Pitney Bowes 2014 Annual Report Download - page 37

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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 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.
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 of the asset
and its eventual disposition is compared to the carrying amount. We derive the cash flow estimates from our future long-term business
plans and historical experience. If the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded
for an amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is determined using probability
weighted expected discounted 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 the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit
is compared to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value,
the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. In the second step, 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, applicable 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 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.
Based on the results of the annual impairment test performed during the fourth quarter of 2014, we determined that the estimated fair
value of each of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value by 20% or more.
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 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.