units with goodwill. We compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, and, to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the unit’s fair value, we recognize an impairment of goodwill for the excess up to the amount of goodwill of that reporting unit. In consultation with outside specialists, we estimate the fair value of our reporting units using various valuation techniques, with the primary technique being a discounted cash flow analysis. A discounted cash flow analysis requires us to make various assumptions, including a reporting unit's respective forecasted sales, operating margins and growth rates, as well as discount rates. Our assumptions about discount rates are based on the weighted average cost of capital for comparable companies. Our assumptions about sales, operating margins and growth rates are based on our forecasts, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and marketplace data. We also make assumptions for varying perpetual growth rates for periods beyond our long-term business plan period. We base our fair value estimates on projected financial information and assumptions that we believe are reasonable. However, actual future results may differ materially from these estimates and projections. The valuation methodology we use to estimate the fair value of reporting units requires inputs and assumptions that reflect current market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies that require management judgment. The estimated fair value could increase or decrease depending on changes in the inputs and assumptions. We test indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of trade names and trademarks, for impairment in the fourth quarter or whenever events or circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that their carrying amounts exceed their fair values. In performing the impairment tests, we have the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative assessment for indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment. If we decide not to perform a qualitative assessment, or if the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative assessment. Fair value is estimated as the discounted value of future revenues using a royalty rate that a third party would pay to use the asset. Variation in the royalty rates could impact our estimate of fair value. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. We amortize finite-lived intangible assets, consisting of customer relationships, patented and other developed technology, trade names and trademarks, and other intangibles, on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. See Note 3, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles Resulting from Business Acquisitions,” for more information. Foreign Currency We translate asset and liability accounts of international operations into U.S. dollars at current rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted average currency rate for the fiscal year. We record gains and losses resulting from hedging the value of investments in certain international operations and from the translation of balance sheet accounts directly as a component of other comprehensive income. We account for our operations in Argentina as highly inflationary because the country’s three-year cumulative inflation rate exceeds 100%. As a result, the functional currency of our Argentine subsidiary is the U.S. dollar. Financial Instruments We enter into foreign currency exchange derivative contracts to reduce our risk from exchange rate fluctuations associated with receivables, payables, loans and firm commitments denominated in certain foreign currencies that arise primarily as a result of our operations outside the U.S. From time to time, we enter into interest rate contracts to help manage our exposure to certain interest rate fluctuations. We also enter into futures contracts to hedge certain price fluctuations for a portion of our anticipated domestic purchases of natural gas. The maximum length of time for which we hedge our exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 36 months for forecasted foreign currency exchange and commodity transactions and 10 years for cross-currency swap transactions. On the date we enter into a derivative contract, we determine whether the derivative will be designated as a hedge. Other derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Our policy is not to purchase or hold any foreign currency, interest rate or commodity contracts for trading purposes. All derivative financial instruments are accounted for at fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounting for the gain or loss resulting from the changes in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated as part of a hedging relationship and is highly effective, as well as the nature of the hedging activity. We formally document all relationships between derivative financial instruments accounted for as designated hedges, the hedged item, the method for assessing effectiveness and the treatment of excluded components. These financial instruments can be designated as: • Fair value hedges - Hedges of the change in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability. The gain or loss from the derivative, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in income during the period of the change in fair value. Hedge effectiveness is based on the spot method and expected to be perfectly effective. Excluded components are not included in the effectiveness assessment, recognized in a systematic and rational method over the term of the contracts and recorded to the same income statement line as the item being hedged. • Cash flow hedges - Hedges to reduce the variability of future expected cash flows. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the entire gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” and reclassified into earnings in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. Gains and losses on these derivatives, representing hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, are recognized in current earnings. • Net investment hedges - Hedges of the currency exposure related to a net investment in a foreign operation. The gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized as foreign currency translation in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" until the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. Hedge effectiveness is based on the spot method, with no ineffectiveness expected over the duration of the hedging relationship. Excluded components are not included in the effectiveness assessment, recorded in a systematic and rational basis over the term of the contracts and recorded to “Marketing, general and administrative expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We assess, both at the inception of any hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether our hedges are highly effective. If we determine that a hedge is not highly effective, we prospectively discontinue hedge accounting. For cash flow hedges, we record gains and losses as components of other comprehensive income and reclassify them into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. In the event that the anticipated transaction is no longer highly probable to occur, we recognize the change in fair value of the hedging instrument in current period earnings. We recognize changes in fair value hedges in current period earnings. We also recognize changes in the fair value of underlying hedged items (such as recognized assets or liabilities) in current period earnings and offset the changes in the fair value of the derivative. In the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, hedges are classified in the same category as the hedged item. See Note 5, “Financial Instruments,” for more information. Fair Value Measurements We define fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid for transferring a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We determine fair value based on a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which we use to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers consist of Level 1, which are observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, which are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, which are unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, requiring us to develop our own assumptions to determine the best estimate of fair value. Revenue Recognition Substantially all of our revenue is derived from the sale of products. Our Materials Group reportable segment sells pressure-sensitive label materials, films, performance tapes and fasteners. Our Solutions Group reportable segment sells a wide variety of branding and information solutions-oriented products, such as tickets, tags, labels (including RFID inlays), as well as related equipment, services and supplies, that provide our customers with solutions to optimize branding and engagement with their consumers and enable item visibility and traceability. We recognize revenue for an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect from the sale of our products when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control of our products to a customer. We consider a number of factors in determining when we have transferred control to a customer, including the following: (i) our present right to payment; (ii) the customer’s legal title to the asset; (iii) physical possession of the asset; (iv) the customer’s significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset; and (v) the customer’s acceptance of the asset. Generally, there are no substantive differences in revenue recognition considerations among our various products. Control generally transfers to a customer upon shipment or delivery, depending on the specific terms of sale with the customer. Our payment terms with customers are generally consistent with those used in the industries and regions in which we operate. We accept sales returns in certain limited circumstances. We record a liability for estimated returns and a corresponding reduction to sales in the amount we expect to repay or credit customers, which we base on historical returns and outstanding customer claims. We update our estimates each reporting period. Sales rebates, discounts and other customer concessions represent variable consideration and are common in the industries and regions in which we operate, which we account for as a reduction to sales based on estimates at the time at which products are sold. We base these estimates on our historical experience, as well as current information such as sales forecasts. We regularly review our estimates and adjust the revenue recognized from sales as necessary as additional information becomes available. We exclude sales tax, value-added tax and other taxes we collect from customers from sales. We account for shipping and handling activities after control of a product is transferred to a customer as fulfillment costs and not as separate performance obligations. As a practical expedient, we have elected not to disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an expected length of less than one year. We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because their expected amortization period is one year or less. We record these costs in “Marketing, general and administrative expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Research and Development Research and development costs are related to research, design and testing of new products and applications, which we expense as incurred. Long-Term Incentive Compensation No long-term incentive compensation expense was capitalized in 2024, 2023 or 2022. Valuation of Stock-Based Awards We base our stock-based compensation expense on the fair value of awards, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). We base compensation expense for performance units (“PUs”) on the fair value of awards, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and amortized on a straight-line basis as these awards cliff-vest at the end of the requisite service period. We base compensation expense related to market-leveraged stock units (“MSUs”) on the fair value of awards, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and amortized on a graded-vesting basis over their respective performance periods. Compensation expense for awards with a market condition as a performance objective, which includes MSUs and a component of PUs, is not adjusted if the condition is not met, as long as the requisite service period is met. We estimate the fair value of stock options as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model requires input assumptions for our expected dividend yield, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected option term. We determine the fair value of RSUs and the component of PUs that is subject to the achievement of a performance objective using a financial performance condition based on the fair market value of our common stock as of the date of grant, adjusted for foregone dividends. Over the performance period of the PUs, the estimated number of shares of our common stock issuable upon vesting is adjusted upward or downward from the target shares at the time of grant based on the probability of the performance objectives established for the award being achieved. We determine the fair value of stock-based awards that are subject to the achievement of performance objectives based on a market condition, which includes MSUs and the other component of PUs, using the Monte-Carlo simulation method, which utilizes multiple input variables, including expected stock price volatility and other assumptions appropriate for determining fair value, to estimate the probability of satisfying the performance objectives established for the award. Certain of these assumptions are based on management’s estimates, in consultation with outside specialists. Significant changes in assumptions for future awards and actual forfeiture rates could materially impact stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations. Valuation of Cash-Based Awards Cash-based awards consist of long-term incentive units (“LTI Units”) granted to eligible employees. We classify LTI Units as liability awards and remeasure them at each quarter-end over the applicable vesting or performance period. In addition to LTI Units with terms and conditions that mirror those of RSUs, we also grant certain employees LTI Units with terms and conditions that mirror those of PUs and MSUs. Forfeitures We estimate expected forfeitures in determining the compensation cost to be recognized each period, rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur. We record changes in estimated forfeiture rates as cumulative adjustments in the period estimates are revised. See Note 12, “Long-term Incentive Compensation,” for more information. Taxes Based on Income Because we are subject to income tax in the U.S. and multiple foreign jurisdictions, judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our worldwide provision for income taxes, accruals for taxes, deferred taxes and tax positions. Our provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach in accordance with GAAP. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists. We recognize and measure our uncertain tax positions following the more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and measurement for tax positions we take or expect to take on a tax return. See Note 14, “Taxes Based on Income,” for more information. Recent Accounting Requirements In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance expanding the disclosure requirements for certain expenses in notes to consolidated financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting this guidance on our financial statement disclosures. |
