Fortune Brands Innovations Inc

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Preparation of the financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial statements and revenues and expenses reported for the relevant reporting periods. We believe the policies discussed below are the Company’s critical accounting policies as they include the more significant, subjective and complex judgments and estimates made when preparing our consolidated financial statements.

Inventories

Inventory provisions are recorded to reduce inventory to the net realizable dollar value for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions, inventory levels and turns, product spoilage and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance, engineering/material changes, or regulatory-related changes. In accordance with this policy, our inventory provision was $75.8 million and $49.2 million as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Long-lived Assets

In accordance with ASC requirements for Property, Plant and Equipment, a long-lived asset (including amortizable identifiable intangible assets) or asset group held for use is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate of future cash flows derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is calculated based on fair value. Fair value is estimated primarily using discounted expected future cash flows on a market-participant basis.

No material impairments related to long-lived assets were recorded in 2023, 2022 or 2021.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires an allocation of the consideration we paid to the identifiable assets, intangible assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values as of the closing date of the acquisition. The excess of the fair value of the purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable assets, intangible assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.

Purchased intangibles other than goodwill are initially recognized at fair value and amortized over their useful lives unless those lives are determined to be indefinite. The valuation of acquired assets will impact future operating results. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is determined using an income approach on an individual asset basis. Specifically, we use the multi-period excess earnings method to determine the fair value of customer relationships and the relief-from-royalty approach to determine the fair value of the tradename and proprietary technology. Determining the fair value of acquired intangibles involves significant estimates and assumptions, including forecasted revenue growth rates, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margins, percentage of revenue attributable to the tradename, contributory asset charges, customer attrition rate, market-participant discount rates, the assumed royalty rates and income tax rates.

The determination of the useful life of an intangible asset other than goodwill is based on factors including historical tradename performance with respect to consumer name recognition, geographic market presence, market share, plans for ongoing tradename support and promotion, customer attrition rate and other relevant factors.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

In accordance with ASC requirements for Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, management reviews goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever market or business events indicate there may be a potential impairment of the reporting unit. Impairment losses are recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The Company’s reporting units are operating segments, or one level below operating segments when appropriate.

To evaluate the recoverability of goodwill, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. Qualitative factors include changes in volume, margin, customers and the industry. If it is deemed more likely than not that goodwill for a reporting unit is impaired, we will perform a quantitative impairment test where fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using the income approach using a discounted cash flow model based on estimates of future cash flows combined with the market approach using comparable trading and transaction multiples based on guideline public companies. We may also elect to bypass the qualitative testing and proceed directly to the quantitative testing. For the income approach, using a discounted cash flow model, we estimate the future cash flows of the reporting units to which the goodwill relates and then discount the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived discount rate. In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on management’s plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. Furthermore, our cash flow projections used to assess impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets are significantly influenced by our projection for the U.S. new home starts and home repair remodel spending, our annual operating plans finalized in the fourth quarter of each year, and our ability to execute on various planned cost reduction initiatives supporting operating income improvements. Our projection for the U.S. home products market is inherently uncertain and is subject to a number of factors, such as employment, home prices, credit availability, new home starts and the rate of home foreclosures. For the market approach, we apply comparable trading and transaction multiples based on guideline public companies to the current operating results of the reporting units to determine each reporting unit’s fair value.

The significant assumptions that are used to determine the estimated fair value of reporting units for impairment testing are forecasted revenue growth rates, operating income margins, market-participant discount rates and EBITDA multiples.

The assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the goodwill related to continuing operations tested quantitatively during the year ended December 30, 2023 were as follows:

(a)

Selected long-term revenue growth rate for the goodwill that was tested quantitatively.

A 50 basis point change in the discount rate or long-term revenue growth rate assumptions, or a decrease in multiple of 1.0 in the EBITDA multiple assumption, during the year ended December 30, 2023 would not have resulted in an impairment being recognized when estimating the fair value of our reporting unit goodwill.

Certain of our tradenames have been assigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these tradenames will contribute cash flows to the Company indefinitely. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life is appropriate. We measure the fair value of identifiable intangible assets upon acquisition and we review for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever market or business events indicate there may be a potential impairment of that intangible. Impairment losses are recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value.

We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. Qualitative factors include changes in volume, customers and the industry. If it is deemed more likely than not that an intangible asset is impaired, we will perform a quantitative impairment test. We measure fair value of our indefinite-lived tradenames using the relief-from-royalty approach which estimates the present value of royalty income that could be hypothetically earned by licensing the brand name to a third party over the remaining useful life. The significant assumptions that are used to determine the estimated fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets upon acquisition and subsequent impairment testing are forecasted revenue growth rates, the assumed royalty rates and the market-participant discount rates. Of our $520.1 million indefinite-lived tradenames, $216.9 million relate to our Water segment, $271.2 million relate to our Outdoors segment and $32.0 million relate to our Security segment as of December 30, 2023. See Note 6, “Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets,” for additional information.

During the fourth quarter of 2023, a reduction in revenue growth expectations, which were finalized during our annual planning process, led us to conclude that it was more likely than not that two indefinite-lived tradenames within our Outdoors segment were impaired. As a result of the impairment tests performed, we recorded pre-tax impairment charges of $28.0 million and $5.5 million, respectively, related to the two indefinite-lived tradenames. As of December 30, 2023, the carrying value of the tradenames were $83.0 million and $12.5 million, respectively.

The fair values of the impaired tradenames were measured using the relief-from-royalty approach, which estimates the present value of royalty income that could be hypothetically earned by licensing the tradename to a third party over its remaining useful life. Some of the more significant assumptions inherent in estimating the fair values include forecasted revenue growth rates, assumed royalty rates, and market-participant discount rates that reflect the level of risk associated with the tradenames’ future revenues and profitability. We selected the assumptions used in the financial forecasts using historical data, supplemented by current and anticipated market conditions, estimated growth rates and management plans. These assumptions represent level 3 inputs of the fair value hierarchy (refer to Note 10, "Fair Value Measurements").

The assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the tradenames tested quantitatively during the year ended December 30, 2023 were as follows:

(a)

Weighted by the relative fair value of the tradenames that were tested quantitatively.

(b)

Represents estimated percentage of sales a market-participant would pay to license the tradenames that were tested quantitatively.

(c)

Selected long-term revenue growth rate of the tradenames that were tested quantitatively.

For the indefinite-lived tradenames tested quantitatively in 2023, a 50 basis point change in the royalty rate assumption would change the fair value of those tradenames by $27.0 million; a 50 basis point change in the discount rate assumption would change the fair value of those tradenames by approximately $8.0 million; and a 50 basis point change in the long-term revenue growth rate assumption would change the fair value of those tradenames by approximately $4.0 million.

Defined Benefit Plans

We have a number of pension plans in the United States, covering many of the Company’s employees. In addition, the Company provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain retirees. Service cost for 2023 relates to benefit accruals for an hourly Union group within the defined benefit plan for our Security segment. All other benefit accruals under our defined benefit pension plans were frozen as of, or prior to, December 31, 2016.

We recognize changes in the net actuarial gains or losses in other income, net to the extent they exceed 10 percent of the greater of the fair value of pension plan assets or projected benefit obligation for each plan (the “corridor”) in earnings immediately upon remeasurement, which is at least annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Net actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from any of the assumptions used to value defined benefit plans or when assumptions change as they may each year. The primary factors contributing to actuarial gains and losses are changes in the discount rate used to value obligations as of the measurement date and the differences between expected and actual returns on pension plan assets. This accounting method results in the potential for volatile and difficult to forecast gains and losses. The pre-tax recognition of actuarial gains was $0.6 million and $1.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The total unrecognized net actuarial losses in accumulated other comprehensive income for all defined benefit plans were $35.8 million as of December 30, 2023, compared to $49.2 million as of December 31, 2022.

We record amounts relating to these defined benefit plans based on various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. We review our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current economic conditions and trends. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans are reasonable based on our experience and on advice from our independent actuaries; however, differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions may materially affect our financial condition or results of operations. The expected rate of return on plan assets is determined based on the nature of the plans’ investments, our current asset allocation and our expectations for long-term rates of return. The weighted-average long-term expected rate of return on pension plan assets for the years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was 6.1% and 4.4%, respectively.

The discount rate used to measure obligations is based on a spot-rate yield curve on a plan-by-plan basis that matches projected future benefit payments with the appropriate interest rate applicable to the timing of the projected future benefit payments. The bond portfolio used for the selection of the discount rate is from the top quartile of bonds rated by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, and includes only non-callable bonds and those that are deemed to be sufficiently marketable with a Moody’s credit rating of Aa or higher. The weighted-average discount rate for defined benefit liabilities as of December 30, 2023 and 2022 was 5.0% and 5.2%, respectively.

For the postretirement benefits obligation, our health care trend rate assumption is based on historical cost increases and expectations for long-term increases. As of December 30, 2023, for postretirement medical and prescription drugs in the next year, our assumption was an assumed rate of increase of 7.3% for pre-65 retirees and 6.9% for post-65 retirees, declining until reaching an ultimate assumed rate of increase of 4.5% per year in 2033. As of December 31, 2022, for postretirement medical and prescription drugs in the next year, our assumption was an assumed rate of increase of 5.8% for pre-65 retirees and 6.3% for post-65 retirees, declining until reaching an ultimate assumed rate of increase of 4.5% per year in 2028.

Below is a table showing pre-tax pension and postretirement expenses, including the impact of actuarial gains & losses (which include settlement losses):

Discount rates in 2023 used to determine benefit obligations decreased by an average of 20 basis points for pension benefits. Discount rates for 2023 postretirement benefits increased by an average of 20 basis points. Discount rates in 2022 used to determine benefit obligations increased by an average of 230 basis points for pension benefits. Discount rates for 2022 postretirement benefits decreased an average of 190 basis points. Our actual gain on plan assets in 2023 was 10.0% compared to an actuarial assumption of an average 6.1% expected return. Our actual loss on plan assets in 2022 was 22.6% compared to an actuarial assumption of an average 4.4% expected return. Significant actuarial losses in future periods would be expected if discount rates decline, actual returns on plan assets are lower than our expected return, or a combination of both occurs.

A 25 basis point change in our discount rate assumption would lead to an increase or decrease in our pension and postretirement liability of approximately $12 million. A 25 basis point change in the long-term rate of return on plan assets used in accounting for our pension plans would have a $1.1 million impact on pension expense. In addition, if required, actuarial gains and losses will be recorded in accordance with our defined benefit plan accounting method as previously described. It is not possible to forecast or predict whether there will be actuarial gains and losses in future periods, and if required, the magnitude of any such adjustment. These gains and losses are driven by differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions that are beyond our control, such as changes in interest rates and the actual return on pension plan assets.

Income Taxes

In accordance with ASC requirements for Income Taxes, we establish deferred tax liabilities or assets for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting basis and subsequently adjust them to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance reducing deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.

We record liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is recognition, where we evaluate whether an individual tax position has a likelihood of greater than 50% of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions that are currently estimated to have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained, no tax benefit is recorded. For tax positions that have met the recognition threshold in the first step, we perform the second step of measuring the benefit to be recorded. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from our estimates. In future periods, changes in facts, circumstances, and new information may require us to change the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and consolidated balance sheet in the period in which such changes occur. As of December 30, 2023, we had liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions totaling $25.6 million. It is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $7.7 million in the next 12 months primarily as a result of the lapse of the statute of limitations of U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes.

Customer Program Costs

Customer programs and incentives are a common practice in our businesses. Our businesses incur customer program costs to obtain favorable product placement, to promote sales of products and to maintain competitive pricing. We record estimates to reduce revenue for customer programs and incentives, which are considered variable consideration, and include price discounts, volume-based incentives, promotions and cooperative advertising when revenue is recognized in order to determine the amount of consideration the Company will ultimately be entitled to receive. These estimates are based on historical and projected experience for each type of customer. In addition, for certain customer program incentives, we receive an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration given and record the associated expenditure in selling, general and administrative expenses. Volume allowances are accrued based on management’s estimates of customer volume achievement and other factors incorporated into customer agreements, such as new products, store sell-through, merchandising support, levels of returns and customer training. Management periodically reviews accruals for these rebates and allowances, and adjusts accruals when circumstances indicate (typically as a result of a change in volume expectations).