PITNEY BOWES INC /DE/
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Pitney Bowes Inc. (we, us, our, or the company), was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1920. We are a global technology company offering innovative products and solutions that help our clients navigate the complex world of commerce. We offer customer information
management, location intelligence and customer engagement products and solutions to help our clients market to their customers, and shipping, mailing, and cross border ecommerce products and solutions that enable the sending of parcels and packages across the globe. Clients around the world rely on our products, solutions and services. For more information about us, our products, services and solutions, visit www.pb.com.
Our Strategy and Business Segments
Our business is organized around three distinct sets of solutions -- Small and Medium Business Solutions (SMB), Enterprise Business Solutions and Digital Commerce Solutions (DCS).
Small and Medium Business Solutions
We are a global leader in providing a full range of equipment, software, supplies and services that enable our clients to efficiently create physical and digital mail, evidence postage and print shipping labels for the sending of mail, flats and parcels. We segment the SMB Solutions group between our North America operations, comprising the U.S. and Canadian businesses, and our International operations, comprising all other SMB businesses globally. We are a leading provider of mailing systems globally with about 1.2 million meters installed worldwide. We are also continuing to expand our business to include online offerings without a hardware component. This business is characterized by a high level of recurring revenue driven by rental, lease and loan arrangements, contract support services and supplies sales.
Enterprise Business Solutions
Our Enterprise Business Solutions group includes equipment and services that enable large enterprises to process inbound and outbound mail. The Enterprise Business Solutions group includes our Production Mail operations and Presort Services operations.
Production Mail
Our product and service offerings enable clients to integrate all areas of print and mail into an end-to-end production environment from message creation to dispatch while realizing cost savings on postage. The core products within this segment include high-speed, high-volume inserting equipment, customized sortation products for mail and parcels and high-speed digital color printing systems that create high-value, relevant and timely communications targeted to our clients' customers. In 2017, we expect to expand our cloud connectivity solutions currently available for our inserter equipment into our print and sortation machines.
Presort Services
We are a national outsource provider of mail presort services for First-Class, Standard, flat and parcels in the U.S. and a workshare partner of the United States Postal Service (USPS). Our Presort Services network and fully-customized proprietary technology provides our clients with end-to-end solutions from pick up at their location to delivery into the postal system network. We process approximately 15 billion pieces of mail annually through our network of operating centers throughout the Unites States and are able to expedite mail delivery and optimize postage savings for our clients. In 2016, we began offering sortation services for parcel mail and expect to expand this offering in 2017.
Digital Commerce Solutions
Within the Digital Commerce Solutions group, we provide a broad range of solutions, including customer information management, location intelligence, customer engagement software and shipping management and cross border ecommerce solutions for businesses of all sizes. These solutions are delivered as traditional software licenses, enterprise platforms, software-as-a-service (SaaS) or on-demand applications. Our Digital Commerce Solutions group includes Software Solutions and Global Ecommerce.
Software Solutions
Customer information management solutions help businesses harness and develop a deep and broad understanding of their customers and their context, such as location, relationships, propensity, sentiment and influence. The trusted data and associated insights allow our clients to deliver a personalized customer experience across multiple channels, manage risk and compliance, and improve sales, marketing and service effectiveness. We are one of the market leaders in the data quality segment. Large corporations and government agencies rely on our products in complex, high-volume, transactional environments to support their business processes.
Location intelligence solutions enable our clients to organize and understand the complex relationships between location, geographic and other forms of data to drive business decisions and customer experiences. Our location intelligence solutions use predictive analytics, location, geographic and socio-demographic characteristics, which enable our clients to harness the power of location to better serve their customers, solve business problems, deliver location-based services and ultimately drive business growth.
Customer engagement solutions provide clients with insight and understanding into customer behavior and interactions across the entire customer lifecycle, enabling them to orchestrate impactful, relevant and timely physical and digital interactions. When coupled with our inserting, sortation and digital print products, we are able to provide clients an all-inclusive solution that enables them to create, print and distribute wide-spread targeted customer communications. Our customer engagement solutions enable our clients to create connected experiences that positively influence future consumer behavior and generate business growth.
Global Ecommerce
Global Ecommerce includes our cross-border ecommerce solutions and retail and warehouse shipping management solutions. Global Ecommerce provides a full suite of domestic and cross-border solutions that help businesses of all sizes conduct commerce and participate in the parcel journey from “Anywhere to Everywhere™.” It is our technology, services and industry expertise that have made us an industry leader in global commerce. We offer a unified commerce platform of capabilities for cross-border, marketplaces and shipping that center around the consumer. With our proprietary technology, we are able to manage all aspects of the international shopping and shipping experience, including multi-currency pricing, payment processing, fraud management, calculation of fully landed costs by quoting duty, taxes and shipping at checkout, compliance with product restrictions, export complexities and documentation requirements for customs clearance and brokerage and global logistics services. Our cross-border ecommerce software platforms are currently utilized by direct merchants as well as a major online marketplace enabling millions of parcels to be shipped to countries and territories worldwide. Our platform also connects retailers to marketplaces around the world, opening new markets and expanding existing markets for their goods.
Our shipping management solutions enable clients to reduce transportation and logistics costs, to select the best carrier based on need and cost, to improve delivery times and to track packages in real-time. Our Shipping API technology, an integral part of the Pitney Bowes Commerce Cloud, provides easy access to shipping and tracking services that can be easily integrated into any web application such as online shopping carts or ecommerce sites. We also offer scalable shipping solutions that can be integrated into mail centers for the office market.
See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional segment and geographic information.
Client Service
We have a client care service organization that provides telephone, online and on-site support to diagnose and repair our increasingly complex mailing equipment, production printers and sophisticated software solutions. Most of our support services are provided under annual contracts.
Sales and Marketing
We market our products and services through a direct and inside sales force, direct mailings, telemarketing, independent dealers and distributors and web channels. We sell to a variety of business, governmental, institutional and other organizations, and in our Ecommerce business only, we also sell to consumers. We have a broad base of clients and are not dependent upon any one client or type of client for a significant part of our total revenue.
We have made, and are continuing to make significant investments in the rebranding of the company. These investments include marketing and advertising designed to build market awareness and client demand for our products and services, and enhance our operational and go-to-market changes, including how we sell to and service clients.
Competition
All of our businesses face competition from a number of companies. Our competitors range from large, multinational companies that compete against many of our businesses to smaller, more narrowly focused regional and local firms. We compete on the basis of technology and innovation; breadth of product offerings; our ability to design and tailor solutions to specific client needs; performance; client service and support; price; quality and brand.
We must continue to invest in our current technologies, products and solutions, and in the development of new technologies, products and solutions in order to maintain and improve our competitive position. We will encounter new competitors as we transition to higher value markets and offerings and enter new markets.
A summary of the competitive environment for each of our business segments is as follows:
North America Mailing and International Mailing
We face significant competition from other mail equipment and software companies, companies that offer products and services as alternative means of message communications and non-traditional competitors that offer shipping and mailing products and services through online solutions. The principal competitive factors include the composition of offerings between software and hardware solutions, pricing, available financing and payment offerings, product reliability, support services, industry knowledge and expertise and attractiveness of alternative communication methods. Our competitive advantage includes our breadth of physical and web-based digital offerings, customer service and our extensive knowledge of the shipping and mailing industry.
Through our wholly owned subsidiary, The Pitney Bowes Bank (the Bank), we offer a revolving credit solution to our clients in the United States that enables them to pay for postage, the rental of certain mailing equipment and purchase products, supplies and services. The Bank also provides an interest-bearing deposit solution to those clients in the United States who prefer to prepay postage. We also provide similar revolving credit solutions to our clients in Canada and the U.K. but do not offer these through the Bank. Our financing operations face competition, in varying degrees, from large, diversified financial institutions, including leasing companies, commercial finance companies and commercial banks, as well as small, specialized firms. Not all our competitors are able to offer these financing and payment solutions to their customers and we believe these solutions differentiate us from our competitors and are a source of competitive advantage. The Bank is chartered as an Industrial Bank under the laws of the State of Utah, and regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions.
Production Mail
We face competition from other companies that offer large production printers, inserters or sorters. We also face competition from the fact that some companies choose to outsource although those outsource providers can also be our customers. Our primary competitive advantage lies in our ability to offer all of these products and services and integrate them into an end-to-end solution. The principal competitive factors include functionality, reliability, productivity, price and support.
Presort Services
We face competition from regional and local presort providers and service bureaus that offer presort solutions as part of a larger bundle of outsourcing services, and large entities that have the capability to presort their own mailings in-house. The principal competitive factors include innovative service, delivery speed, industry expertise and economies of scale. Our competitive advantage includes our extensive network of presort facilities capable of processing significant volumes of mail and our innovative and proprietary technology that enables us to provide our clients with reliable and accurate services at maximum discounts.
Software Solutions
We operate in several highly competitive and rapidly evolving markets and face competition ranging from large global companies that offer a broad suite of solutions to smaller, more narrowly-focused companies that can design very targeted solutions. The principal competitive factors include reliability, functionality, ease of integration and use, scalability, innovation, support services and price. We compete based on the accuracy and processing speed of our solutions, particularly those used in our location intelligence solutions, the breadth and scalability of our products and solutions, our geocoding and reverse geocoding capabilities, and our ability to identify rapidly changing customer needs and develop technologies and solutions to meet these changing needs.
Global Ecommerce
The market for international ecommerce software and fulfillment services is highly fragmented and includes competitors of various sizes, including companies with greater financial resources than us. Some of these competitors specialize in point solutions or freight forwarding services, are full-service ecommerce business process outsourcers and online marketplaces with international logistic support, or major global delivery services companies. The principal competitive factors include reliability, functionality, ease of integration and use, scalability of our platform and our logistics services, innovation, support services and price. We compete based on the accuracy, reliability and scalability of our platform, and our ability to provide our clients and their customers a one-stop full-service cross border ecommerce experience. In our shipping solutions business, we compete with a wide range of technology providers who help make shipping easier and more cost-effective for the retailer, warehouse, or office shipper. There are established players in the marketplace who are set-up to compete against their client base. The remainder of the shipping market is very fragmented with many small companies offering negotiated carrier rates (primarily with the USPS). The principal competitive factors include technology stability and reliability, innovation, access to preferred shipping rates, and ease of integration with existing systems.
Financing Solutions
We offer a variety of finance and payment solutions to clients to finance their equipment and product purchases, rental and lease payments, postage replenishment and supplies purchases. As our other product and service offerings evolve, we continually evaluate whether there are appropriate financing solutions for us to offer our clients. We establish credit approval limits and procedures based on the credit quality of the client and the type of product or service provided to control risk in extending credit to clients. In addition, we utilize a systematic decision program for certain leases. This program is designed to facilitate low dollar transactions by utilizing historical payment patterns and losses realized for clients with common credit characteristics. The program defines the criteria under which we will accept a client without performing a more detailed credit investigation, such as maximum equipment cost, a client's time in business and payment experience.
We closely monitor the portfolio by analyzing industry sectors and delinquency trends by product line, industry and client to ensure reserve levels and credit policies reflect current trends. Management continues to closely monitor credit lines and collection resources and revise credit policies as necessary to be more selective in managing the portfolio.
Research, Development and Intellectual Property
We invest in research and development programs to develop new products and solutions, enhance the effectiveness and functionality of existing products and solutions and deliver high value technology, innovative software and differentiated services in high value segments of the market. As a result of our research and development efforts, we have been awarded a number of patents with respect to several of our existing and planned products. The continued evolution of patent law and the nature of our innovation work may affect the number of patents we are able to receive for our internal development efforts. However, our businesses are not materially dependent on any one patent or license or group of related patents or licenses. Research and development expenditures were $121 million in 2016 and $110 million, in both 2015 and 2014.
Material Suppliers
We depend on third-party suppliers for a variety of services, components, supplies and a large portion of our product manufacturing. In certain instances, we rely on single-sourced or limited-sourced suppliers around the world because the relationship is advantageous due to quality, price, or there are no alternative sources. We have not historically experienced shortages in services, components or products and believe that our available sources for materials, components, services and supplies are adequate.
Regulatory Matters
We are subject to the regulations of postal authorities worldwide related to product specifications and business practices involving our postage meters. We are further subject to the regulations of the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC with respect to the operations of the Bank and certain company affiliates that provide services to the Bank. We are also subject to the regulations of transportation, customs and other trade authorities worldwide related to the cross-border shipment of equipment, materials and parcels. In addition, we are subject to regulations worldwide concerning data privacy and security for our businesses that use, process and store certain personal, confidential or proprietary data.
Employees and Employee Relations
At December 31, 2016, we have approximately 14,200 employees worldwide. We believe that we maintain strong relationships with our employees. Management keeps employees informed of decisions and encourages and implements employee suggestions whenever practicable.
Available Information
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments thereto filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), are available, free of charge, through the Investor Relations section of our website at www.pb.com/investorrelations or from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The other information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.
You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 or request copies of these documents by writing to the Office of Public Reference. Call the SEC at (800) 732-0330 for further information on the operations of the Public Reference Room and copying charges.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Our executive officers are as follows:
Name
Age
Title
Executive
Officer Since
Marc B. Lautenbach
President and Chief Executive Officer
Daniel J. Goldstein
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
Robert Guidotti
Executive Vice President and President, Software Solutions
Abby F. Kohnstamm
Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
Michael Monahan
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Roger J. Pilc
Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer
Mark L. Shearer
Executive Vice President and President, Pitney Bowes SMB Mailing Solutions
Lila Snyder
Executive Vice President and President, Global Ecommerce
Christoph Stehmann
Executive Vice President and President, Enterprise Solutions Group
Stanley J. Sutula III
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1)
Johnna G. Torsone
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
(1) Effective February 1, 2017, Mr. Sutula assumed the responsibilities of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that date, Mr. Monahan had the responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer.
There are no family relationships among the above officers. All of the officers have served in various executive positions with the company for at least the past five years except as described below:
Mr. Lautenbach was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the company in December 2012. Before joining Pitney Bowes, Mr. Lautenbach held numerous positions during his career at IBM, which he joined in 1985. His leadership roles at IBM included serving as Vice President Small and Medium Business in Asia Pacific from 1998-2000, General Manager of IBM Global Small and Medium Business from 2000-2005, General Manager of IBM North America from 2005-2010, and Managing Partner, North America, for IBM Global Business Services from 2010-2012.
Mr. Guidotti was appointed Executive Vice President and President, Software Solutions in January 2016. Before joining Pitney Bowes, Mr. Guidotti has been in the software industry for over 20 years and held a series of executive positions at IBM including General Manager, Software Sales where he was responsible for sales, technical sales, and channels for the $23 billion Software portfolio worldwide.
Ms. Kohnstamm joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer in June 2013. Before joining Pitney Bowes, Ms. Kohnstamm served as President of Abby F. Kohnstamm & Associates, Inc., a marketing and consulting firm.
Mr. Pilc joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer in June 2013. Before joining Pitney Bowes, Mr. Pilc served as General Manager at CA Technologies, where he was responsible for the company’s Industries, Solutions and Alliances unit.
Mr. Shearer joined the company as Executive Vice President and President, Pitney Bowes SMB Mailing Solutions in April 2013. Before joining Pitney Bowes, Mr. Shearer held numerous positions during his 30 year career at IBM, including general management, business and product strategy, and marketing. Before his retirement from IBM in 2010, he served as Vice President, Marketing and Strategy for IBM’s hardware business.
Ms. Snyder was elected to the office of Executive Vice President by the board of directors in January 2016. She joined the company in November 2013 as President, Document Messaging Technologies (DMT) and became President, Global Ecommerce in June 2015. Prior to joining Pitney Bowes, Ms. Snyder was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, Inc. In her 15 years at McKinsey, she focused on serving clients in the technology, media and communications sectors and was the leader of McKinsey's Stamford office.
Mr. Sutula joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2017. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Sutula was employed at IBM for 28 years where he held several leadership positions in the United States and in Europe. Most recently, Mr. Sutula was Vice President and Controller.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our operations face certain risks that should be considered in evaluating our business. We manage and mitigate these risks on a proactive basis, including through the use of an enterprise risk management program. Nevertheless, the following risk factors, some of which may be beyond our control, could materially impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, brand and reputation, and may cause future results to be materially different than our current expectations. These risk factors are not intended to be all inclusive.
We are subject to postal regulations and processes, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability.
A significant portion of our revenue and profitability is directly or indirectly subject to regulation and oversight by postal authorities worldwide. We depend on a healthy postal sector in the geographic markets where we do business, which could be influenced positively or negatively by legislative or regulatory changes in those countries. Our revenue and profitability in a particular country could be affected by adverse changes in postal regulations, the business processes and practices of individual posts, the decision of a post to enter into particular markets in direct competition with us and the impact of any of these changes on postal competitors that do not use our products or services. These changes could affect product specifications, service offerings, client behavior and the overall mailing industry.
If we are not able to respond to the continuing decline in the volume of physical mail delivered via traditional postal services, our results of operations and profitability could be adversely impacted.
Declining mail volumes has had an adverse impact on our revenues and profitability and is expected to continue to influence our revenue and profitability in the future. We continue to employ strategies for stabilizing the mailing business which include new product and service offerings, transitioning our current products and services to more digital offerings and providing our clients broader access to products and services through online and direct sales channels. There is no guarantee that these offerings will be widely accepted in the marketplace, and they will likely face competition from existing and emerging alternative products and services.
Further, an accelerated or sudden decline in physical mail volumes could have an adverse effect on our mailing business. An accelerated or sudden decline could result from, among other things, changes in our clients' communication behavior, changes in communication technologies or legislation or regulations that mandate electronic substitution, prohibit certain types of mailings, increase the difficulty of using information or materials in the mail, or impose higher taxes or fees on mailing or postal services.
If we are not successful at meeting the continuing challenges faced in our mailing business, or if physical mail volumes were to experience an accelerated or sudden decline, our financial results could be negatively impacted.
If we are unable to protect our information technology systems against service interruptions, misappropriation of data, or breaches of security resulting from cyberattacks or other events, or we encounter other unforeseen difficulties in the operation of our information technology systems, our operations could be disrupted, our reputation may be harmed and we could be subject to legal liability or regulatory enforcement action.
We rely on the continuous and uninterrupted performance of our information technology systems to support numerous business processes and activities, to support and service our clients, to support consumer transactions and to support postal services. Several of our businesses use, process and store proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data relating to our businesses, our clients, consumers and our employees. Privacy laws and similar regulations in many jurisdictions where we do business require that we take significant steps to safeguard such information, and such legal requirements continue to evolve. In today's environment there are numerous risks to cybersecurity and privacy, including individual and groups of criminal hackers, industrial espionage, employee errors and/or malfeasance and technological errors. These cyber threats are constantly evolving, thereby increasing the difficulty of detecting and successfully defending against them. We have security systems and procedures in place designed to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted performance of our information technology systems and protect against unauthorized access to such information. However, there is no guarantee that these security measures will prevent or detect the unauthorized access by experienced computer programmers, hackers or others. Successful breaches could, among other things, result in the unauthorized disclosure, theft and misuse of company, client, consumer and employee sensitive and confidential information, disrupt the performance of our information technology systems and deny services to our clients. Additionally, we could be exposed to potential liability, litigation, governmental inquiries, investigations or regulatory enforcement actions, our brand and reputation damaged, and we could be subject to the payment of fines or other penalties, legal claims by our clients and significant remediation costs.
Our systems are also subject to adverse acts of nature, computer viruses, vandalism, power loss, computer or communications failures and other unexpected events. We have business continuity and disaster recovery plans in place to protect our business operations in case of such events; however, there can be no guarantee that these plans will function as designed. If our information technology systems are damaged or cease to function properly, we could be prevented from fulfilling orders and servicing clients and postal services. Also, we
may have to make a significant investment to repair or replace these systems, and could suffer loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our operations.
We depend on third-party suppliers and outsource providers and our business could be adversely affected if we fail to manage these vendors effectively.
We depend on third-party suppliers and outsource providers for a variety of services, components and supplies, including a large portion of our product manufacturing, the hosting of our software-as-a-service offerings, as well as the logistics portion of our cross-border ecommerce business, and some non-core functions and operations. In certain instances, we rely on single-sourced or limited-sourced suppliers and outsourcing vendors around the world because doing so is advantageous due to quality, price or lack of alternative sources. If production or services were interrupted and we were not able to find alternate third-party suppliers, we could experience disruptions in manufacturing and operations including product shortages, higher freight costs and re-engineering costs. If outsourcing services were interrupted, not performed, or the performance was poor, our ability to process, record and report transactions with our clients, consumers and other constituents could be impacted. Such interruptions in the provision of supplies and/or services could impact our ability to meet client demand, damage our reputation and client relationships and adversely affect our revenue and profitability.
Capital market disruptions and credit rating downgrades could adversely affect our ability to provide competitive financing services to our clients and to fund various discretionary priorities.
Our financing activities include, among other things, providing competitive financing offerings to our clients and funding various discretionary priorities, such as business investments, strategic acquisitions, share repurchases and dividend payments. We fund these activities through a combination of cash generated from operations, deposits held in the Bank, commercial paper borrowings and long-term borrowings.
Our ability to fund these activities is dependent, in part, upon our ability to borrow and the cost of borrowing in U.S. capital markets. This ability and the cost, in turn, is dependent upon our credit ratings and is subject to capital market volatility. Credit rating downgrades, an increase in our credit default swap spread, material capital market disruptions, significant withdrawals by depositors at the Bank, adverse changes to our industrial loan charter or a significant decline in cash flow could impact our ability to provide competitive finance offerings to our clients and fund other financing activities, which in turn, could adversely affect our revenue, profitability and financial condition.
The international nature of our Global Ecommerce business subjects us to increased customs and regulatory risks from cross-border transactions, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Further, the loss of any of our largest clients in our Global Ecommerce segment could have a material adverse effect on the segment.
International sales generated by our clients processing transactions through our platform are the primary source of both revenue and profit for the Global Ecommerce segment. Our Global Ecommerce segment is subject to significant trade regulations, taxes, and duties throughout the world. Any changes to these regulations could potentially impose increased documentation and delivery requirements, increase costs, delay delivery times, and subject us to additional liabilities, which could negatively impact our ability to compete in international markets and adversely impact our revenues and profitability.
The operating results of, and sales generated from, many of our clients’ internationally focused websites running on our platform are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Currently, our platforms are located in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia and a majority of consumers making purchases through these platforms are in a limited number of foreign countries. A strengthening of the U.S. Dollar or British Pound relative to currencies in the countries where we do the most business impacts our ability to compete internationally as the cost of similar international products improves relative to the cost of U.S. and U.K. retailers' products. A strong U.S. Dollar or British Pound would likely result in a decrease in international sales volumes, which would adversely affect the segment's revenue and profitability.
The Global Ecommerce segment is dependent on a relatively small number of significant clients and business partners for a large portion of its revenue. The loss of any of these larger clients or business partners, or a substantial reduction in their use of our products or services, could have a material adverse effect on the revenue and profitability of the segment. There can be no assurance that our larger clients and business partners will continue to utilize our products or services at current levels, or that we would be able to replace any of these clients or business partners with others who can generate revenue at current levels.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be negatively impacted by conditions abroad, including local economies, political environments and fluctuating foreign currencies.
A portion of our revenue is generated from operations outside the United States. Our future revenues, costs and results of operations could be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as well as by a number of other factors, including changes in economic conditions from country to country, changes in a country's political conditions, trade protection measures, licensing requirements, local tax issues, capitalization and other related legal matters. We generally hedge foreign currency denominated transactions primarily through the use of currency derivative contracts. The use of derivative contracts is intended to mitigate or reduce transactional level volatility in
the results of foreign operations, but does not completely eliminate volatility. We do not hedge the translation effect of international revenues and expenses, which are denominated in currencies other than our U.S. parent functional currency.
Our inability to obtain and protect our intellectual property and defend against claims of infringement by others may negatively impact our operating results.
Our business success depends in part upon protecting our intellectual property rights, including proprietary technology developed or obtained through acquisitions. We rely on copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets and other intellectual property laws to establish and protect our proprietary rights. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our competitive position may suffer which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability. The continued evolution of patent law and the nature of our innovation work may affect the number of patents we are able to receive for our internal development efforts.
From time to time, third-parties may claim that we, our clients, or our suppliers, have infringed their intellectual property rights. These claims, if successful, may require us to redesign affected products, enter into costly settlement or license agreements, pay damage awards, or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from marketing or selling certain products.
If we fail to comply with government contracting regulations, our operating results, brand name and reputation could suffer.
We have a significant number of contracts with governmental entities. Government contracts are subject to extensive and complex procurement laws and regulations, along with regular audits and investigations by government agencies. If one or more government agencies discovers instances of contractual noncompliance in the course of an audit or investigation, we may be subject to various civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, which could include the termination of the contract, reimbursement of payments received, fines and debarment from doing business with one or more governments. Any of these events could not only affect us financially, but also adversely affect our brand and reputation.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits from our implementation of a new enterprise business platform, and the transition to the new enterprise business platform may not be uninterrupted or error-free.
We have made significant investments in the development and implementation of a new enterprise business platform that is expected to provide operating cost savings through the elimination of redundant systems and strategic efficiencies through the use of a standardized, integrated system. We implemented this platform for our Canadian operations in the fourth quarter of 2015, and completed the implementation of this system for our U.S. operations in the second quarter of 2016. We experienced temporary sales productivity and business disruptions from the implementations in Canada and the United States; however, material disruptions are not expected going forward.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits of strategic acquisitions and divestitures, which may harm our financial results.
As we look for opportunities to invest in strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and market share gains while maintaining a leadership role in the mailing industry, we may make strategic acquisitions or divest certain businesses. These acquisitions and divestitures may involve significant risks and uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results, including:
•
difficulties in achieving anticipated benefits or synergies from acquisitions and divestitures;
•
difficulties in integrating newly acquired businesses and operations, including combining product and service offerings and entering new markets, or reducing fixed costs previously associated with divested businesses;
•
the loss of key employees or clients of businesses acquired or divested; and
•
significant charges to earnings for employee severance and other restructuring costs, goodwill and asset impairments and legal, accounting and financial advisory fees.
Our investment in rebranding the company and enhancing marketing programs to build the market awareness necessary to create demand for our businesses may not result in increased revenue and could adversely affect our profitability.
Our brand strategy and identity are important to our global business transformation. Our phased roll-out of the new branding through advertising campaigns is integrated into the way we sell and service clients and acquire new clients, including sales collateral and the digital experience of getting information, service performance and transacting on our website. These factors are important to maintaining acceptance of our products and services by our existing clients and achieving increased acceptance with new clients. We expect continued spending in brand development and marketing promotion activities and if this increased spending does not result in increased revenue sufficient to offset these expenses, our profitability could be adversely affected.
Our operational costs could increase from changes in environmental regulations, or we could be subject to significant liabilities.
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental protection laws and regulations around the world, including without limitation, those related to the manufacture, distribution, use, packaging, labeling, recycling or disposal of our products or the products of our clients for whom we perform services. Environmental rules concerning products and packaging can have a significant impact on the cost of operations or affect our ability to do business in certain countries. We are also subject to laws concerning use, discharge or disposal of materials. All of these laws are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time.
If we are found to have violated these laws, we could be fined, criminally charged, otherwise sanctioned by regulators, or we could be subject to liability and clean-up costs. These risk can apply to both current and legacy operations and sites. From time to time, we may be involved in litigation over these issues. The amount and timing of costs under environmental laws are difficult to predict and there can be no assurance that these costs will not have an adverse effect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We own or lease numerous facilities worldwide, which house general offices, including our corporate headquarters located in Stamford, Connecticut, sales offices, service locations, data centers and call centers. We conduct research and development, manufacturing and assembly, product management, information technology and many other activities at our Global Technology Center located in Danbury, Connecticut. Our other primary research and development facilities are located in Noida and Pune, India. Management believes that our facilities are well maintained, are in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for our current business needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. These may involve litigation by or against us relating to, among other things, contractual rights under vendor, insurance or other contracts; intellectual property or patent rights; equipment, service, payment or other disputes with clients; or disputes with employees. Some of these actions may be brought as a purported class action on behalf of a purported class of employees, clients or others.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is traded under the symbol "PBI" and is principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). At January 31, 2017, we had 16,276 common stockholders of record. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices, as reported on the NYSE, and the cash dividends paid per share of common stock, for the periods indicated.
Share Repurchases
We may periodically repurchase shares of our common stock to manage the dilution created by shares issued under employee stock plans and for other purposes. For the full year 2016, we repurchased 10,454,835 shares of our common stock at an average share price of $18.51. During the fourth quarter of 2016 we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock. We have remaining Board authorization to repurchase up to $21 million of our common stock.
Stock Performance Graph
We revised our peer group from last year to exclude companies that were no longer a strong fit from a business perspective and included companies that are better aligned with our diverse business portfolio.
The new peer group is comprised of: Alliance Data Systems Corporation, Deluxe Corporation, Diebold, Incorporated, EchoStar Corp., Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., Fiserv, Inc., NCR Corp., NetApp Inc., Pitney Bowes Inc., R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, Rockwell Automation Inc., Teradata Corp., Unisys Corporation, The Western Union Company and Xerox Corporation.
The old peer group was comprised of: Alliance Data Systems Corporation, Diebold, Incorporated, DST Systems Inc., EchoStar Corp., Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., Fiserv, Inc., Harris Corporation, Iron Mountain Inc., Lexmark International Inc., NCR Corp., Pitney Bowes Inc., R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, Rockwell Automation Inc., Unisys Corporation, The Western Union Company and Xerox Corporation.
The accompanying graph shows the annual change in the value of a $100 investment in Pitney Bowes Inc., the Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500 Composite Index, the new peer group and the old peer group over a five-year period assuming the reinvestment of dividends. On a total return basis, a $100 investment on December 31, 2011 in Pitney Bowes Inc., the S&P 500 Composite Index, the old peer group and the new peer group would have been worth $108, $198, $207, and $175, respectively, on December 31, 2016.
All information is based upon data independently provided to us by Standard & Poor's Corporation and is derived from their official total return calculation. Total return for the S&P 500 Composite Index and each peer group is based on market capitalization, weighted for each year. The stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table of selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the more detailed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(1)
The sum of earnings per share may not equal the totals due to rounding.
(2) Certain prior year amounts have been revised to conform to current year presentation.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections and involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from those currently expressed in our forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those factors described under "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" contained elsewhere in this Annual Report. All table amounts are presented in thousands of dollars, unless otherwise stated.
Overview
During 2016, we continued to execute on our strategic priorities to stabilize and reinvent our mail business, drive operational excellence and grow our business through digital commerce. We made acquisitions in our strategic businesses and exited certain markets (Market Exits) as part of our initiative to simplify our geographic footprint. We launched an advertising campaign to reintroduce the Pitney Bowes brand and continued to introduce new products including the Pitney Bowes Commerce Cloud, which helps our clients identify customers, locate new sales opportunities, communicate with their existing and prospective customers, power shipping globally and manage payments for mailing and shipping. Additionally, we continued to build our partner channels particularly in the software business.
During the year, we deployed our new enterprise business platform in the United States, which is one of the productivity initiatives to drive operational excellence. As a result of the conversion process and required sales and support training, we experienced reduced productivity and lost sales, which adversely impacted equipment sales and stream revenues.
Financial Highlights
Revenue -2016 compared to 2015
Revenue for 2016 decreased 5% to $3,407 million compared to $3,578 million in 2015. Of this decrease, 1% is attributable to foreign currency translation and 1% to Market Exits.
•
Equipment sales declined 3%, supplies revenues declined 9%, software revenue declined 10%, rentals revenue declined 7%, financing income declined 11% and support services revenue declined 8%. Business services revenue increased 3%, partially offsetting these declines.
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Within SMB, North America Mailing revenue was down 6% and International Mailing revenue was down 9%. In total, SMB revenue decreased 7% on a reported basis and 6% excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and Market Exists.
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Within Enterprise Business Solutions, Production Mail revenue decreased 4% and Presort revenue was flat. In total, Enterprise Business Solutions revenue decreased 2% on a reported basis and was flat excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation and Market Exists.
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Within DCS, Global Ecommerce revenue increased 18%, but was partially offset by a 10% decrease in Software Solutions revenue. In total, DCS revenue increased 4% on a reported basis and 6% excluding the impacts of foreign currency translation.
Net Income
Net income and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for 2016 were $93 million and $0.49, respectively, compared to $408 million and $2.03, respectively, for 2015. The decrease in net income was primarily due to the $111 million gain on the sale of Imagitas in 2015, and a $171 million goodwill impairment charge related to our Software Solutions reporting unit, lower revenue and gross margin, and higher restructuring and asset impairment charges, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses in 2016.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 increased $124 million compared to December 31, 2015. Sources and uses of cash include:
Sources:
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Generated cash from operations of $491 million;
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Increased net long-term borrowings by $524 million;
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Cash from investment activities of $75 million; and
•
Received $18 million for the sale of assets;
Uses:
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Redeemed preferred stock of subsidiary for $300 million;
•
Spent $197 million to repurchase our common stock;
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Spent $161 million on capital expenditures;
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Paid dividends of $141 million to our common stockholders and $19 million to noncontrolling interests;
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Repaid $90 million of commercial paper borrowings; and
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Acquired Enroute and Maponics for an aggregate $38 million.
Outlook
We anticipate that the introduction of new products and digital capabilities, the implementation of the new enterprise business platform, and incremental marketing will continue to provide long term benefits. We expect to see on-going cost-savings through the benefits of our restructuring actions and our new enterprise business platform. This will be offset, in part, by the normalization of variable compensation compared to 2016.
Within SMB Solutions, we anticipate that the introduction of new solutions and digital capabilities, particularly those included in the Pitney Bowes Commerce Cloud, will help further stabilize revenue over the long-term. In addition we plan to introduce technology upgrades to our meters later in 2017. We do not anticipate further significant disruption in sales productivity from the implementation of our enterprise platform, and expect to continue realizing the benefits from this platform. Internationally, we anticipate further stabilizing financial results from cost savings initiatives and rationalization of our geographic footprint.
Within Enterprise Business Solutions, we anticipate revenue and profitability growth in Presort Services due to network expansion and the January 2017 USPS rate change, which creates a greater incentive for high volume mailers to leverage our solutions. We expect that Production Mail revenue growth will continue to be challenged by consolidation and outsourcing pressures on services revenue.
Within DCS, we continue to build our partner channel in Software Solutions by adding new regional systems integrators and location intelligence partners. We continue to invest in expanding the indirect channel and training partner sales and technical resources. Although it takes time for a partner program to add significantly to our revenue, we do anticipate additional revenue from our partner channel in 2017. We continue to focus on improving direct sales effectiveness to grow the license revenue pipeline and have made changes to the sales organization structure to expedite this improvement. We anticipate continued growth in our ecommerce business with our existing marketplace sites (sites where multiple sellers sell) and individual retail clients, new client acquisition and expanded service offerings. A strong U.S. dollar could continue to affect demand for U.S. goods sold to customers in other countries, but such an impact could continue to be mitigated by the effects of a weakened British Pound on sales of U.K. goods to customers in other countries. We continue to expand and globalize our cross-border ecommerce offerings, including the successful launch of our cross-border platform for Australian retail clients, which diversifies the business and helps to mitigate foreign currency risk.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue by source and the related cost of revenue are shown in the following tables:
The discussion below refers to revenue growth on a constant currency basis to exclude the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates since the prior period under comparison. Constant currency measures are intended to help investors better understand the underlying revenue performance of the business excluding the impacts of shifts in currency exchange rates over the period. Constant currency is calculated by converting our current quarter reported revenue using the prior year’s exchange rate for the comparable quarter.
Equipment sales
Equipment sales decreased 3% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, equipment sales decreased 2% primarily due to:
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3% from lower mailing equipment sales in North America, due in part to sales disruption during the second quarter from the platform cut-over; and
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1% from Market Exits; partially offset by
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2% from higher sales in our production mail business, primarily due to higher installations of sorter, inserter and print equipment.
Cost of equipment sales as a percentage of equipment sales revenue increased to 49.1% compared to 47.5% in 2015 primarily due to product mix.
Equipment sales decreased 10% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, equipment sales decreased 5% primarily due to:
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3% from international mailing equipment sales primarily due to difficult economic circumstances and productivity disruptions caused by the implementation of our go-to-market strategy in Europe;
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1% from lower sales of production mail equipment worldwide; and
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1% from lower sales in North America due to the continuing trend of clients to extend existing leases rather than purchase new equipment.
Cost of equipment sales as a percentage of equipment sales revenue of 47.6% was comparable from 2015 to 2014.
Supplies
Supplies sales decreased 9% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, supplies revenue decreased 7% primarily due to:
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4% from lower North America mailing supplies sales;
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1% from lower international mailing supplies, primarily in the U.K. and France;
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1% from lower sales in our production mail business; and
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1% from Market Exits.
Cost of supplies as a percentage of supplies revenue increased slightly to 31.0% in 2016 compared to 30.8% in 2015 primarily due to lower revenue and sales productivity issues.
Supplies sales decreased 4% in 2015 compared to 2014, On a constant currency basis, supplies revenue increased 2% primarily due to:
•
1% from our worldwide mailing businesses primarily due to productivity improvements and pricing actions; and
•
1% from higher sales of supplies for production printers.
Cost of supplies as a percentage of supplies revenue improved to 30.8% in 2015 compared to 31.2% in 2014 primarily due to a greater mix of higher margin core supplies.
Software
Software revenue decreased 10% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, software revenue decreased 7% primarily due to a worldwide decline in licensing revenue. License revenue from our Customer Engagement and our Location Intelligence software offerings declined but were partly offset by growth in the Customer Information Management software license revenue. Cost of software as a percentage of software revenue increased to 30.4% in 2016 compared to 29.4% in 2015 primarily due to the decline in high-margin licensing revenue.
Software revenue decreased 10% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, software revenue decreased 5% in primarily due to:
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4% from more significant licensing deals in 2014 compared to 2015; and
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1% from declines in maintenance, data and services revenue.
Cost of software as a percentage of software revenue increased to 29.4% in 2015 compared to 28.8% in 2014 primarily due to declines in high-margin licensing revenue.
Rentals
Rentals revenue decreased 7% in 2016 compared to 2015 and 9% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, rentals revenue decreased 6% in both periods. These decreases are primarily due to a reduction in the number of installed meters worldwide and the continuing shift by certain customers to less-featured, lower cost machines.
Cost of rentals as a percentage of rentals revenue improved from 20.1% in 2014 to 19.1% in 2015 and to 18.4% in 2016 primarily due to lower depreciation.
Financing
Financing revenue decreased 11% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, financing revenue decreased 10% primarily due to lower mailing equipment sales in prior periods, a declining lease portfolio and lower financing fees as a result of proactive waivers to allow clients to adjust to new billing formats and timing of invoices being sent as a result of the platform cutover.
Financing revenue decreased 5% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, financing revenue decreased 2% as a result of lower equipment sales in prior periods and a declining lease portfolio.
We allocate a portion of our total cost of borrowing to financing interest expense. In computing financing interest expense, we assume an 8:1 debt to equity leverage ratio (10:1 in 2015 and 2014) and apply our overall effective interest rate to the average outstanding finance receivables. Finance interest expense decreased 23% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to a decline in our overall effective interest rate and lower average outstanding finance receivables. Finance interest expense decreased 9% in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower average outstanding finance receivables. Financing interest expense as a percentage of financing revenue was 15.1% in 2016, 17.5% in 2015 and 18.1% in 2014.
Support Services
Support services revenue decreased 8% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 7% primarily due to:
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2% from lower maintenance revenue on production mail equipment as some in-house mailers moved their mail processing to third-party service bureaus who service some of their own equipment;
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2% from the worldwide decline in the number of mailing machines in service and shift to less-featured, lower cost machines; and
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2% from Market Exits.
Cost of support services as a percentage of support services revenue improved to 57.7% in 2016 compared to 58.2% in 2015 primarily due to expense reductions and productivity initiatives.
Support services revenue decreased 11% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 7%, primarily due to:
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5% from lower maintenance contracts on production mail equipment as some in-house mailers moved their mail processing to third-party service bureaus who service some of their own equipment; and
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2% from Market Exits.
Cost of support services as a percentage of support services revenue improved to 58.2% in 2015 compared to 60.3% in 2014 primarily due to expense reductions and productivity initiatives.
Business Services
Business services revenue increased 3% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 4%; however, excluding the revenue in 2015 from our Imagitas business, which was sold in May 2015, business services revenue increased 11% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to:
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10% from growth in our Ecommerce business from the expansion of our U.S. and U.K. cross-border marketplace business and retail network, including a full year of operations of Borderfree (acquired June 2015); and
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1% from higher shipping solutions services.
Cost of business services as a percentage of business services revenue increased to 68.7% in 2016 and compared to 68.1% in 2015, primarily due to higher mail processing costs in the presort business.
Business services revenue increased 3% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 3%. Business Services revenue for 2015 was impacted by the sale of Imagitas in May 2015 and the acquisition of Borderfree in June 2015. Excluding the impacts of these transactions, business services revenue increased 5% primarily due to:
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4% from additional volumes of packages shipped from our U.K. outbound cross-border service facility; and
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2% from higher volumes of mail processed in Presort Services.
Cost of business services as a percentage of business services revenue improved to 68.1% in 2015 and compared to 70% in 2014, primarily due to operational efficiencies in Presort Services and higher revenue.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A)
SG&A expense decreased 6% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to lower salaries and benefits expense from our prior restructuring actions, lower annual variable compensation costs of $36 million, benefits from the new enterprise business platform of $28 million, loan forgiveness income of $10 million (see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), a favorable sales tax adjustment of $5 million and other productivity and cost-saving initiatives. SG&A expense in 2015 also included a one-time compensation charge of $10 million related to the acquisition of Borderfree.
SG&A expense decreased 7% in 2015 compared to 2014 despite expenses of $13 million associated with implementation of our enterprise business platform, a one-time compensation charge of $10 million for the accelerated vesting and settlement of Borderfree stock-based compensation awards, additional amortization expense of $9 million related to the acquisition of Borderfree and costs of $5 million related to the exit of certain geographic markets during the fourth quarter of 2015. The overall decrease in SG&A expense is primarily due to our focus on operational excellence and the benefits of productivity and cost-cutting initiatives. Foreign currency translation also reduced SG&A expenses by 4% in 2015.
Restructuring charges and asset impairments, net
Restructuring charges and asset impairments were $63 million in 2016. During the year, we recorded restructuring charges of $48 million related primarily to current year restructuring actions and pension settlement charges due to prior restructuring actions. Asset impairment charges consisted primarily of a loss of $5 million from the sale of a facility and an impairment charge of $4 million related to another facility.
Restructuring charges and asset impairments of $26 million in 2015 consists of restructuring charges of $21 million and a loss of $5 million on the sale of the corporate headquarters building. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Goodwill impairment
In 2016, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $171 million associated with our Software Solutions reporting unit. See Critical Accounting Estimates section below for further details.
Other (income) expense, net
Other income, net for 2015 includes the gain on the sale of Imagitas of $111 million, transaction costs of $10 million incurred in connection with the acquisitions of Borderfree and RTC and a charge of $7 million associated with the settlement of a legal matter.
Other expense, net for 2014 includes costs of $62 million incurred in connection with the early redemption of debt offset by $16 million recognized in connection with the divestiture of a partnership investment.
Income taxes
See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Discontinued operations
Loss from discontinued operations in 2016 was due to an additional expense related to our Management Services business sold in 2013. Income from discontinued operations in 2015 was due to a favorable tax adjustment related to our Document Imaging Solutions business sold in 2014.
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiaries attributable to noncontrolling interests
See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business Segments
The principal products and services of each of our reportable segments are as follows:
Small & Medium Business Solutions:
North America Mailing: Includes the revenue and related expenses from the sale, rental, financing and servicing of mailing equipment, software and supplies for small and medium businesses to efficiently create physical and digital mail and evidence postage for the sending of mail, flats and parcels in the U.S. and Canada.
International Mailing: Includes the revenue and related expenses from the sale, rental, financing and servicing of mailing equipment, software and supplies for small and medium businesses to efficiently create physical and digital mail and evidence postage for the sending of mail, flats and parcels in areas outside the U.S. and Canada.
Enterprise Business Solutions:
Production Mail: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from the sale of production mail inserting and sortation equipment, high-speed production print systems, supplies and related support services to large enterprise clients to process inbound and outbound mail.
Presort Services: Includes revenue and related expenses from presort mail services for our large enterprise clients to qualify large mail volumes for postal worksharing discounts.
Digital Commerce Solutions:
Software Solutions: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from the licensing of non-equipment-based mailing, customer information engagement, location intelligence and customer engagement solutions and related support services.
Global Ecommerce: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from cross-border ecommerce and shipping solutions.
We determine segment EBIT by deducting the related costs and expenses attributable to the segment from segment revenue. Segment EBIT excludes interest, taxes, general corporate expenses, restructuring charges and other items, which are not allocated to a particular business segment. Management uses segment EBIT to measure profitability and performance at the segment level. Management believes segment EBIT provides a useful measure of our operating performance and underlying trends of the businesses. Segment EBIT may not be indicative of our overall consolidated performance and therefore, should be read in conjunction with our consolidated results of operations. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of segment EBIT to net income.
Revenue and EBIT by business segment are presented in the tables below.
Small & Medium Business Solutions
North America Mailing
North America Mailing revenue decreased 6% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to:
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2% from lower financing revenue primarily from declining equipment sales in prior periods and lower fees resulting from proactive waivers to allow clients to adjust to new billing formats and delayed timing of invoices resulting from the platform cutover;
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1% from lower sales of supplies due to lower demand and sales productivity issues from the platform cutover;
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1% from lower rentals revenue and 1% from lower support services revenue, primarily reflecting continuing decline in installed meters and shift to less-featured lower-cost machines; and
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1% from lower equipment sales which were impacted by sales productivity issues from the platform cutover.
EBIT decreased 11% primarily due to the decline in higher margin recurring revenue streams and higher costs due in part to the sales productivity issues from the platform cutover.
North American Mailing revenue decreased 4% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 3% primarily due to:
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2% from declines in rentals revenue and support services revenue due to the continuing decline in installed meters and shift by clients to lower cost, less featured machines; and
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1% from a decline in equipment sales primarily due to the decline in the first half of the year caused by declining mail volumes and the continuing trend of clients to extend existing leases rather than purchasing new equipment.
Despite the decline in revenue, EBIT increased 1% primarily due to benefits of productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives and favorable product mix.
International Mailing
International Mailing revenue declined 9% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 5% primarily due to:
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2% from Market Exits; and
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1% decline in each of rental, supplies and support services revenue streams resulting from the continued decline in installed meters.
EBIT deceased 9% in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to the decline in revenue, partially offset by lower costs from cost savings and productivity initiatives. Foreign currency translation had a 4% adverse impact on EBIT.
International Mailing revenue declined 22% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 10% primarily due to:
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7% from difficult economic circumstances in many of our international markets and productivity disruptions caused by the implementation of our go-to-market strategy in certain European markets, particularly in France; and
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3% from Market Exits.
EBIT decreased 42% in 2015 as compared to 2014, primarily due to the decline in revenue and reduced margins due to productivity disruptions and incremental costs of transitioning the sales organization in France. Foreign currency translation had a 10% adverse impact on EBIT.
Enterprise Business Solutions
Production Mail
Production Mail revenue decreased 4% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 3% primarily due to:
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3% from Market Exits; and
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3% from lower support services revenue as result of some in-house mailers shifting their mail processing to third-party outsourcers; partially offset by
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4% from higher equipment sales due to higher installations of sorter, inserter and print equipment.
Despite the decline in revenue, EBIT increased 12% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to service delivery cost management initiatives and lower sales and marketing costs.
Production Mail revenue decreased 9% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 4% primarily due to:
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3% decline in support services revenue of as some in-house mailers moved their mail processing to third-party service bureaus who service some of their own equipment; and
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1% decline in equipment sales as lower sales in Europe and Asia-Pacific were mostly offset by higher sales in the United States.
Despite the decline in revenue, EBIT increased 1% in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a higher margin product mix and ongoing cost reduction initiatives.
Presort Services
Presort Services revenue was flat in 2016 compared to 2015, on both a reported and constant currency basis, as volume growth was offset by lower revenue per piece of mail from a USPS rate change. EBIT decreased 9% in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to lower margins and increased labor costs.
Presort Services revenue increased 4% in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to higher volumes of mail processed. EBIT increased 7% in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to the increase in revenue and lower transportation costs.
Digital Commerce Solutions
Software
Software revenue decreased 10% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 7% primarily due to a worldwide decline in licensing revenue. License revenue from our Customer Engagement and our Location Intelligence software offerings declined but were partly offset by growth in the Customer Information Management software license revenue. EBIT decreased 38% primarily due to the lower high-margin licensing revenue.
Software revenue decreased 10% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 5% 2015 primarily due to:
•
4% from more significant licensing deals in 2014 as compared to 2015; and
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1% from declines in maintenance, data and services revenue.
EBIT decreased 5% primarily as a result of lower high-margin licensing revenue.
Global Ecommerce
Global Ecommerce revenue increased 18% in 2016 compared to 2015. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 20% primarily due to:
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23% due to the expansion of our U.S. and U.K. cross-border business and retail network, including the acquisition of Borderfree; partially offset by
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2% decrease related to a one-time recognition of deferred cross-border delivery fees; and
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1% from a decline in domestic shipping solutions revenue.
EBIT was flat in 2016 compared to 2015 as higher revenue was offset by $7 million of additional amortization expense from acquisitions, $6 million of deferred cross border delivery fees recognized in 2015 and additional investments in the business. Foreign currency translation had a 6% adverse impact on EBIT.
Global Ecommerce revenue increased 29% in 2015 compared to 2014. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 30%, primarily due to the acquisition of Borderfree and higher volumes of packages shipped from our U.K. outbound cross-border service facility, which began in the fourth quarter of 2014.
EBIT increased 16% in 2015 compared to 2014 as the incremental revenue and margin from Borderfree and the recognition of $6 million of deferred cross-border delivery fees were partially offset by higher costs from the Borderfree acquisition, including $9 million of additional amortization expense.
Other
Other includes our Marketing Services business which was sold in May 2015.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We believe that existing cash and investments, cash generated from operations and borrowing capacity under our commercial paper program will be sufficient to support our current cash needs, including discretionary uses such as capital investments, dividends, share repurchases and acquisitions. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $803 million at December 31, 2016 and $768 million at December 31, 2015. We continuously review our credit profile through published credit ratings and the credit default swap market. We also monitor the creditworthiness of those banks acting as derivative counterparties, depository banks or credit providers.
Cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries were $475 million and $460 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries are generally used to support the liquidity needs of these subsidiaries. Most of these amounts could be repatriated to the U.S. but would be subject to additional taxes. Repatriation of some foreign balances is restricted by local laws.
Cash Flow Summary
The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
Cash flows from operations decreased $25 million in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to:
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Lower income;
•
A special pension plan contribution of $37 million to the U.K. pension plan; and
•
Payments associated with the launch of the enterprise business platform and new advertising campaign; partially offset by
•
Lower employee related costs, income tax and interest payments.
Cash flows from operations decreased $143 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due:
•
Timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued liabilities including, higher employee-related payments, and higher inventory purchases, primarily for parts and supplies in the U.S. and U.K.;
•
Lower collections of accounts receivable due to timing and amounts received in the prior year for transition services in connection with the sale of our Management Services business; partially offset by
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Lower interest and tax payments.
Cash flows used by investing activities improved by $188 million in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to:
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Lower acquisitions spending of $356 million;
•
Higher cash from investment activities of $142 million;
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An increase in reserve deposits of $22 million; and
•
Lower capital expenditures of $6 million; partially offset by
•
Proceeds of $292 million from the sale of Imagitas in 2015; and
•
Lower proceeds from asset sales of $34 million.
Cash flows used by investing activities were $149 million higher in 2015 compared to 2014. primarily due to:
•
Aggregate payments of $394 million for acquisitions; and
•
Higher cash used in investment activities of $10 million; partially offset by
•
Higher proceeds from the sale of businesses and other assets of $239 million; and
•
Lower capital expenditures of $17 million.
Cash flows used in financing activities improved $347 million in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to:
•
Higher cash flows from debt activity of $709 million as we had a net issuance of debt of $434 million in 2016 compared to a net reduction of debt of $275 million in 2015; partially offset by
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Redemption of noncontrolling interests for $300 million; and
•
Higher share repurchases of $65 million.
Cash flows used in financing activities increased $259 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to:
•
Higher net payments to reduce debt of $184 million;
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Higher stock repurchases of $82 million.
Financings and Capitalization
We are a Well-Known Seasoned Issuer with the SEC, which allows us to issue debt securities, preferred stock, preference stock, common stock, purchase contracts, depositary shares, warrants and units in an expedited fashion. We have a commercial paper program that is an important source of liquidity for us and a committed credit facility of $1.0 billion to support our commercial paper issuances. The credit facility expires in January 2020, and as of December 31, 2016, we have not drawn upon the credit facility.
In 2016, commercial paper borrowings averaged $206 million at a weighted-average interest rate of 1.03% and the maximum amount of commercial paper outstanding at any point in time was $410 million. At December 31, 2016, there were no outstanding commercial paper borrowings. At December 31, 2015, there was $90 million of outstanding commercial paper borrowings with an effective interest rate of 1.1%.
2016 Activity
In January 2016, we borrowed $300 million under a term loan agreement and applied the proceeds to the repayment of the $371 million, 4.75% notes due January 2016. The new term loans bear interest at the applicable Eurodollar Rate plus 1.5% (1.25% at time of issuance) and mature in December 2020. In September 2016, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $300 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with these variable-rate term loans. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we pay fixed-rate interest of 0.8826% and receive variable-rate interest based on one-month LIBOR. The variable rate resets monthly.
In March 2016, we satisfied certain employment obligations stipulated in the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development loan (issued in 2014), and under the terms of the loan, $10 million was forgiven. We recorded loan forgiveness income in selling, general and administrative expenses.
In September 2016, we issued $600 million of 3.375% fixed-rate notes due in October 2021. Interest is payable semi-annually and is subject to adjustment from time to time if either Moody's or S&P (or a substitute ratings agency) downgrades (or downgrades and subsequently upgrades) the credit rating assigned to the notes. The notes mature in October 2021, but may be redeemed, at our option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. The proceeds were used to repay approximately $300 million of outstanding commercial paper and redeem noncontrolling interests for $300 million (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
2015 Activity
We redeemed the $110 million 5.25% notes due November 2022 at par plus accrued but unpaid interest, repaid the $275 million 5% notes and repaid $130 million of outstanding term loans. We borrowed $150 million under a new term loan that bears interest at the applicable Eurodollar Rate plus .90%. The Eurodollar Rate on the date of funding was 0.59%. The term loan matures in June 2017.
2014 Activity
We issued $500 million of 4.625% fixed rate 10-year notes. The notes mature in March 2024, but may be redeemed, at any time, in whole or in part, at our option. If the notes are redeemed prior to December 15, 2023, the redemption price will be equal to the sum of 100% of the principal amount, accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole payment. Net proceeds of $493 million received after fees and discounts were used to fund the 2014 Tender Offer (see below).
We redeemed an aggregate $500 million of the 5.75% Notes due 2017 and the 5.25% Notes due 2037 through a cash tender offer (the 2014 Tender Offer). Holders who validly tendered their notes received the principal amount, all accrued and unpaid interest and a premium payment. We incurred expenses of $62 million, consisting of the call premium, the write-off of unamortized costs and bank transaction fees.
We also repaid $100 million of outstanding term loans and received a loan of $16 million from the State of Connecticut in connection with the relocation of our corporate headquarters. The loan consisted of a $15 million development loan and $1 million jobs-training grant that is subject to refund if certain conditions are not met. The loan requires monthly interest payments through November 2020 and principal and interest payments from December 2020 through maturity in November 2024. In 2015, we satisfied the conditions under the jobs-training grant.
Debt Maturities
We have $2 billion of debt maturing within the next five years, including $614 million scheduled to mature in 2017. While we fully expect to be able to fund these maturities with cash or by refinancing through the U.S. capital markets, these obligations could increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in capital market conditions and impact our ability to refinance existing maturities.
Dividends and Share Repurchases
We paid dividends to our common stockholders of $141 million ($0.75 per share), $150 million ($0.75 per share) and $152 million ($0.75 per share) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Each quarter, our Board of Directors considers our recent and projected earnings and other capital needs and priorities in deciding whether to approve the payment, as well as the amount of a dividend. There are no material restrictions on our ability to declare dividends.
We purchased $197 million, $150 million and $50 million of our common shares during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We have remaining Board authorization to repurchase up to $21 million of our common shares.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our known contractual obligations at December 31, 2016 and the effect that such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods:
The amount and period of future payments related to our income tax uncertainties cannot be reliably estimated and are not included in the above table. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
(1)
Assumes all debt is held to maturity. Certain notes are redeemable, either at our option or the bondholders, at par plus accrued interest before the scheduled maturity date.
(2)
Includes unrecorded agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding upon us and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty.
(3)
Represents the amount of contributions we anticipate making to our pension plans during 2017; however, we will assess our funding alternatives as the year progresses.
(4)
Our retiree health benefit plans are nonfunded plans and cash contributions are made each year to cover medical claims costs incurred. The amounts reported in the above table represent our estimate of future benefits payments.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2016, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information about our commitments and contingencies.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about certain items that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and accompanying disclosures, including the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The accounting policies below have been identified by management as those accounting policies that are most critical to our financial statements due to the estimates and assumptions required. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable and appropriate based on the information available at the time the financial statements were prepared; however, actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of our accounting policies.
Revenue recognition - Multiple element arrangements
We derive revenue from multiple sources including sales, rentals, financing and services. Certain transactions are consummated at the same time and can therefore generate revenue from multiple sources. The most common form of these transactions involves a sale or noncancelable lease of equipment, a meter rental and an equipment maintenance agreement. As a result, we are required to determine whether the deliverables in a multiple element arrangement should be treated as separate units of accounting for revenue recognition purposes, and if so, how the price should be allocated among the delivered elements and when to recognize revenue for each element. We recognize revenue for delivered elements only when the fair values of undelivered elements are known, customer acceptance has occurred and payment is probable.
In these multiple element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each of the elements based on relative "selling prices" and the selling price for each of the elements is determined based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). We establish VSOE of selling prices
for our products and services based on the prices charged for each element when sold separately in standalone transactions. The allocation of relative selling price to the various elements impacts the timing of revenue recognition, but does not change the total revenue recognized. Revenue is allocated to the meter rental and equipment maintenance agreement elements using their respective selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. For a sale transaction, revenue is allocated to the equipment based on a range of selling prices in standalone transactions. For a lease transaction, revenue is allocated to the equipment based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments. The amount allocated to equipment is compared to the range of selling prices in standalone transactions during the period to ensure the allocated equipment amount approximates average selling prices.
We also have multiple element arrangements containing only software and software related elements. Under these arrangements, revenue is allocated based on VSOE, which is based on company specific stand-alone sales data or renewal rates. If we cannot obtain VSOE for any undelivered software element, revenue is deferred until all deliverables have been delivered or until VSOE can be determined for the remaining undelivered software elements. When the fair value of a delivered element cannot be established, but fair value evidence exists for the undelivered software elements, we use the residual method to recognize revenue. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement consideration is allocated to the delivered elements and recognized as revenue.
Pension benefits
The valuation of our pension assets and obligations and the calculation of net periodic pension expense are dependent on assumptions and estimates relating to, among other things, the interest rate used to discount the future estimated liability (discount rate) and the expected rate of return on plan assets. These assumptions are evaluated and updated annually.
The discount rate for our largest plan, the U.S. Qualified Pension Plan (the U.S. Plan) is determined by matching the expected cash flows associated with our benefit obligations to a pool of corporate long-term, high-quality fixed income debt instruments available as of the measurement date. The discount rate for our largest foreign plan, the U.K. Qualified Pension Plan (the U.K. Plan), is determined by using a model that discounts each year's estimated benefit payments by an applicable spot rate derived from a yield curve created from a large number of high quality corporate bonds. The discount rate used in the determination of net periodic pension expense for 2016 was 4.55% for the U.S. Plan and 3.75% for the U.K. Plan. For 2017, the discount rate used in the determination of net periodic pension expense for the U.S. Plan and the U.K. Plan will be 4.2% and 2.55%, respectively. A 0.25% change in the discount rate would impact annual pension expense by less than $1 million for both the U.S. Plan and the U.K. Plan, and the projected benefit obligation of the U.S. Plan and U.K. Plan by $47 million and $25 million, respectively.
Pension assets are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market and credit risks. We invest our pension plan assets in a variety of investment securities in accordance with our strategic asset allocation policy. The expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected future returns for current and targeted asset allocations for each asset class in the investment portfolio, adjusted for historical and expected experience of active portfolio management results, as compared to the benchmark returns. The expected rate of return on plan assets used in the determination of net periodic pension expense for 2016 was 7.0% for the U.S. Plan and 6.5% for the U.K. Plan. For 2017, the expected rate of return on plan assets used in the determination of net periodic pension expense for the U.S. Plan will be 6.75%% and the U.K. Plan will be 6.25%. A 0.25% change in the expected rate of return on plan assets would impact annual pension expense for the U.S. Plan by $4 million and the U.K. Plan by $1 million.
Actual pension plan results that differ from our assumptions and estimates are accumulated and amortized over the life expectancy of inactive plan participants and affect future pension expense. Net pension expense is also based on a market-related valuation of plan assets where differences between the actual and expected return on plan assets are recognized in the calculation of the market-related value of assets over a five-year period. Effective December 31, 2014, plan benefits for participants in a majority of our U.S. and foreign pension plans were frozen.
See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our pension plans.
Residual value of leased assets
We provide financing for our equipment sales primarily through sales-type leases. Equipment residual values are determined at inception of the lease using estimates of fair value at the end of the lease term. Residual value estimates impact the determination of whether a lease is classified as an operating lease or a sales-type lease. Estimates of equipment fair value at end of lease term are based primarily on our historical experience. We also consider forecasted supply and demand for our various products, product retirement and future product launch plans, end of lease client behavior, regulatory changes, remanufacturing strategies, used equipment markets, if any, competition and technological changes.
We evaluate residual values on an annual basis or sooner if circumstances warrant. Declines in estimated residual values considered "other-than-temporary" are recognized immediately. Estimated increases in future residual values are not recognized until the equipment is remarketed. If the actual residual value of leased assets were 10% lower than management's current estimates, pre-tax income would be lower by $10 million.
Allowances for doubtful accounts and credit losses
Finance receivables are comprised of sales-type lease receivables and unsecured revolving loan receivables. We provide an allowance for probable credit losses based on historical loss experience, the nature and volume of our portfolios, adverse situations that may affect a client's ability to pay, prevailing economic conditions and our ability to manage the collateral. At December 31, 2016 gross finance receivables aged greater than 90 days have grown since the implementation of our enterprise business platform in the second quarter of 2016. We believe the majority of the increased delinquency in our sales-type lease portfolio is administrative in nature and the result of a change in our billing format and process under our new enterprise business platform. The billing format under our new platform is different and clients are in the process of transitioning to the new format and thus have not made payments timely. These accounts are considered delinquent under our policies, but we continue to expect full payment. While the aging as disclosed in Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements represents full remaining contract value only a small portion (approximately 25%) had actually been billed and recognized in income as of December 31, 2016.
As of December 31, 2016, we had North American sales-type lease receivables aged greater than 90 days with a full contract value of $63 million. As of February 15, 2017, we have received payments with a contract value of $31 million related to these receivables.
The quality of the portfolio has not changed. Our unsecured revolving loan portfolio delinquency has remained fairly constant when compared to the loan portfolio delinquency in our legacy platform and there have been no significant changes in customers within the portfolio itself. Also, we use a third party to credit score our lease and loan portfolios. The credit quality of our portfolio as determined by this third party has shown no signs of deterioration suggesting that the increase in delinquency is not as a result of our customer's ability to pay, but instead is a result of changes made to invoice format and presentation. Accordingly, we believe that the allowance for credit losses is adequate.
The allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of trade receivables was 3.1% at December 31, 2016 and 2.1% at December 31, 2015. Holding all other assumptions constant, a 0.25% change in the allowance rate at December 31, 2016 would have changed the 2016 provision by $1 million.
Total allowance for credit losses as a percentage of finance receivables was 1.3% at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Holding all other assumptions constant, a 0.25% change in the allowance rate at December 31, 2016 would have changed the 2016 provision by $4 million.
Income taxes and valuation allowance
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our annual tax rate is based on income, statutory tax rates, tax reserve changes and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining the annual tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.
We regularly assess the likelihood of tax adjustments in each of the tax jurisdictions in which we have operations and account for the related financial statement implications. Tax reserves have been established that we believe to be appropriate given the possibility of tax adjustments. Determining the appropriate level of tax reserves requires us to exercise judgment regarding the uncertain application of tax laws. The amount of reserves is adjusted when information becomes available or when an event occurs indicating a change in the reserve is appropriate. Future changes in tax reserve requirements could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Significant judgment is also required in determining the amount of valuation allowance to be recorded against deferred tax assets. In assessing whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and the amount of such allowance, we consider all available evidence for each jurisdiction including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. If new information becomes available that would alter our estimate of the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized, we adjust the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Impairment review
Long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets is compared to the carrying value. We derive the cash flow estimates from our long-term business plans and historical experience. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the asset's carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded
for an amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the impaired asset is determined using probability weighted expected cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and appraisals, as appropriate. Changes in the estimates and assumptions incorporated in our impairment assessment could materially affect the determination of fair value and the associated impairment charge.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level during the fourth quarter or sooner when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment test for goodwill is a two-step approach. In Step 1, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined and compared to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. In Step 2, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired in a business combination and the purchase price was equivalent to the fair value of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is referred to as the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is then compared to the actual carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
Significant estimates and assumptions are used in our goodwill impairment review and include the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined based on a combination of techniques, including the present value of future cash flows, multiples of competitors and multiples from sales of like businesses. The assumptions used to estimate fair value are based on projections incorporated in our current operating plans as well as other available information. Our operating plans include significant assumptions and estimates associated with sales growth, profitability and related cash flows, along with cash flows associated with taxes and capital spending. The determination of fair value also incorporates a risk-adjusted discount rate based on current interest rates and the economic conditions of the reporting unit. We also consider other assumptions that market participants may use. Changes in any of these estimates or assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and the associated goodwill impairment charge for each reporting unit. Potential events and circumstances, such as the inability to acquire new clients, downward pressures on pricing and rising interest rates could have an adverse impact on our assumptions and result in non-cash impairment charges in future periods.
During the third quarter, based on the operating results of our Software Solutions reporting unit, we performed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test to assess the adequacy of the carrying value of goodwill. At that time, we determined that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 15% and the measurement of a goodwill impairment charge was not necessary. The assumptions used to estimate fair value were based on projections of revenue and earnings growth, including a strong sales pipeline, operating cash flows, discount rate and market multiples. Additionally, we launched several initiatives during 2016 that we expected would drive revenue and earnings growth in the future, including the development of a new partner channel, the reorganization of the sales organization to improve sales efficiency and the pipeline of deals, the improvement of processes for acquiring new clients and the implementation of a more disciplined marketing strategy for new products.
During the fourth quarter, however; our Software Solutions reporting unit experienced weaker than expected performance. Based on this and including the soft operating results of 2016, we performed a goodwill impairment test that indicated the fair value of the Software Solutions reporting unit was less than its carrying value. We engaged a third party to perform Steps 1 and 2 of the goodwill impairment test and determined that the implied fair value of goodwill was less than the recorded goodwill and as a result recorded a non-cash, pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $171 million to write down the carrying value of goodwill to its estimated fair value.
Actual results may differ from those used in our valuations and this non-recurring fair value measurement is a “Level 3” measurement under the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2016, the fair value of our Software unit now exceeds the recorded carrying value by over $125 million.
During the fourth quarter, we also conducted our annual impairment review of all our reporting units. Based on the results of this review, we concluded that the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units, other than Software Solutions, were substantially in excess of their respective carrying values.
Stock-based compensation expense
We recognize compensation cost for stock-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the award, net of estimated forfeitures. Compensation costs for those shares expected to vest are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
The fair value of stock awards is estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model or Monte Carlo simulation model. These models require assumptions to be made regarding the expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected life of the award and dividend yield. The expected stock price volatility is based on historical price changes of our stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S.
Treasuries with a term equal to the expected life of the stock award. The expected life of the award and dividend yield are based on historical experience.
We believe that the valuation techniques and the underlying assumptions are appropriate in estimating the fair value of our stock-based awards. If factors change causing our assumptions to change, our stock-based compensation expense could be different in the future. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and recognize expense only for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period.
Restructuring
Our restructuring actions require management to utilize certain estimates related to the amount and timing of expenses. If the actual amounts differ from our estimates, the amount of the restructuring charges could be impacted. On a quarterly basis, we update our estimates of future remaining obligations and costs associated with all restructuring actions and compare these updated estimates to our current restructuring reserves, and make adjustments if necessary.
Loss contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each significant matter and assess the potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal action is considered probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish a liability for the estimated loss. The assessment of the ultimate outcome of each claim or legal action and the determination of the potential financial exposure requires significant judgment. Estimates of potential liabilities for claims or legal actions are based only on information that is available at that time. As additional information becomes available, we may revise our estimates, and these revisions could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Legal and Regulatory Matters
See Legal Proceedings in Item 3 for information regarding our legal proceedings and Other Tax Matters in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for regulatory matters regarding our tax returns.
Foreign Currency Exchange
During 2016, we derived 24% of our consolidated revenue from operations outside the United States. The functional currency for most of our foreign operations is the local currency. Our largest foreign currency exposures are to the British Pound, Euro and Canadian dollar (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our foreign exchange derivative instruments). Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies of countries in which we operate impact our reported assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Exchange rate fluctuations can also impact the settlement of intercompany receivables and payables between our subsidiaries in different countries. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the translation of foreign currencies to U.S. dollar decreased revenues by 1.0%, 4.0% and 0.4%, respectively.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations due to our investing and funding activities and our operations denominated in different foreign currencies. Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce the volatility in earnings and cash flows associated with the effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on transactions that are denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, we enter into various contracts, which change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change, to protect the value of external and intercompany transactions. The principal currencies actively hedged are the British Pound and Euro.
At December 31, 2016, 96% of our debt was fixed rate obligations at a weighted average interest rate of 4.6%. Our variable rate debt had a weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2016 of 1.80%. A one-percentage point change in the effective interest rate of our variable rate debt would not have had a material impact on our 2016 pre-tax income.
We employ established policies and procedures governing the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks. We do not enter into foreign currency or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes. The gains and losses on these contracts are intended to offset changes in the value of the related exposures.
We utilize a "Value-at-Risk" (VaR) model to determine the potential loss in fair value from changes in market conditions. The VaR model utilizes a "variance/co-variance" approach and assumes normal market conditions, a 95% confidence level and a one-day holding period. The model includes all of our debt, interest rate derivative contracts and foreign exchange derivative contracts associated with forecasted transactions. The model excludes all anticipated transactions, firm commitments and accounts receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies, which certain of these instruments are intended to hedge. The VaR model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual losses in fair value that will be incurred, nor does it consider the potential effect of favorable changes in market factors.
During 2016 and 2015, our maximum potential one-day loss in fair value of our exposure to foreign exchange rates and interest rates, using the variance/co-variance technique described above, was not material.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplemental Data" in this Form 10-K.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)), that are designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable (and not absolute) assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management, under the direction of our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding this caution, the CEO and CFO have reasonable assurance that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Management assessed the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, the internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria issued by COSO in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013).
We implemented a new enterprise business platform in the U.S. in 2016, after having implemented in Canada during the fourth quarter of 2015. The implementation involved changes to our financial systems and other systems and accordingly, necessitated changes to our internal controls. Management has reviewed the controls affected by the implementation of the enterprise business platform and has made appropriate changes to internal controls as part of the implementation.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2016, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Other than information regarding our executive officers disclosed in Part I of this Annual Report, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Code of Ethics
We have a Business Practices Guidelines (BPG) that applies to all our officers and other employees. Our Board of Directors also has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code) that applies to our directors. The BPG and the Code are posted on our corporate governance website located at www.pb.com/us/our-company/leadership-and-governance/corporate-governance.html. Amendments to either the BPG or the Code and any waiver from a provision of the BPG or the Code requiring disclosure will be disclosed on our corporate governance website.
Audit Committee - Audit Committee Financial Expert
The information regarding the Audit Committee, its members and the Audit Committee financial experts is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION TABLE
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2016 regarding the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans.
Other than information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1. Financial statements - see "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplemental Data" on page 37 of this Form 10-K.
2. Financial statement schedules - see "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplemental Data" on page 37 of this Form 10-K.
3. Index to Exhibits
Reg. S-K
exhibits
Description
Status or incorporation by reference
3(a)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Pitney Bowes Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 12, 2011 (Commission file number 1-3579)
3(b)
Pitney Bowes Inc. Amended and Restated By-laws (effective May 10, 2013)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 13, 2013 (Commission file number 1-3579)
4(a)
Form of Indenture between the Company and SunTrust Bank, as Trustee
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-72304) filed with the Commission on October 26, 2001
4(b)
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated April 18, 2003 between the Company and SunTrust Bank, as Trustee
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 18, 2004
4(c)
Form of Indenture between the Company and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, dated as of February 14, 2005
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR (No. 333-151753) filed with the Commission on June 18, 2008
4(d)
First Supplemental Indenture, by and among Pitney Bowes Inc., The Bank of New York, and Citibank, N.A., to the Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2005, by and between the Company and Citibank
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 24, 2007 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(a) *
Retirement Plan for Directors of Pitney Bowes Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 30, 1993 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(b.3) *
Pitney Bowes Inc. Directors' Stock Plan (Amended and Restated effective May 12, 2014)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b.3) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2016 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(c) *
Pitney Bowes Stock Plan (as amended and restated as of January 1, 2002)
Incorporated by reference to Annex 1 to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Commission on March 26, 2002 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(d) *
Pitney Bowes Inc. 2007 Stock Plan (as amended November 7, 2009)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (v) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(e) *
Pitney Bowes Inc. Key Employees' Incentive Plan (as amended and restated October 1, 2007) (as amended November 7, 2009)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (iv) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2010 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(f) *
Pitney Bowes Severance Plan (as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 29, 2008 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(g) *
Pitney Bowes Senior Executive Severance Policy (as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 29, 2008 (Commission file number 1-3579)
Reg. S-K
exhibits
Description
Status or incorporation by reference
10(h) *
Pitney Bowes Inc. Deferred Incentive Savings Plan for the Board of Directors, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2009 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(i) *
Pitney Bowes Inc. Deferred Incentive Savings Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2009 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(j) *
Pitney Bowes Inc. 1998 U.K. S.A.Y.E. Stock Option Plan
Incorporated by reference to Annex II to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Commission on March 23, 2006 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(k) *
Form of Long Term Incentive Award Agreement
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 21, 2014 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(l)*
Stock purchase agreement dated May 11, 2015 between Pitney Bowes Inc. and Red Ventures HoldCo, LP.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed May 11, 2015 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(m)*
Agreement and plan of mergers dated May 5, 2015, by and among Pitney Bowes Inc., BrickBreaker Acquisition Corp and Borderfree Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed May 7, 2015 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(o)*
Pitney Bowes Director Equity Deferral plan dated November 8, 2013 (effective May 12, 2014)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(o) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2016 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(p)*
Pitney Bowes Executive Equity Deferral Plan dated November 7, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(p) to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2016 (Commission file number 1-3579)
10(q)*
Pitney Bowes Inc. 2013 Stock Plan
Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Commission on March 25, 2013 (Commission file number 1-3579)
Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
Exhibit 12
Subsidiaries of the registrant
Exhibit 21
Consent of experts and counsel
Exhibit 23
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Exhibit 31.1
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Exhibit 31.2
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Exhibit 32.1
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Exhibit 32.2
101.INS
XBRL Report Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
* The Exhibits identified above with an asterisk (*) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
The Company has outstanding certain other long-term indebtedness. Such long-term indebtedness does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company; therefore, copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of such indebtedness are not included as exhibits. The Company agrees to furnish copies of such instruments to the SEC upon request.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 22, 2017 PITNEY BOWES INC.
Registrant
By: /s/ Marc B. Lautenbach __
Marc B. Lautenbach
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Marc B. Lautenbach
Marc B. Lautenbach
President and Chief Executive Officer - Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ Stanley J. Sutula III Stanley J. Sutula III
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
February 22, 2017
/s/ Steven J. Green
Steven J. Green
Vice President-Finance and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
February 22, 2017
/s/ Michael I. Roth
Michael I. Roth
Non-Executive Chairman - Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ Linda G. Alvarado
Linda G. Alvarado
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ Anne M. Busquet
Anne M. Busquet
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ Roger Fradin
Roger Fradin
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ Anne Sutherland Fuchs
Anne Sutherland Fuchs
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ S. Douglas Hutcheson
S. Douglas Hutcheson
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ Eduardo R. Menascé
Eduardo R. Menascé
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ Linda S. Sanford
Linda S. Sanford
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ David L. Shedlarz
David L. Shedlarz
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ David B. Snow, Jr.
David B. Snow, Jr.
Director
February 22, 2017
Page Number
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements of Pitney Bowes Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of stockholders’ deficit (equity) and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pitney Bowes Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Stamford, CT
February 22, 2017
PITNEY BOWES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(1)
The sum of the earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PITNEY BOWES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PITNEY BOWES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PITNEY BOWES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PITNEY BOWES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
(In thousands)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Pitney Bowes Inc. (we, us, our, or the company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and accompanying disclosures, including the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best knowledge of current events, historical experience and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. These estimates include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition for multiple element arrangements, the allocation of purchase price to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, goodwill and intangible asset impairment review, allowance for doubtful accounts and credit losses, residual values of leased assets, useful lives of long-lived and intangible assets, restructuring costs, pensions and other postretirement costs, income tax reserves, deferred tax asset valuation allowance, stock-based compensation expense and loss contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
Cash equivalents include liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Short-term investments include investments with a maturity of greater than three months but less than one year from the reporting date.
Investment Securities
Investment securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Investment securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the effective interest method over the term of the security. Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Investment securities are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and other assets depending on the investment's maturity.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We estimate the probable losses on accounts receivable and provide an allowance for doubtful accounts. The estimate of probable losses is based on historical loss experience, aging of receivables, adverse situations that may affect a client's ability to pay and prevailing economic conditions. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts and make adjustments as necessary. The assumptions used in determining an estimate of probable losses are inherently subjective and actual results may differ significantly from estimated reserves.
Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days after the invoice date. Accounts deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients.
Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses
Finance receivables are composed of sales-type lease receivables and unsecured revolving loan receivables. We estimate the probable losses and provide an allowance for credit losses. The estimate of probable losses is based on historical loss experience, the nature and volume of our portfolios, adverse situations that may affect a client's ability to pay, prevailing economic conditions and our ability to manage the collateral. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and make adjustments as necessary. The assumptions used in determining an estimate of credit losses are inherently subjective and actual results may differ significantly from estimated reserves.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
We establish credit approval limits based on the credit quality of the client and the type of equipment financed. Our policy is to discontinue revenue recognition for lease receivables that are more than 120 days past due and for unsecured loan receivables that are more than 90 days past due. We resume revenue recognition when the client's payments reduce the account aging to less than 60 days past due. Finance receivables deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible. We believe that our finance receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis for most U.S. inventories and on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for most non-U.S. inventories. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 70% of our inventories were stated under the LIFO method.
Fixed Assets
Property, plant and equipment and rental equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are up to 50 years for buildings, three to 15 years for machinery and equipment, four to six years for rental equipment and three to five years for computer equipment. Major improvements which add to productive capacity or extend the life of an asset are capitalized while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term. Fully depreciated assets are retained in fixed assets and accumulated depreciation until they are removed from service.
We capitalize certain costs of software developed for internal use. Capitalized costs include purchased materials and services, payroll and personnel-related costs and interest. The cost of internally developed software is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, principally three to 10 years.
Intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, principally three to 15, using either the straight-line method or an accelerated attrition method.
Research and Development Costs
Research and product development costs include engineering costs related to research and product development activities and are expensed as incurred.
Impairment Review for Long-lived and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset is compared to the asset's carrying value. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the asset's carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for an amount by which the asset's carrying value exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the impaired asset is determined using probability weighted expected cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and appraisals, as appropriate. We derive cash flow estimates from our long-term business plans and historical experience.
Impairment Review for Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level during the fourth quarter or sooner when circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a business that is one level below that operating segment. Reporting units are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. In Step 1, the fair value of each reporting unit is determined and compared to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. In Step 2, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired in a business combination and the purchase price was equivalent to the fair value of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is referred to as the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is then compared to the actual carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined based on a combination of various techniques, including the present value of future cash flows, multiples of competitors and multiples from sales of like businesses.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Retirement Plans
Net periodic benefit cost includes current service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. Actuarial gains and losses arise from actual experiences that differ from previous assumptions as well as changes in assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates used to measure pension and other postretirement obligations and life expectancy. The expected return on assets is measured using the market-related value of assets, which is a calculated value that recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets over five years. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and amortized to benefit cost over the life expectancy of inactive plan participants. The funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Stock-based Compensation
We measure compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest (net of estimated forfeitures) and recognize the expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock awards is estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model or a Monte Carlo simulation model. These models require assumptions be made regarding the expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, life of the award and dividend yield. The expected stock price volatility is based on historical price changes of our stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasuries with a term equal to the expected life of the stock award. The expected life of the award and expected dividend yield are based on historical experience. We believe that the valuation techniques and underlying assumptions are appropriate in estimating the fair value of stock awards.
Revenue Recognition
We derive revenue from multiple sources including sales, rentals, financing and services. Certain transactions are consummated at the same time and can therefore generate revenue from multiple sources. The most common form of these transactions involves a sale or noncancelable lease of equipment, a meter rental and an equipment maintenance agreement. In these multiple element arrangements, revenue is allocated to each of the elements based on relative "selling prices" and the selling price for each of the elements is determined based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE). We establish VSOE of selling prices for our products and services based on the prices charged for each element when sold separately in standalone transactions. The allocation of relative selling price to the various elements impacts the timing of revenue recognition, but does not change the total revenue recognized. Revenue is allocated to the meter rental and equipment maintenance agreement elements using their respective selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. For a sale transaction, revenue is allocated to the equipment based on a range of selling prices in standalone transactions. For a lease transaction, revenue is allocated to the equipment based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments. The amount allocated to equipment is compared to the range of selling prices in standalone transactions during the period to ensure the allocated equipment amount approximates average selling prices. More specifically, revenue related to our offerings is recognized as follows:
Sales Revenue
Sales of Equipment
We sell equipment directly to our customers and to distributors (re-sellers) throughout the world. We recognize revenue from these sales when the risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the client, which is generally upon shipment or acceptance by the customer. We recognize revenue from the sale of equipment under sales-type leases as equipment sales revenue at the inception of the lease. We do not typically offer any rights of return or stock balancing rights. Sales revenue from customized equipment, mail creation equipment and shipping products is generally recognized when installed.
Sales of Supplies
Revenue related to supplies is generally recognized upon delivery.
Standalone Software Sales and Integration Services
We also have multiple element arrangements containing only software and software related elements. Software related elements may include maintenance and support services, data subscriptions, training and integration services. Under these multiple element arrangements, we allocate revenue based on VSOE for software related elements and use the residual method to determine the amount of software licenses revenue. Under the residual method, the fair-value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement consideration is allocated to the delivered elements and recognized as revenue. The majority of our software license arrangements are bundled with maintenance and support services and we establish VSOE of fair value using a bell-shaped curve analysis for maintenance and support services renewal rates. If we cannot obtain VSOE for any undelivered software element, revenue is deferred until all deliverables have been delivered or until VSOE can be determined for any remaining undelivered software elements.
We recognize revenue from standalone software licenses upon delivery of the product when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed and determinable and collectability is probable. For software licenses that are included in a lease contract, we recognize revenue upon shipment of the software unless the lease contract specifies that the license expires at the end of the
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
lease or the price of the software is deemed not fixed or determinable based on historical evidence of similar software leases. In these instances, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contract. We recognize revenue from software requiring integration services at the point of customer acceptance. We recognize revenue related to off-the-shelf perpetual software licenses generally upon shipment.
Rentals Revenue
We rent equipment, primarily postage meters and mailing equipment, under short-term rental agreements. Rentals revenue includes revenue from the subscription for digital meter services. We may invoice in advance for postage meter rentals according to the terms of the agreement. We initially defer these advanced billings and recognize rentals revenue on a straight-line basis over the invoice period. Revenues generated from financing clients for the continued use of equipment subsequent to the expiration of the original lease are recognized as rentals revenue.
We capitalize certain initial direct costs incurred in consummating a rental transaction and recognize these costs over the expected term of the agreement. Amortization of initial direct costs was $7 million, $8 million and $10 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Initial direct costs included in rental property and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $11 million and $13 million, respectively.
Financing Revenue
We provide lease financing for our products primarily through sales-type leases. We also provide revolving lines of credit to our clients for the purchase of postage and supplies. We believe that our sales-type lease portfolio contains only normal collection risk. Accordingly, we record the fair value of equipment as sales revenue, the cost of equipment as cost of sales and the minimum lease payments plus the estimated residual value as finance receivables. The difference between the finance receivable and the equipment fair value is recorded as unearned income and is amortized as income over the lease term using the interest method.
Equipment residual values are determined at inception of the lease using estimates of equipment fair value at the end of the lease term. Estimates of future equipment fair value are based primarily on historical experience. We also consider forecasted supply and demand for various products, product retirement and launch plans, regulatory changes, remanufacturing strategies, used equipment markets, if any, competition and technological changes. We evaluate residual values on an annual basis or sooner if circumstances warrant. Declines in estimated residual values considered "other-than-temporary" are recognized immediately. Estimated increases in future residual values are not recognized until the equipment is remarketed.
Support Services Revenue
We provide support services for our equipment primarily through maintenance contracts. Revenue related to these agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
Business Services Revenue
Business services revenue includes revenue from presort mail services, global ecommerce solutions and shipping solutions. Prior to our divestiture of Imagitas in May 2015, business services revenue also included revenues from direct marketing services. Revenue for these services were recognized as the services were provided.
We also evaluate whether it is appropriate to record revenue on a gross basis when we are acting as a principal in the transaction or net of costs when we are acting as an agent between the client and the vendor. We consider several factors in determining whether we are acting as principal or agent such as whether we are the primary obligor to the client, have control over the pricing and have credit risk.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping and handling costs are recognized as incurred and recorded in cost of revenues.
Deferred Marketing Costs
We capitalize certain costs associated with the acquisition of new customers and recognize these costs over the expected revenue stream of eight years. Amortization of deferred marketing costs was $15 million, $18 million and $23 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Deferred marketing costs included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $38 million and $43 million, respectively. We review individual marketing programs for impairment on a quarterly basis or as circumstances warrant.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Restructuring Charges
Costs associated with restructuring actions and other exit or disposal activities include employee severance and other employee separation costs and lease termination costs. These costs are recognized when a liability has been incurred, which is generally upon communication to the affected employees or exit from a leased facility, and the amount to be paid is both probable and reasonably estimable. The rates used in determining severance accruals are based on company policy, historical experience and negotiated settlements.
Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivatives. We use derivative instruments to limit the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on financial results and manage the related cost of debt. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
We record our derivative instruments at fair value and the accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative, the resulting designation and the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk exposure it is designed to hedge. To qualify as a hedge, a derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated for hedging purposes. The hedge relationship must be formally documented at inception, detailing the particular risk management objective and strategy for the hedge. The effectiveness of the hedge relationship is evaluated on a retrospective and prospective basis.
The use of derivative instruments exposes us to counterparty credit risk. To mitigate such risks, we enter into contracts with only those financial institutions that meet stringent credit requirements. We regularly review our credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of our counterparties. We have not seen a material change in the creditworthiness of those banks acting as derivative counterparties.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted 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 of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of such change. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and the amount of such allowance, we consider all available evidence for each jurisdiction including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. As new information becomes available that would alter our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized, we adjust the valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of stock awards, preference stock, preferred stock and stock purchase plans.
Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts
In general, the functional currency of our foreign operations is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. are translated at rates in effect at the end of the period and revenue and expenses are translated at average monthly rates during the period. Net deferred translation gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
Loss Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each significant matter and assess the potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal action is considered probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish a liability for the estimated loss. The assessment of the ultimate outcome of each claim or legal action and the determination of the potential financial exposure requires significant judgment. Estimates of potential liabilities for claims or legal actions are based only on information that is available at that time. As additional information becomes available, we may revise our estimates, and these revisions could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Reclassification
During the second quarter of 2016, we determined that certain amounts included in finance receivables and rental property and equipment should be classified as accounts receivable and other current assets and prepayments. Accordingly, the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 was revised to increase accounts receivable by $19 million and prepaid and other current assets by $3 million and reduce rental property and equipment by $3 million, short-term finance receivables by $17 million and long-term finance receivables by $2 million. The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 have also been adjusted accordingly, but the impact was not material.
During 2016, we determined that certain investments were classified as cash and cash equivalents. Accordingly the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 2015 has been revised to reduce cash and cash equivalents and increase short-term investments by $10 million. Additionally, the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 have also been revised to reflect the reduction in cash and cash equivalents and increase to short-term investments.
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Adopted in 2016
In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2015-16, Business Combinations - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The new guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. Consistent with existing guidance, the new guidance requires an acquirer to disclose the nature and amount of measurement period adjustments. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2016, and there was no impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides guidance on fees paid by an entity in a cloud computing arrangement and whether an arrangement includes a license to the underlying software. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2016, and there was no impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2016 and recast the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 to reduce other assets and long-term debt by $18 million.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items, which removes the concept of extraordinary items, thereby eliminating the need for companies to assess transactions for extraordinary treatment. The standard retained the presentation and disclosure requirements for items that are unusual in nature and/or infrequent in occurrence. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2016, and there was no impact to the financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements - Standards Not Yet Adopted
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes: Inter-entity Transfers of Assets other than Inventory, which requires tax expense to be recognized from the sale of intra-entity assets, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs, even though the effects of the transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Under current guidance, the tax effects of transfers are deferred until the transferred asset is sold or otherwise recovered through use. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted, including adoption during an interim period. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In August, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice in presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments by providing guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted, including adoption during an interim period. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our consolidated statement of cash flows.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The ASU sets forth a “current expected credit loss” (CECL) model which requires companies to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet
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credit exposures. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our financial statements and disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The standard includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We will adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2017 and do not believe this standard will have a significant impact on our financial statements or disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This standard, among other things, will require lessees to recognize almost all leases on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability and result in enhanced disclosures. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our financial statements and disclosures.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this standard will have on our financial statements and disclosures.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value (estimated selling price less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation). Inventory measured using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis is not impacted by the new guidance. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We do not believe this standard will have any impact on our financial statements or disclosures.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires companies to recognize revenue for the transfer of goods and services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services. In addition, the standard requires enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue. There were several amendments to the standard during 2016, including clarification of the accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations. The standard is effective beginning January 1, 2018 and can be adopted either retrospectively to each reporting period presented or retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment at the date of the initial application. We plan to adopt the standard retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment.
We are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard across all of our business segments and believe that the most significant impact will be in our Software Solutions segment related to the timing of software licenses and certain other ancillary revenue streams. In addition, we currently capitalize certain costs associated with the acquisition of new customers and recognize these costs over their expected revenue stream of eight years. Under the new standard, these costs will be expensed as incurred. Also, we are continuing to review our sales commission plans to determine which payments may be capitalized. We plan to use the practical expedient that allows companies to expense costs to obtain a contract when the estimated amortization period is less than one year.
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2. Segment Information
The principal products and services of each of our reportable segments are as follows:
Small & Medium Business Solutions:
North America Mailing: Includes the revenue and related expenses from the sale, rental, financing and servicing of mailing equipment, software and supplies for small and medium businesses to efficiently create physical and digital mail and evidence postage for the sending of mail, flats and parcels in the U.S. and Canada.
International Mailing: Includes the revenue and related expenses from the sale, rental, financing and servicing of mailing equipment, software and supplies for small and medium businesses to efficiently create physical and digital mail and evidence postage for the sending of mail, flats and parcels in areas outside the U.S. and Canada.
Enterprise Business Solutions:
Production Mail: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from the sale of production mail inserting and sortation equipment, high-speed production print systems, supplies and related support services to large enterprise clients to process inbound and outbound mail.
Presort Services: Includes revenue and related expenses from presort mail services for our large enterprise clients to qualify large mail volumes for postal worksharing discounts.
Digital Commerce Solutions:
Software Solutions: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from the licensing of non-equipment-based mailing, customer information management, location intelligence and customer engagement solutions and related support services.
Global Ecommerce: Includes the worldwide revenue and related expenses from cross-border ecommerce and shipping solutions.
We determine segment earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by deducting from segment revenue the related costs and expenses attributable to the segment. Segment EBIT excludes interest, taxes, general corporate expenses, restructuring charges and asset impairment charges, which are not allocated to a particular business segment. Management uses segment EBIT to measure profitability and performance at the segment level. Management believes segment EBIT provides a useful measure of our operating performance and underlying trends of the businesses. Segment EBIT may not be indicative of our overall consolidated performance and therefore, should be read in conjunction with our consolidated results of operations. The following tables provide information about our reportable segments.
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3. Earnings per Share
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are presented below. The sum of earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.
4. Inventories
Inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:
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5. Finance Assets
Finance Receivables
Finance receivables are comprised of sales-type lease receivables and unsecured revolving loan receivables. Sales-type lease receivables are generally due in monthly, quarterly or semi-annual installments over periods ranging from three to five years. Loan receivables arise primarily from financing services offered to our clients for postage and supplies. Loan receivables are generally due each month; however, customers may rollover outstanding balances. Interest is recognized on loan receivables using the effective interest method and related annual fees are initially deferred and recognized ratably over the annual period covered. Customer acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. During the second quarter of 2016, we determined that certain finance receivables with a net investment of $35 million at December 31, 2015 classified as a sales type lease receivable should have been classified as loan receivables. Accordingly, prior period amounts have been revised to reflect this change.
Finance receivables at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:
Loans receivable are due within one year. Maturities of gross sales-type lease finance receivables at December 31, 2016 were as follows:
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Allowance for Credit Losses
Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
Aging of Receivables
The aging of finance receivables at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
As of December 31, 2016, we had North American sales-type lease receivables aged greater than 90 days with a full contract value of $63 million. As of February 15, 2017, we have received payments with a contract value of $31 million related to these receivables.
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Credit Quality
The extension of credit and management of credit lines to new and existing clients uses a combination of an automated credit score, where available, and a detailed manual review of the client's financial condition and, when applicable, payment history. Once credit is granted, the payment performance of the client is managed through automated collections processes and is supplemented with direct follow up should an account become delinquent. We have robust automated collections and extensive portfolio management processes. The portfolio management processes ensure that our global strategy is executed, collection resources are allocated appropriately and enhanced tools and processes are implemented as needed.
We use a third party to score the majority of the North America portfolio on a quarterly basis using a commercial credit score. We do not use a third party to score our International portfolio because the cost to do so is prohibitive, given that it is a localized process and there is no single credit score model that covers all countries.
The table below shows the North America portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 2015 by relative risk class (low, medium, high) based on the relative scores of the accounts within each class. The relative scores are determined based on a number of factors, including the company type, ownership structure, payment history and financial information. A fourth class is shown for accounts that are not scored. Absence of a score is not indicative of the credit quality of the account. The degree of risk, as defined by the third party, refers to the relative risk that an account in the next 12 month period may become delinquent.
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Low risk accounts are companies with very good credit scores and are considered to approximate the top 30% of all commercial borrowers.
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Medium risk accounts are companies with average to good credit scores and are considered to approximate the middle 40% of all commercial borrowers.
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High risk accounts are companies with poor credit scores, are delinquent or are at risk of becoming delinquent and are considered to approximate the bottom 30% of all commercial borrowers.
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6. Fixed Assets
Fixed assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:
Depreciation expense was $138 million, $136 million and $165 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Included in Machinery and equipment is $192 million of capitalized software as of December 31, 2016.
7. Acquisitions, Divestiture, Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Acquisitions
In July 2016, we acquired Maponics for $24 million, net of cash acquired. Maponics provides comprehensive boundary information and geospatial data that support location-based services and analytics and will be reported within our Software Solutions segment.
In January 2016, we acquired Enroute for $14 million in cash. Additional cash payments may also be required during 2017-2019 based on the achievement of certain annual revenue targets for 2016-2018. Enroute is a software-as-a-service enterprise retail and fulfillment solutions company and is reported within our Global Ecommerce segment.
In June 2015, we acquired Borderfree, Inc. ("Borderfree") for $381 million, net of $92 million of cash acquired. During the second quarter of 2016, we obtained new information about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and increased accounts payable and accrued expenses and goodwill acquired in the Borderfree acquisition by $2 million. On a supplemental pro forma basis, had we acquired Borderfree on January 1, 2015, our revenues would have been $47 million higher for 2015. The impact on our earnings would not have been material.
Divestiture
In May 2015, we sold Imagitas for net proceeds of $292 million. We recognized a pre-tax gain of $111 million, which was reported within other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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Intangible assets
Intangible assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:
During the year, we acquired intangible assets with a fair value of $19 million in connection with the acquisitions of Enroute and Maponics. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $40 million, $37 million and $34 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The future amortization expense for intangible assets at December 31, 2016 is as follows:
Actual amortization expense may differ from the amounts above due to, among other things, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, acquisitions, divestitures and impairment charges.
Goodwill
During the third quarter, based on the operating results of our Software Solutions reporting unit, we performed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test to assess the adequacy of the carrying value of goodwill. At that time, we determined that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 15% and the measurement of a goodwill impairment charge was not necessary. The assumptions used to estimate fair value were based on projections of revenue and earnings growth, including a strong sales pipeline, operating cash flows, discount rate and market multiples. Additionally, we launched several initiatives during 2016 that we expected would drive revenue and earnings growth in the future, including the development of a new partner channel, the reorganization of the sales organization to improve sales efficiency and the pipeline of deals, the improvement of processes for acquiring new clients and the implementation of a more disciplined marketing strategy for new products.
During the fourth quarter, however; our Software Solutions reporting unit experienced weaker than expected performance. Based on this and including the soft operating results in 2016, we performed a goodwill impairment test that indicated the fair value of the Software Solutions reporting unit was less than its carrying value. We engaged a third party to perform Steps 1 and 2 of the goodwill impairment test and determined that the implied fair value of goodwill was less than the recorded goodwill and as a result recorded a non-cash, pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $171 million to write down the carrying value of goodwill to its estimated fair value.
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The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are shown in the tables below.
(1)
Primarily represents foreign currency translation adjustments. For 2015, Other represents the write-off of remaining goodwill upon the sale of Imagitas.
8. Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments
We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. An entity is required to classify certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value based on the following fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value:
Level 1 -
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 -
Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 -
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and may be derived from internally developed methodologies based on management's best estimates.
The following tables show, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
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Investment Securities
The valuation of investment securities is based on the market approach using inputs that are observable, or can be corroborated by observable data, in an active marketplace. The following information relates to our classification into the fair value hierarchy:
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Money Market Funds / Commercial Paper: Money market funds typically invest in government securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other highly liquid, low risk securities. Money market funds are principally used for overnight deposits and are classified as Level 1 when unadjusted quoted prices in active markets are available and as Level 2 when they are not actively traded on an exchange. Direct investments in commercial paper are not listed on an exchange in an active market and are classified as Level 2.
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Equity Securities: Equity securities are comprised of mutual funds investing in U.S. and foreign common stock. These mutual funds are classified as Level 2 as they are not separately listed on an exchange.
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Commingled Fixed Income Securities: Mutual funds that invest in a variety of fixed income securities including securities of the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. The value of the funds is based on the market value of the underlying investments owned by each fund, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding, as reported by the fund manager. These commingled funds are not listed on an exchange in an active market and are classified as Level 2.
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Debt Securities - U.S. and Foreign Governments, Agencies and Municipalities: Debt securities are classified as Level 1 where active, high volume trades for identical securities exist. Valuation adjustments are not applied to these securities. Debt securities valued using quoted market prices for similar securities or benchmarking model derived prices to quoted market prices and trade data for identical or comparable securities are classified as Level 2.
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Debt Securities - Corporate: Corporate debt securities are valued using recently executed transactions, market price quotations where observable, or bond spreads. The spread data used are for the same maturity as the security. These securities are classified as Level 2.
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Mortgage-Backed Securities / Asset-Backed Securities: These securities are valued based on external pricing indices. When external index pricing is not observable, these securities are valued based on external price/spread data. These securities are classified as Level 2.
Investment securities include investments held by The Pitney Bowes Bank (the Bank), whose primary business is to provide financing solutions to clients that rent postage meters and purchase supplies. The Bank's assets and liabilities consist primarily of cash, finance receivables, short and long-term investments and deposit accounts.
The Bank's investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and other assets depending on the type of investment and maturity. Unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax.
Available-For-Sale Securities
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
Investment securities that were in a loss position for 12 or more continuous months at December 31, 2016 had aggregate unrealized holding losses of less than $1 million and an estimated fair value of $12 million. Investment securities that were in a loss position for less than 12 continuous months at December 31, 2016 had aggregate unrealized holding losses of $4 million and an estimated fair value of $171 million.
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Investment securities that were in a loss position for 12 or more continuous months at December 31, 2015 had aggregate unrealized holding losses of $2 million and an estimated fair value of $36 million. Investment securities that were in a loss position for less than 12 continuous months at December 31, 2015 had aggregate unrealized holding losses of $2 million and an estimated fair value of $146 million.
We have not recognized an other-than-temporary impairment on any of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position because we do not intend to sell these securities, it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of the unrealized losses and we expect to receive the contractual principal and interest on these investment securities.
At December 31, 2016, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities have scheduled maturities as follows:
The expected payments on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may not coincide with their contractual maturities as borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
We have not experienced any write-offs in our investment portfolio. The majority of our mortgage-backed securities are either guaranteed or supported by the U.S. government. We have no investments in inactive markets that would warrant a possible change in our pricing methods or classification within the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivatives. We use derivative instruments to limit the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on financial results and manage the related cost of debt. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record derivative instruments at fair value and the accounting for changes in the fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative, the resulting designation and the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk exposure it is designed to hedge.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
We enter into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate the currency risk associated with the anticipated purchase of inventory between affiliates and from third parties. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the gain or loss on cash flow hedges is included in AOCI in the period that the change in fair value occurs and is reclassified to earnings in the period that the hedged item is recorded in earnings. At both December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had outstanding contracts associated with these anticipated transactions with a notional amount of $13 million.
The valuation of foreign exchange derivatives is based on the market approach using observable market inputs, such as foreign currency spot and forward rates and yield curves. We also incorporate counterparty credit risk and our credit risk into the fair value measurement of our derivative assets and liabilities, respectively. We derive credit risk from observable data in the credit default swap market. We have not seen a material change in the creditworthiness of those banks acting as derivative counterparties.
Interest Rate Swaps
In September 2016, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $300 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with our $300 million variable-rate term loans. The swap is designated as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the cash flow hedge is included in AOCI in the period that the change in fair value occurs and is reclassified to earnings in the period that the hedged item is recorded in earnings. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we pay fixed-rate interest of 0.8826% and receive variable-rate interest based on one-month LIBOR. The variable interest rate resets monthly.
The valuation of our interest rate swap is based on the income approach using a model with inputs that are observable or that can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
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The fair value of our derivative instruments at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
The amounts included in AOCI at December 31, 2016 will be recognized in earnings within the next 12 months. No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in earnings for these designated cash flow hedges.
The following represents the results of cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
We also enter into foreign exchange contracts to minimize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on short-term intercompany loans and related interest that are denominated in a foreign currency. The revaluation of the intercompany loans and interest and the mark-to-market adjustment on the derivatives are both recorded in earnings. All outstanding contracts at December 31, 2016 mature over the next three months.
The following represents the results of our non-designated derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
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Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
Certain derivative instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features that would require us to post collateral based on a combination of our long-term senior unsecured debt ratings and the net fair value of our derivatives. At December 31, 2016, the maximum amount of collateral that we would have been required to post had the credit-risk-related contingent features been triggered was not material.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts receivable, loan receivables, derivative instruments, accounts payable and debt. The carrying value for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, loans receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
The fair value of our debt is estimated based on recently executed transactions and market price quotations. The inputs used to determine the fair value of our debt were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value and estimated fair value of our debt at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
9. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
The following table shows selected balance sheet information at December 31, 2016 and 2015:
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10. Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairments
The table below shows the activity in our restructuring reserves for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
Restructuring charges also include pension settlement charges of $2 million and $1 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The majority of the remaining restructuring reserves are expected to be paid over the next 12-24 months. Due to certain international labor laws and long-term lease agreements, some payments will extend beyond 24 months. We expect to fund these payments from cash flows from operations.
Asset impairment
In 2016, asset impairment charges consist primarily of a loss of $5 million from the sale of a facility and an impairment charge of $4 million related to another facility. During 2015, we sold our world headquarters building for $39 million and recorded a loss on the sale of $5 million. The loss was recognized in restructuring charges and asset impairments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
11. Debt
In January 2016, we borrowed $300 million under a term loan agreement and applied the proceeds to the repayment of the $371 million 4.75% notes due January 2016. The new term loans bear interest at the applicable Eurodollar Rate plus 1.5% (1.25% at issuance) and
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(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
mature in December 2020. The effective interest rate of these loans at December 31, 2016 were 2.2%. In September 2016, we entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $300 million to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with these variable rate term loans. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we pay fixed rate interest of 0.8826% and receive variable rate interest based on one-month LIBOR. The variable rate resets monthly.
In March 2016, we satisfied certain employment obligations stipulated in the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development loan (issued in 2014), and under the terms of the loan, $10 million was forgiven. We recorded loan forgiveness income in selling, general and administrative expenses.
In September 2016, we issued $600 million of 3.375% fixed-rate notes due in October 2021. Interest is payable semi-annually and is subject to adjustment from time to time if either Moody's or S&P (or a substitute ratings agency) downgrades (or downgrades and subsequently upgrades) the credit rating assigned to the notes. The notes mature in October 2021, but may be redeemed, at our option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. The proceeds were used to repay approximately $300 million of outstanding commercial paper and redeem noncontrolling interests for $300 million (see Note 14).
The 4.625% Notes due March 2024 may be redeemed, at any time, at our option, in whole or in part, at par plus accrued interest and a make-whole payment.
The 6.7% Notes due March 2043 may be redeemed, at our option, in whole or in part, at par plus accrued interest any time on or after March 2018, respectively.
The 5.25% Notes due 2037 provided bondholders the ability to redeem, in whole or in part, at par plus accrued interest, the notes in January 2017. In December 2016, we were notified that $79 million of these notes would be redeemed by bondholders.
We have a commercial paper program and a committed credit facility of $1 billion to support commercial paper issuances. There were no outstanding commercial paper borrowings as of December 31, 2016. There were $90 million of commercial paper borrowings at December 31, 2015. The credit facility expires in January 2020.
Annual maturities of outstanding debt at December 31, 2016 are as follows:
12. Retirement Plans and Postretirement Medical Benefits
We provide certain retirement benefits to our U.S. employees hired prior to January 1, 2005 and to eligible employees outside the U.S. under various defined benefit retirement plans. Benefit accruals under most of our significant defined benefit plans have been frozen.
We also provide certain employer subsidized health care and employer provided life insurance benefits in the U.S. and Canada to eligible retirees and their dependents. Employees hired before January 1, 2005 in the U.S. and April 1, 2005 in Canada become eligible for retiree medical benefits after reaching age 55 and with the completion of the required service period. The cost of these benefits is recognized over the period the employee provides credited service to the company.
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(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Retirement Plans
The benefit obligations and funded status of defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
Information provided in the table below is only for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015:
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The estimated amounts that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost in 2017 are as follows:
The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations for defined benefit pension plans recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:
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Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine end of year benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension plans include:
A discount rate is used to determine the present value of our future benefit obligations. The discount rate for our U.S. pension and postretirement medical benefit plans is determined by matching the expected cash flows associated with our benefit obligations to a pool of corporate long-term, high-quality fixed income debt instruments available as of the measurement date. The discount rate for our largest foreign plan, the U.K. Qualified Pension Plan (the U.K. Plan), is determined by using a model that discounts each year's estimated benefit payments by an applicable spot rate derived from a yield curve created from a large number of high quality corporate bonds. For our other smaller foreign pension plans, the discount rate is selected based on high-quality fixed income indices available in the country in which the plan is domiciled.
The expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the plans' investment portfolio after analyzing historical experience and future expectations of the returns and volatility of the various asset classes. The overall expected rate of return for the portfolio is based on the target asset allocation of our global pension plans, adjusted for historical and expected experience of active portfolio management results, when compared to the benchmark returns.
During 2017, we anticipate making total contributions of $8 million to our U.S. pension plans and $14 million to our foreign pension plans. We will reassess our funding alternatives as the year progresses.
Investment Strategy and Asset Allocation - U.S. Pension Plans
The investment strategy of our U.S. pension plans is to maximize returns within reasonable and prudent levels of risk, to achieve and maintain full funding of the accumulated benefit obligation and the actuarial liabilities and to earn a nominal rate of return of at least 6.75%. The fund has established a strategic asset allocation policy to achieve these objectives. Investments are diversified across asset classes and within each class to reduce the risk of large losses and are periodically rebalanced. Derivatives, such as swaps, options, forwards and futures contracts may be used for market exposure, to alter risk/return characteristics and to manage foreign currency exposure. Investments within the private equity and real estate portfolios are comprised of limited partnership units in primary and secondary fund of funds and units in open-ended commingled real estate funds, respectively. These types of investment vehicles are used in an effort to gain greater asset diversification. We do not have any significant concentrations of credit risk within the plan assets. The pension plans' liabilities, investment objectives and investment managers are reviewed periodically. The target asset allocation for 2017, and the actual asset allocations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 for the U.S. pension plans are as follows:
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Investment Strategy and Asset Allocation - Foreign Pension Plans
Our foreign pension plan assets are managed by outside investment managers and monitored regularly by local trustees and our corporate personnel. Investment strategies vary by country and plan, with each strategy tailored to achieve the expected rate of return within an acceptable or appropriate level of risk, depending upon the liability profile of plan participants, local funding requirements, investment markets and restrictions. The U.K. plan represents 75% of the total foreign pension assets. The U.K. pension plan's investment strategy is to maximize returns within reasonable and prudent levels of risk, to achieve and maintain full funding of the accumulated benefit obligation and the actuarial liabilities and to earn a nominal rate of return of at least 6.25%. The fund has established a strategic asset allocation policy to achieve these objectives. Investments are diversified across asset classes and within each class to minimize the risk of large losses and are periodically rebalanced. Derivatives, such as swaps, options, forwards and futures contracts may be used for market exposure, to alter risk/return characteristics and to manage currency exposure. We do not have any significant concentrations of credit risk within the plan assets. The pension plans' liabilities, investment objectives and investment managers are reviewed periodically. The target asset allocation for 2017, and the actual asset allocations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 for the U.K. pension plan are as follows:
The target asset allocation used to manage the investment portfolios is based on the broad asset categories shown above. The plan asset categories presented in the fair value hierarchy are subsets of the broad asset categories.
The fair value of the U.K. plan assets was $410 million and $399 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and the expected long-term weighted average rate of return on these plan assets was 6.50% in 2016 and 7.0% in 2015.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
The following tables show, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for the U.S. and foreign pension plans. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. There are no shares of our common stock included in the plan assets of our pension plans.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
United States Pension Plans
(1) Securities lending collateral is offset by a corresponding securities lending payable amount.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Foreign Plans
The following information relates to our classification of investments into the fair value hierarchy:
•
Money Market Funds: Money market funds typically invest in government securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper of companies and other highly liquid, low risk securities. Money market funds are principally used for overnight deposits. They are classified as Level 2 since they are not actively traded on an exchange.
•
Equity Securities: Equity securities include U.S. and foreign common stock, American Depository Receipts, preferred stock and commingled funds. Equity securities classified as Level 1 are valued using active, high volume trades for identical securities. Equity securities classified as Level 2 represent those not listed on an exchange in an active market. These securities are valued based on quoted market prices of similar securities.
•
Commingled Fixed Income Securities: Mutual funds that invest in a variety of fixed income securities including securities of the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Value of the funds is based on the net asset value (NAV) per unit as reported by the fund manager. NAV is based on the market value of the underlying investments owned by each fund, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding. Commingled fixed income securities are not listed on an active exchange and are classified as Level 2.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
•
Debt Securities - U.S. and Foreign Governments, Agencies and Municipalities: Government securities include treasury notes and bonds, foreign government issues, U.S. government sponsored agency debt and commingled funds. Municipal debt securities include general obligation securities and revenue-backed securities. Debt securities classified as Level 1 are valued using active, high volume trades for identical securities. Debt securities classified as Level 2 are valued through benchmarking model derived prices to quoted market prices and trade data for identical or comparable securities.
•
Debt Securities - Corporate: Investments are comprised of both investment grade debt (≥BBB-) and high-yield debt (≤BBB-). The fair value of corporate debt securities is valued using recently executed transactions, market price quotations where observable, or bond spreads. The spread data used are for the same maturity as the security. These securities are classified as Level 2.
•
Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): Investments are comprised of agency-backed MBS, non-agency MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial MBS, and commingled funds. These securities are valued based on external pricing indices. When external index pricing is not observable, MBS are valued based on external price/spread data. If neither pricing method is available, broker quotes are utilized. When inputs are observable and supported by an active market, MBS are classified as Level 2 and when inputs are unobservable, MBS are classified as Level 3.
•
Asset-Backed Securities (ABS): Investments are primarily comprised of credit card receivables, auto loan receivables, student loan receivables, and Small Business Administration loans. These securities are valued based on external pricing indices or external price/spread data and are classified as Level 2.
•
Private Equity: Investments are comprised of units in fund-of-funds investment vehicles. Fund-of-funds consist of various private equity investments and are used in an effort to gain greater diversification. The investments are valued in accordance with the most appropriate valuation techniques, and are classified as Level 3 due to the unobservable inputs used to determine a fair value.
•
Real Estate: Investments include units in open-ended commingled real estate funds. Properties that comprise these funds are valued in accordance with the most appropriate valuation techniques, and are classified as Level 3 due to the unobservable inputs used to determine a fair value.
•
Diversified Growth Funds: Investments are comprised of units in commingled diversified growth funds. These investments are valued based on the net asset value (NAV) per unit as reported by the fund manager, and are classified as Level 3 due to the unobservable inputs used to determine a fair value.
•
Securities Lending Fund: Investment represents a commingled fund through our custodian's securities lending program. The U.S. pension plan lends securities that are held within the plan to other banks and/or brokers, and receives collateral, typically cash. This collateral is invested in a short-term fixed income securities commingled fund. The commingled fund is not listed or traded on an exchange and is classified as Level 2. This amount invested in the fund is offset by a corresponding liability reflected in the U.S. pension plan's net assets available for benefits.
Level 3 Gains and Losses
The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
United States Pension Plans
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Foreign Pension Plans
Nonpension Postretirement Benefits
The benefit obligation and funded status for nonpension postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
(1)
The benefit obligation for the U.S. nonpension postretirement plans was $174 million and $198 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Pretax amounts recognized in AOCI consist of:
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
The components of net periodic benefit cost for nonpension postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation for nonpension postretirement benefit plans recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost in 2017 are as follows:
The weighted-average discount rates used to determine end of year benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost include:
The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the U.S. plan was 6.0% for 2016 and 6.0% for 2015. The assumed health care trend rate is 7.0% for 2017 and will gradually decline to 5.0% by the year 2025 and remain at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid.
Savings Plans
We offer voluntary defined contribution plans to our U.S. employees designed to help them accumulate additional savings for retirement. We provide a core contribution to all employees, regardless if they participate in the plan, and match a portion of each participating employees' contribution, based on eligible pay. Total contributions to our defined contribution plans were $32 million in 2016 and $28 million in 2015.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
13. Income Taxes
Income from continuing operations before taxes consisted of the following:
The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following:
The effective tax rate for 2016 includes tax benefits of $15 million from the resolution of tax examinations, $58 million charge associated with the goodwill impairment and a $6 million charge from the establishment of a valuation allowance on tax attribute carryovers.
The effective tax rate for 2015 includes tax benefits of $20 million from the disposition of Imagitas and $3 million from the retroactive effect of 2015 tax legislation.
The effective tax rate for 2014 includes tax benefits of $22 million from the resolution of tax examinations and $5 million from the retroactive effect of 2014 U.S. tax legislation.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate and our provision for income taxes consist of the following:
Other impacts of foreign operations include income of foreign affiliates taxed at rates other than the 35% U.S. statutory rate, the accrual or release of tax uncertainty amounts related to foreign operations, the tax impacts of foreign earnings repatriation and the U.S. foreign tax credit impacts of foreign income taxed in the U.S.. The 2016 goodwill impairment significantly increased the 2016 tax rate as nearly all of the goodwill that was impaired had no tax basis.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce the total deferred tax assets to an amount that will more-likely-than-not be realized. The valuation allowance relates primarily to certain foreign, state and local net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards that are more-likely-than-not to expire unutilized.
We have net operating loss carryforwards of $279 million as of December 31, 2016, of which, $225 million can be carried forward indefinitely and the remainder expire over the next 15 years. In addition, we have tax credit carryforwards of $53 million, of which $39 million can be carried forward indefinitely and the remainder expire over the next 10 to 15 years.
As of December 31, 2016 we have not provided for income taxes on $850 million of cumulative undistributed earnings of subsidiaries outside the U.S. as these earnings will be either indefinitely reinvested or remitted substantially free of additional tax. However, we estimate that withholding taxes on such remittances would be $12 million. Determination of the liability that would be incurred if these earnings were remitted to the U.S. is not practicable as there is a significant amount of uncertainty with respect to determining the amount of foreign tax credits and other indirect tax consequences that may arise from the distribution of these earnings.
Uncertain Tax Positions
A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized was $104 million, $117 million and $109 million, respectively.
On a regular basis, we conclude tax return examinations, statutes of limitations expire, and court decisions interpret tax law. We regularly assess tax uncertainties in light of these developments. As a result, it is reasonably possible that the amount of our unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next 12 months, and we expect this change could be up to 25% of our unrecognized tax benefits. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in our provision for income taxes. We recognized interest and penalties of less than $1 million, $(4) million and $2 million related to uncertain tax positions in our provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We had $9 million and $10 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Other Tax Matters
As is the case with other large corporations, our tax returns are examined each year by tax authorities in the U.S. and other global taxing jurisdictions in which we have operations. The IRS examinations of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for tax years prior to 2012 are closed to audit. Additionally, in the U.S. we are subject to examination on various post-2006 State and Local taxes. In Canada, the examination of our tax filings prior to 2011 are closed to audit, except for the pending application of legal principles to specific issues arising in earlier years. Other significant jurisdictions include France, closed through the end of 2012, Germany, closed through the end of 2011 and the U.K., closed through the end of 2011, except for an item under appeal. We have other less significant tax filings currently subject to examination.
We regularly assess the likelihood of tax adjustments in each of the tax jurisdictions in which we have operations and account for the related financial statement implications. We believe we have established tax reserves that are appropriate given the possibility of tax adjustments. However, determining the appropriate level of tax reserves requires judgment regarding the uncertain application of tax law and the possibility of tax adjustments. Future changes in tax reserve requirements could have a material impact, positive or negative, on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
14. Noncontrolling Interests (Preferred Stockholders’ Equity in Subsidiaries)
We redeemed all of the PBIH Preferred Stock, which had a recorded balance of $296 million, for $300 million on November 1, 2016. The excess was recorded to Preferred stock dividends of subsidiaries attributable to noncontrolling interests. Prior to the redemption, Pitney Bowes International Holdings, Inc. (PBIH), a subsidiary of the company, had 300,000 shares of outstanding perpetual voting preferred stock valued at $300 million held by certain institutional investors (PBIH Preferred Stock). The PBIH Preferred Stock was entitled to cumulative dividends at a rate of 6.125%. The holders of PBIH Preferred Stock were entitled as a group to 25% of the combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of PBIH. All outstanding common stock of PBIH, representing the remaining 75% of the combined voting power of all classes of capital stock, was owned directly or indirectly by the company.
15. Commitments and Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are routinely defendants in, or party to, a number of pending and threatened legal actions. These may involve litigation by or against us relating to, among other things, contractual rights under vendor, insurance or other contracts; intellectual property or patent rights; equipment, service, payment or other disputes with clients; or disputes with employees. Some of these actions may be brought as a purported class action on behalf of a purported class of employees, clients or others. In management's opinion, it is not reasonably possible that the potential liability, if any, that may result from these actions, either individually or collectively, will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, as litigation is inherently unpredictable, there can be no assurances in this regard.
16. Leases
We lease office facilities, sales and service offices, equipment and other properties under operating lease agreements with varying terms. Certain leases require us to pay property taxes, insurance and routine maintenance and include renewal options and escalation clauses. Rent expense was $45 million, $47 million and $55 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2016 were as follows:
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
17. Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity
Preferred and Preference Stock
We have two classes of preferred stock issued and outstanding: the 4% Preferred Stock (the Preferred Stock) and the $2.12 Preference Stock (the Preference Stock). The Preferred Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of $2 per year and can be converted into 24.24 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, in certain events. The Preferred Stock is redeemable at our option at a price of $50 per share, plus dividends accrued through the redemption date. We are authorized to issue 600,000 shares of Preferred Stock. There were 12 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There are no unpaid dividends in arrears.
The Preference Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of $2.12 per year and can be converted into 16.53 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment, in certain events. The Preference Stock is redeemable at our option at a price of $28 per share. We are authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of Preference Stock. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were 17,832 shares and 18,660 shares outstanding, respectively. There are no unpaid dividends in arrears.
Common and Treasury Stock
The following table summarizes the changes in shares of Common Stock outstanding and Treasury Stock:
At December 31, 2016, 32,453,416 shares were reserved for issuance under our stock plans, dividend reinvestment program and the conversion of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
18. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to income and increases to other comprehensive income (loss).
(b)
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into selling, general and administrative expenses. These amounts are included in the computation of net periodic costs of defined benefit pension plans and nonpension postretirement benefit plans (see Note 12 for additional details).
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
(a) Amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI.
(b) See table above for additional details of these reclassifications.
(c)
Foreign currency item amount represents the recognition of deferred translation upon the sale of certain businesses.
19. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The following table shows stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Income:
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Stock Plans
We have a long-term incentive program whereby eligible employees may be granted restricted stock units, non-qualified stock options, other stock-based awards, cash or any combination thereof. The Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers these plans. We settle employee stock compensation awards with treasury shares. At December 31, 2016, there were 18,361,915 shares available for future grants under our long-term incentive program.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units (RSUs) entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the units vest, typically over a three year service period. The following table summarizes information about restricted stock units during 2016 and 2015:
The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the stock price on the grant date less the present value of expected dividends. At December 31, 2016, there was $9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The intrinsic value of RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2016 was $23 million. The intrinsic value of RSUs vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $14 million, $18 million and $18 million, respectively. The fair value of RSUs vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $21 million, $14 million and $10 million, respectively. During 2014, we granted 685,994 RSUs at a weighted average fair value of $23.62.
Non-employee directors receive restricted stock units which are convertible into shares of common stock one year from date of grant. In 2016 and 2015, we granted 54,855 and 12,824 restricted stock units, respectively, to non-employee directors.
Performance Stock Units
The following table summarizes share information about Performance stock units (PSUs) during 2016:
PSUs are stock awards where the number of shares ultimately received by the employee is conditional upon the attainment of certain performance targets as well as total shareholder return relative to peer companies. PSUs vest at the end of a three-year service period and the actual number of shares awarded may range from 0% to 200% of the target award. However, the final determination of the number of shares to be issued is made by our Board of Directors, who may reduce, but not increase, the ultimate number of shares to be awarded (negative discretion). PSUs are accounted for as variable awards until the end of the service period when the grant date is established.
Total share-based compensation expense for PSUs is determined by the product of the number of shares eligible to be awarded and expected to vest and the fair value of the award, determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model, commencing at the inception of the requisite service period. During the performance period, the compensation expense for PSUs is re-computed using the fair value of the award, determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model each balance sheet date. Due to the variability of these awards, significant fluctuations in share-based compensation expense recognized from one period to the next are possible.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
As a result of current year and projected company performance against pre-established targets for the PSU awards, our current estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately be awarded is significantly less than our estimate at the beginning of the year. At December 31, 2016, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to currently outstanding PSU awards.
Stock Options
Stock options may be granted to certain officers and employees at an exercise price equal to or greater than the stock price of our common stock on the grant date. Options vest ratably over three or four years and expire ten years from the date of grant. At December 31, 2016, there was less than $3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years. The intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2016 was not significant. No stock options were exercised in 2015 or 2016.
The following table summarizes information about stock option activity during 2016 and 2015:
The following table provides additional information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016:
We estimate the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model. Key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the volatility of our stock price, a risk-free interest rate, the expected dividend yield and expected life of the award. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. treasuries with a term equal to the expected option term. The expected stock price volatility, life of the award and expected dividend yield are based on historical experience. In 2014 there were no stock options granted.
The follow table lists the weighted average of assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock options granted during 2016 and 2015:
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We maintain a non-compensatory Employee Stock Purchase Plan that enables substantially all U.S. and Canadian employees to purchase shares of our common stock at an offering price of 95% of the average market price on the offering date. At no time will the exercise price be less than the lowest price permitted under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees purchased 147,680 shares and 131,769 shares in 2016 and 2015, respectively. We have reserved 2,921,057 common shares for future purchase under the ESPP.
20. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
(1)
Fourth quarter operating expense amount include an adjustment to reverse previously recognized variable compensation expense of $36 million and a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $171 million
(2)
The sum of the earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(1)
The sum of the earnings per share amounts may not equal the totals due to rounding.
PITNEY BOWES INC.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(Dollars in thousands)