Roper (ROP) 10-K2019 FY Annual report

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) includes and incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In addition, we, or our executive officers on our behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or in connection with oral statements made to the press, potential investors or others. All statements that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.”  Forward-looking statements may be indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “should,” “will,” “believes” or “intends” and similar words and phrases. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement.

Examples of forward-looking statements in this report include but are not limited to statements regarding operating results, the success of our operating plans, our expectations regarding our ability to generate cash and reduce debt and associated interest expense, profit and cash flow expectations, the prospects for newly acquired businesses to be integrated and contribute to future growth and our expectations regarding growth through acquisitions. Important assumptions relating to the forward-looking statements include, among others, demand for our products, the cost, timing and success of product upgrades and new product introductions, raw material costs, expected pricing levels, expected outcomes of pending litigation, competitive conditions and general economic conditions. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. Although we believe that the estimates and projections reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, our expectations may prove to be incorrect. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any of them in light of new information or future events.

Roper Technologies, Inc. (“Roper,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a diversified technology company. We operate businesses that design and develop software (both license and Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”)) and engineered products and solutions for a variety of niche end markets.

We pursue consistent and sustainable growth in earnings and cash flow by emphasizing continuous improvement in the operating performance of our existing businesses and by acquiring other businesses that offer high value-added software, services, engineered products and solutions that we believe are capable of achieving growth and maintaining high margins. We compete in many niche markets and believe we are the market leader or a competitive alternative to the market leader in most of these markets.

During the first quarter of 2019, we implemented a realignment of our reportable segment structure. The new reportable segments continue to provide a transparent view into Roper’s operations and capital deployment strategy and objectives. The Company’s new reporting segment structure reinforces Roper’s diversified, niche market strategy by reporting based upon business models instead of end markets. The four new reportable segments (and businesses within each; including changes due to acquisitions and divestitures since the realignment) are as follows:

The Company’s strategy, organizational structure, and day-to-day operations of our businesses remain unchanged. All prior periods have been recast to reflect the changes noted above. Information regarding our business segments is set forth in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Our Application Software segment had net revenues of $1.59 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing 29.6% of our total net revenues. Below is a description of the products offered by business that comprise the Application Software segment.

Our Network Software & Systems segment had net revenues of $1.53 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing 28.5% of our total net revenues. Below is a description of the products offered by business that comprise the Network Software & Systems segment.

Our Measurement & Analytical Solutions segment had net revenues of $1.60 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing 29.7% of our total net revenues. Below is a description of the products offered by business that comprise the Measurement & Analytical Solutions segment.

Our Process Technologies segment had net revenues of $0.65 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, representing 12.2% of our total net revenues. Below is a description of the products offered by business that comprise the Process Technologies segment.

We believe most materials and supplies we use are readily available from numerous sources and suppliers throughout the world. However, some components and sub-assemblies are currently available from only a limited number of suppliers. We regularly investigate and identify alternative sources where possible, and we believe these conditions equally affect our competitors. Supply shortages have not had a material adverse effect on our revenues although delays in shipments have occurred following such supply interruptions.

 

Our backlog includes only firm unfilled orders expected to be recognized as revenue within twelve months. Backlog was $1.99 billion at December 31, 2019, and $1.69 billion at December 31, 2018.

Distribution and sales occur primarily through direct sales offices, manufacturers’ representatives, resellers and distributors. 

Our operations and properties are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including those governing air emissions, water discharges, waste management and workplace safety. We use, generate and dispose of hazardous substances and waste in our operations and could be subject to material liabilities relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated properties and related claims. We are required to conform our operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in all countries as these requirements change. In connection with our acquisitions, we may assume significant environmental liabilities, some of which we may not be aware of, or may not be quantifiable, at the time of acquisition. In addition, new laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new requirements could increase our costs or subject us to new or increased liabilities.

Generally, our products and solutions face significant competition, usually from a limited number of competitors. We believe that we are a leader in most of our markets, and no single company competes with us over a significant number of product lines. Competitors might be large or small in size, often depending on the size of the niche market we serve. We compete primarily on product quality, performance, innovation, technology, price, applications expertise, system and service flexibility, distribution channel access and customer service capabilities.

In addition to trade secrets, unpatented know-how, and other intellectual property rights, we own or license the rights under a number of patents, trademarks and copyrights relating to certain of our products and businesses. We also employ various methods, including confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with individuals and companies we do business with, employees, distributors, representatives and customers to protect our trade secrets and know-how. We believe none of our operating units are substantially dependent on any single patent, trademark, copyright, or other item of intellectual property or group of patents, trademarks or copyrights.

As of December 31, 2019, we had 16,460 employees, with 10,621 located in the United States. We have 167 employees who are subject to collective bargaining agreements. We have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our relations with our employees to be good.

All reports we file electronically with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and our annual proxy statements, as well as any amendments to those reports, are accessible at no cost on our website at www.ropertech.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines; the charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee; and our Business Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct are also available on our website. Any amendment to the Business Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and any waiver applicable to our directors, executive officers or senior financial officers will be posted on our website within the time period required by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The information posted on our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report.

Our level of indebtedness and the debt servicing costs associated with that indebtedness could have important effects on our operations and business strategy. For example, our indebtedness could:

Our ability to make scheduled principal payments of, to pay interest on, or to refinance our indebtedness and to satisfy our other debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, which may be affected by factors beyond our control. In addition, there can be no assurance that future borrowings or equity financing will be available to us on favorable terms for the payment or refinancing of our indebtedness. If we are unable to service our indebtedness, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.

Our credit facility contains covenants requiring us to achieve certain financial and operating results and maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. Our ability to meet the financial covenants or requirements in our credit facility may be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to satisfy such covenants and requirements. A breach of these covenants or our inability to comply with the financial ratios, tests or other restrictions contained in our facility could result in an event of default under this facility. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our credit facility, and the expiration of any grace periods, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the facility, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, our assets may not be sufficient to fully repay the amounts due under this facility or our other indebtedness.

Additionally, on July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the U.K. announced that it would phase out London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as a benchmark by the end of 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021, or whether different benchmark rates used to price indebtedness will develop. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to amend certain agreements and we cannot predict what alternative index would be negotiated with our counterparties. As a result, our interest expense could increase and our available cash flow for general corporate requirements may be adversely affected. In addition, the overall financial market may be disrupted as a result of the phase-out or replacement of LIBOR.

Several of our operating companies have transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of these transactions and balances are denominated in euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Danish kroner. Sales by our operating companies whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar represented 16% and 17% of our total net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Unfavorable changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and those currencies could significantly reduce our reported revenues and earnings.

Sales to customers outside the U.S. by our businesses located in the U.S. account for a significant portion of our net revenues. These sales accounted for 10% and 11% of our net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We are subject to risks that could limit our ability to export our products or otherwise reduce the demand for these products in our foreign markets. Such risks include, without limitation, the following:

As of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, 19% of our net revenues and 17% of our long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangibles, were attributable to operations outside the U.S. We expect our international operations to contribute materially to our business for the foreseeable future. Our international operations are subject to varying degrees of risk inherent in doing business outside the U.S. including, without limitation, the following:

Our future growth is likely to depend to some degree on our ability to acquire and successfully integrate new businesses. We intend to seek additional acquisition opportunities, both to expand into new markets and to enhance our position in existing markets. There are no assurances, however, that we will be able to successfully identify suitable candidates, negotiate appropriate terms, obtain financing on acceptable terms, complete proposed acquisitions, successfully integrate acquired businesses or expand into new markets. Once acquired, operations may not achieve anticipated levels of revenues or profitability.

Acquisitions involve risks, including difficulties in the integration of the operations, technologies, services and products of the acquired companies and the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular transaction, there are no assurances that we will properly ascertain all such risks. In addition, prior acquisitions have resulted, and future acquisitions could result, in the incurrence of substantial additional indebtedness and other expenses. Future acquisitions may also result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities. Difficulties encountered with acquisitions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Many of our products rely on proprietary technology; therefore we believe that the development and protection of intellectual property rights through patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, confidentiality agreements and other contractual provisions are important to the future success of our business. Despite our efforts to protect proprietary rights, unauthorized parties or competitors may copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology. Actions to enforce these rights may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, and we make no assurances that any such actions will be successful.

Our business exposes us to product liability risks in the design, manufacture and distribution of our products. In addition, certain of our products are used in hazardous environments. We currently have product liability insurance; however, we may not be able to maintain our insurance at a reasonable cost or in sufficient amounts to adequately protect us against losses. We also maintain other insurance policies, including directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. We believe we have adequately accrued estimated losses, principally related to deductible amounts under our insurance policies, with respect to all product liability and other claims, based upon our past experience and available facts. However, a successful product liability or other claim or series of claims brought against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a significant increase in our insurance costs could have an adverse impact on our operating results.

In some of our businesses, we derive a significant amount of revenue from large customers. The loss or reduction of any significant contracts with any of these customers could reduce our revenues and cash flows. Additionally, many of our customers are government entities. In many situations, government entities can unilaterally terminate or modify our existing contracts without cause and without penalty to the government agency.

We face intense competition from numerous competitors. Our products compete primarily on the basis of product quality, performance, innovation, technology, price, applications expertise, system and service flexibility, distribution channel access and established customer service capabilities. We may not be able to compete effectively on all of these fronts or with all of our competitors. In addition, new competitors may emerge, and product lines may be threatened by new technologies or market trends that reduce the value of these product lines. To remain competitive, we must develop new products, respond to new technologies and enhance our existing products in a timely manner. We anticipate that we may have to adjust prices to stay competitive.

Our business operations are dependent upon information technology networks and systems to securely transmit, process and store electronic information and to communicate among our locations around the world and with clients and vendors. A shutdown of, or inability to access, one or more of our facilities, a power outage or a failure of one or more of our information technology, telecommunications or other systems could significantly impair our ability to perform such functions on a timely basis. Computer viruses, cyber-attacks, other external hazards and human error could result in the misappropriation of assets or sensitive information, corruption of data or operational disruption. If sustained or repeated, such a business interruption, system failure, service denial or data loss and damage could result in a deterioration of our ability to perform necessary business functions.

If our security measures are breached, an unauthorized party may obtain access to our data or our users’ or customers’ data. In addition, cyber-attacks and similar acts could lead to interruptions and delays in customer processing or a loss or breach of customers’ data. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. The risk that these types of events could seriously harm our business is likely to increase as we expand the number of web-based products and services we offer, and operate in more countries.

The availability and prices of raw materials, parts and components are subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and prevailing price levels. In addition, some of our products are provided by sole source suppliers. Any change in the supply of, or price for, these parts and components, as well as any increases in commodity prices, particularly copper, could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations and properties are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including air emissions, water discharges, waste management and workplace safety. These laws and regulations can result in the imposition of substantial fines and sanctions for violations and could, in certain instances, require the installation of pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions and/or decrease the likelihood of accidental hazardous substance releases. Additionally, we could be affected by future regulations imposed in response to concerns over climate change. We must conform our operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in the countries in which we operate as these requirements change.

We use and generate hazardous substances and wastes in some of our operations and, as a result, could be subject to potentially material liabilities relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated properties and to claims alleging personal injury. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, costs relating to compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In connection with our acquisitions, we may assume significant environmental liabilities, some of which we may not be aware of at the time of acquisition. In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Some of the business areas in which we operate are subject to specific industry and general economic cycles. Certain businesses are subject to industry cycles, including but not limited to, the industrial and energy markets. Accordingly, a downturn in these or other markets in which we participate could materially adversely affect us. If demand changes and we fail to respond accordingly, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The business cycles of our different operations may occur contemporaneously. Consequently, the effect of an economic downturn may have a magnified negative effect on material portions of our business.

Our total assets reflect substantial intangible assets, primarily goodwill. At December 31, 2019, goodwill totaled $10.8 billion compared to $9.5 billion of stockholders’ equity, and represented 60% of our total assets of $18.1 billion. The goodwill results from our acquisitions, representing the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. We assess at least annually whether there has been an impairment in the value of our goodwill and indefinite economic life intangible assets. If future operating performance at one or more of our business units were to fall significantly below current levels, if competing or alternative technologies emerge, if interest rates rise or if business valuations decline, we could incur a non-cash charge to operating income. Any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of goodwill or unamortized intangible assets would negatively affect our results of operations, the effect of which could be material.

The future success of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to design and manufacture new competitive products and to enhance existing products so that we maintain our margin profile. This product development may require substantial internal investment. There can be no assurance that unforeseen problems will not occur with respect to the development, performance or market acceptance of new technologies or products or that we will otherwise be able to successfully develop and market new products. Failure of our products to gain market acceptance or our failure to successfully develop and market new products could reduce our margins, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If terrorist activity, armed conflict, political instability, public health crisis, such as an epidemic or pandemic related to the Coronavirus, or natural disasters occur in the U.S. or other locations, such events may negatively impact our operations, cause general economic conditions to deteriorate or cause demand for our products to decline. A prolonged economic slowdown or recession could reduce the demand for our products, and therefore, negatively affect our future sales and profits. Any of these events could have a significant impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Over the past several years, we have experienced significant changes to our executive leadership team. Leadership transitions and changes can be inherently difficult to manage and may cause uncertainty or disruption to our business or may increase the likelihood of turnover in key leadership positions. If we cannot effectively manage leadership transitions and changes, it could make it more difficult to successfully operate our business.

Our corporate offices, consisting of 29,000 square feet of leased space, are located at 6901 Professional Parkway East, Sarasota, Florida. As of December 31, 2019, we owned approximately 0.8 million square feet, and leased approximately 4.3 million square feet. Of the total 5.1 million square feet, 72% is concentrated in the United States. We consider our facilities to be in good operating condition and adequate for their present use and believe we have sufficient capacity to meet our anticipated operating requirements.

Information pertaining to legal proceedings can be found in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report, and is incorporated by reference herein.

Our common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “ROP”. Based on information available to us and our transfer agent, we believe that as of February 21, 2020 there were 186 record holders of our common stock.

The following graph compares, for the five year period ended December 31, 2019, the cumulative total stockholder return for our common stock, the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500”) and the Standard and Poor’s 500 Industrials Index (the “S&P 500 Industrials”). Measurement points are the last trading day of each of our fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2014 in our common stock, the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Industrials and assumes reinvestment of any dividends. The stock price performance on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

The information set forth in Item 12 under the heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” is incorporated herein by reference.

You should read the table below in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in this Annual Report (amounts in millions, except per share data).

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in this Annual Report, as well as Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which provides additional information on comparisons of years 2018 and 2017 relating to any sections which remain unchanged.

We are a diversified technology company. We operate businesses that design and develop software (both license and SaaS) and engineered products and solutions for a variety of niche end markets.

We pursue consistent and sustainable growth in earnings and cash flow by emphasizing continuous improvement in the operating performance of our existing businesses and by acquiring other carefully selected businesses. Our acquisitions have represented both new strategic platforms and additions to existing businesses.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). A discussion of our significant accounting policies can also be found in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in this Annual Report.

GAAP offers acceptable alternative methods for accounting for certain issues affecting our financial results, such as determining inventory cost, depreciating long-lived assets and recognizing revenue. We have not changed the application of acceptable accounting methods or the significant estimates affecting the application of these principles in the last three years in a manner that had a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of estimates, assumptions, judgments and interpretations that can affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and other supplemental disclosures.

The development of accounting estimates is the responsibility of our management. Our management discusses those areas that require significant judgments with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee has reviewed all financial disclosures in our annual filings with the SEC. Although we believe the positions we have taken with regard to uncertainties are reasonable, others might reach different conclusions and our positions can change over time as more information becomes available. If an accounting estimate changes, its effects are accounted for prospectively or through a cumulative catch up adjustment.

Our most significant accounting uncertainties are encountered in the areas of accounts receivable collectibility, inventory valuation, future warranty obligations, revenue recognition, income taxes, valuation of other intangible assets and goodwill and indefinite-lived impairment analyses. These issues affect each of our business segments and are evaluated using a combination of historical experience, current conditions and relatively short-term forecasting.

Accounts receivable collectibility is based on the economic circumstances of customers and credits given to customers after shipment of products, including in certain cases credits for returned products. Accounts receivable are regularly reviewed to determine customers who have not paid within agreed upon terms, whether these amounts are consistent with past experiences, what historical experience has been with amounts deemed uncollectible and the impact that economic conditions might have on collection efforts in general and with specific customers. The returns and other sales credit allowance is an estimate of customer returns, exchanges, discounts or other forms of anticipated concessions and is treated as a reduction in revenue. The returns and other sales credits histories are analyzed to determine likely future rates for such credits. At December 31, 2019, our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable was $16.9 and our allowance for sales returns and sales credits was $3.4, for a total of $20.3, or 2.5% of total gross accounts receivable, as compared to a total of $23.1, or 3.2% of total gross accounts receivable, at December 31, 2018. This percentage is influenced by the risk profile of the underlying receivables, and the timing of write-offs of accounts deemed uncollectible.

We regularly compare inventory quantities on hand against anticipated future usage, which we determine as a function of historical usage or forecasts related to specific items in order to evaluate obsolescence and excessive quantities. When we use historical usage, this information is also qualitatively compared to business trends to evaluate the reasonableness of using historical information as an estimate of future usage. At December 31, 2019, inventory reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $33.4, or 14.4% of gross inventory cost, as compared to $30.3, or 13.7% of gross inventory cost, at December 31, 2018. The inventory reserve as a percent of gross inventory cost will continue to fluctuate based upon specific identification of reserves needed based upon changes in our business as well as the physical disposal of obsolete inventory.

Most of our product-based revenues are covered by warranty provisions that generally provide for the repair or replacement of qualifying defective items for a specified period after the time of sale, typically 12 to 24 months. Future warranty obligations are evaluated using, among other factors, historical cost experience, product evolution and customer feedback. Our expense for warranty obligations was less than 1% of net revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Revenues from our project-based businesses, including toll and traffic systems, control systems and installations of large software application projects, are generally recognized over time using the input method, primarily utilizing the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs, as the measure of performance. The Company recognized revenues of $247.8, $245.9 and $249.3 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, using this method. There was $401.6 and $241.6 of revenue related to unfinished percentage-of-completion contracts had yet to be recognized at December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The primary driver in the increase was due to our TransCore business that was awarded the contract for the New York Central Business District Tolling Program.

Income taxes can be affected by estimates of whether and within which jurisdictions future earnings will occur and if, how and when cash is repatriated to the U.S., combined with other aspects of an overall income tax strategy. Additionally, taxing jurisdictions could retroactively disagree with our tax treatment of certain items, and some historical transactions have income tax effects going forward. Accounting rules require these future effects to be evaluated using current laws, rules and regulations, each of which can change at any time and in an unpredictable manner. During 2019, our effective income tax rate was 20.6%, as compared to the 2018 rate of 21.2%. The decrease was due primarily to the recognition of a discrete tax benefit of $41.0  in connection with a foreign restructuring plan allowing the future realization of net operating losses and the reversal of the deferred tax liability of $10.0 originally recorded in the second quarter of 2018 associated with the excess of Gatan's book basis over our tax basis in the shares during the third quarter of 2019, partially offset by the higher income tax rate incurred on the Imaging and Gatan gains. We expect the effective tax rate for 2020 to be between 21% and 23%.

We account for goodwill in a purchase business combination as the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill, which is not amortized, is tested for impairment on an annual basis in conjunction with our annual forecast process during the fourth quarter (or an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value).

When testing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that an impairment is more likely than not, we are then required to perform the quantitative impairment test; otherwise, no further analysis is required. Under the qualitative assessment, we consider various qualitative factors, including macroeconomic conditions, relevant industry and market trends, cost factors, overall financial performance, other entity-specific events and events affecting the reporting unit that could indicate a potential change in the fair value of our reporting unit or the composition of its carrying values. We also consider the specific future outlook for the reporting unit.

We also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. The quantitative assessment utilizes both an income approach (discounted cash flows) and a market approach (consisting of a comparable company earnings multiples methodology) to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. To determine the reasonableness of the estimated fair values, we review the assumptions to ensure that neither the income approach nor the market approach provides significantly different valuations. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is required and no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, a non-cash impairment loss is recognized in the amount of that excess.

Key assumptions used in the income and market approaches are updated when the analysis is performed for each reporting unit. Various assumptions are utilized including forecasted operating results, strategic plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, the weighted-average cost of capital, comparable transactions, market data and earnings multiples. While we use reasonable and timely information to prepare our cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly and could result in future non-cash impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances.

Recently acquired reporting units generally represent a higher inherent risk of impairment, which typically decreases as the businesses are integrated into our enterprise. Negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, actual results significantly below projections, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets, divestitures and market capitalization declines may have a negative effect on the fair value of our reporting units.

Roper has 35 reporting units with individual goodwill amounts ranging from zero to $2.5 billion. In 2019, the Company performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter for all reporting units. The Company conducted its analysis qualitatively and assessed whether it was more likely than not that the respective fair value of these reporting units was less than the carrying amount. The Company determined that impairment of goodwill was not likely in 33 of its reporting units and thus was not required to perform a quantitative assessment for these reporting units. For the remaining two reporting units, the Company performed its quantitative assessment and concluded that the fair value of each of these two reporting units was substantially in excess of its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of October 1, 2019.

Trade names that are determined to have an indefinite useful economic life are not amortized, but separately tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year or on an interim basis if an event occurs that indicates the fair value is more likely than not below the carrying value. We first qualitatively assess whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived trade name is less than its carrying amount. If necessary, we conduct a quantitative assessment using the relief-from-royalty method, which we believe to be an acceptable methodology due to its common use by valuation specialists in determining the fair value of intangible assets. This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third-party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these assets. The fair value of each trade name is determined by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net revenues discounted using a risk-adjusted rate of capital. Each royalty rate is determined based on the profitability of the trade name to which it relates and observed market royalty rates. Revenue growth rates are determined after considering current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches or other variables. Trade names resulting from recent acquisitions generally represent the highest risk of impairment, which typically decreases as the businesses are integrated into our enterprise and positioned for future sales growth.

The Company performed a quantitative analysis over the fair values of two of its trade names and concluded that the fair value exceeded its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of October 1, 2019. Of those trade names subjected to our quantitative analysis, one, associated with our lab software business, had a fair value that approximated its carrying value, which was $100.4 as of October 1, 2019. Holding other assumptions constant, for the specific trade name associated with our lab software business, a 50 basis point increase in the discount rate would result in a $5.5 impairment and a 100 basis point decrease in the terminal growth rate would result in an $9.7 impairment.

The assessment of fair value for impairment purposes requires significant judgments to be made by management. Although our forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management uses to operate the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected results attributable to the businesses and/or reporting units. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. No impairment resulted from the annual reviews performed in 2019.

The most significant identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives recognized from our acquisitions are customer relationships. The fair value for customer relationships is determined as of the acquisition date using the excess earnings method. Under this methodology the fair value is determined based on the estimated future after-tax cash flows arising from the acquired customer relationships over their estimated lives after considering customer attrition and contributory asset charges. When testing customer relationship intangible assets for potential impairment, management considers historical customer attrition rates and projected revenues and profitability related to customers that existed at acquisition. In evaluating the amortizable life for customer relationship intangible assets, management considers historical customer attrition patterns.

We evaluate whether there has been an impairment of identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives, or of the remaining life of such assets, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or remaining period of amortization of any asset may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or a revision in the remaining amortization period is required.

Percentages may not sum due to rounding.

The following table sets forth selected information for the years indicated. 

 

Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $5.37 billion as compared to $5.19 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of 3.4%. The increase was the result of organic growth of 2.8% and a net effect from acquisitions and divestitures of 1.4%, partially offset by a negative foreign exchange impact of 0.8%.

In our Application Software segment, net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased by $135.3 or 9% over the year ended December 31, 2018. Organic revenues increased by 5% and acquisitions accounted for 5% of our growth, partially offset by a negative foreign exchange impact of 1%. The growth in organic revenues was due primarily to broad-based revenue growth across the segment, led by businesses serving government contracting, professional services, legal and healthcare markets. Gross margin remained relatively flat at 67.0% for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to 66.9% for the year ended December 31, 2018. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses as a percentage of revenues in the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased to 41.5%, as compared to 42.3% in the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to operating leverage on higher organic revenues. The resulting operating margin was 25.5% in the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to 24.6% in the year ended December 31, 2018.

Our Network Software & Systems segment reported a $184.3 or 14% increase in net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 over the year ended December 31, 2018. Organic revenues increased by 5% and acquisitions accounted for 8% of our growth. The growth in organic revenues was due to broad-based revenue growth across the segment led by our network software businesses serving the transportation, healthcare and food markets. Gross margin increased to 69.2% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from 68.3% for the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to revenue mix. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 34.0% in the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 32.3% in the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to the acquisitions completed in 2019, including amortization of acquired intangibles. The resulting operating margin was 35.2% in the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to 36.0% in the year ended December 31, 2018.

Net revenues for our Measurement & Analytical Solutions segment decreased by $109.2 or 6% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from the year ended December 31, 2018. Organic revenues increased 2%, more than offset by a decrease in revenue of 8% attributable to the disposal of the Imaging businesses and Gatan as discussed above, and a negative foreign exchange impact of 1%. The growth in organic revenues was due primarily to our medical products and water meter technology businesses, partially offset by industrial business declines. Gross margin decreased to 58.5% in the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 58.7% in the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to revenue mix. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 27.1% in the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 27.9% in the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to operating leverage on higher organic revenues and the sale of the Imaging businesses. The resulting operating margin was 31.4% in the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to 30.7% in the year ended December 31, 2018.

In our Process Technologies segment, net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased by $34.8 or 5% from the year ended December 31, 2018. Organic sales decreased by 4% and the negative foreign exchange impact was 1%. The decrease in organic revenues was due primarily to lower demand at our businesses serving upstream oil and gas end markets. Gross margin increased to 56.9% in the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to 56.4% in the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to revenue mix. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 22.3% in the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 22.5% in the year ended December 31, 2018, due primarily to lower costs that are generally variable with revenue. As a result, operating margin was 34.6% in the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to 34.0% in the year ended December 31, 2018.

Corporate expenses decreased by $31.1 to $172.4, or 3.2% of revenues, in 2019 as compared to $203.5, or 3.9% of revenues, in 2018. The decrease was due primarily to $35.0 of accelerated vesting associated with the passing of our former executive chairman incurred in 2018, partially offset by higher acquisition-related expenses.

Interest expense, net, increased $4.5, or 2.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was due to higher weighted average interest rates, partially offset by lower weighted average debt balances.

Loss on debt extinguishment of $15.9 for the year ended December 31, 2018, incurred in connection with the early redemption of the $500.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due September 1, 2019, was composed of the early redemption premium and remaining unamortized deferred financing costs.

Other expense, net, of $5.1 for the year ended December 31, 2019 was composed primarily of foreign exchange losses at our non-U.S. based subsidiaries, partially offset by royalty income. Other income, net, of $0.0 for the year ended December 31, 2018 was composed primarily of royalty income, offset entirely by various other immaterial expenses. 

Gain on disposal of businesses, resulted in a pretax gain of $920.7 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company recognized $119.6 on the sale of the Imaging businesses, which closed February 5, 2019, and $801.1 on the sale of Gatan, which closed October 29, 2019.

During 2019, our effective income tax rate was 20.6% as compared to our 2018 rate of 21.2%. The decrease was due primarily to the recognition of a discrete tax benefit of $41.0 in connection with a foreign restructuring plan allowing the future realization of net operating losses and the reversal of the deferred tax liability of $10.0 originally recorded in the second quarter of 2018 associated with the excess of Gatan's book basis over our tax basis in the shares during the third quarter of 2019, partially offset by the higher income tax rate incurred on the Imaging and Gatan gains.

Order backlog is equal to our remaining performance obligations expected to be recognized within the next 12 months as discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $5.19 billion as compared to $4.61 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 12.7%. The increase was the result of organic growth of 9.4%, a net effect from acquisitions and divestitures of 2.9%, and foreign exchange benefit of 0.4%.

In our Application Software segment, net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $230.5 or 19% over the year ended December 31, 2017. Organic revenues increased by 9% and acquisitions accounted for 9%. The growth in organic revenues was due primarily to broad-based revenue growth across the segment, led by businesses serving government contracting, professional services, legal and healthcare markets, and the non-recurrence of purchase accounting adjustments to acquired deferred revenues in the year ended December 31, 2017 associated with our 2016 Deltek acquisition. Gross margin was 66.9% for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 65.3% for the year ended December 31, 2017, due primarily to operating leverage on higher revenues. SG&A expenses were relatively flat as a percentage of revenues at 42.3% for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 42.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The resulting operating margin was 24.6% in 2018 as compared to 22.8% in 2017.

In our Network Software & Systems segment, net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $91.1 or 7% over the year ended December 31, 2017. Organic revenues increased by 6% and acquisitions accounted for 1%. The growth in organic revenues was due to broad-based revenue growth across the segment led by our network software businesses serving the transportation markets and the non-recurrence of purchase accounting adjustments to acquired deferred revenues in the year ended December 31, 2017 associated with our 2016 ConstructConnect acquisition. Gross margin increased to 68.3% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 66.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017, due primarily to operating leverage on higher revenues. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 32.3% in the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 31.6% in the year ended December 31, 2017, due primarily to the acquisitions completed in 2018, including amortization of acquired intangibles. The resulting operating margin was 36.0% in the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 35.0% in the year ended December 31, 2017.

In our Measurement & Analytical Solutions segment, net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $174.3 or 11% over the year ended December 31, 2017. Organic revenues increased by 11% and the foreign exchange benefit was 1%. The growth in organic revenues was due to broad-based revenue growth across the segment led by our scientific imaging, water meter technology and medical products businesses. Gross margin increased to 58.7% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 58.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 27.9% in the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 29.3% in the year ended December 31, 2017, due primarily to operating leverage on higher sales volume. The resulting operating margin was 30.7% in the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 29.1% in the year ended December 31, 2017.

In our Process Technologies segment, net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $87.8 or 15% from the year ended December 31, 2017. Organic sales increased by 14% and the benefit from foreign exchange was 1%. The growth in organic revenues was due to broad-based growth in our businesses serving energy and industrial end markets. Gross margin increased to 56.4% in the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 56.3% in the year ended December 31, 2017 and SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 22.5% in the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 24.9% in the year ended December 31, 2017, both of which were due to operating leverage on higher sales volume. As a result, operating margin was 34.0% in the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 31.4% in the year ended December 31, 2017.

Order backlog is equal to our remaining performance obligations expected to be recognized within the next 12 months as discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Selected cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

Operating activities - The growth in cash provided by operating activities in 2019 and in 2018 was primarily due to increased earnings net of non-cash expenses, partially offset by higher cash taxes paid in 2019, most notably cash taxes paid on the gain on sale of the Imaging businesses.

Investing activities - Cash used in investing activities during 2019 was primarily for business acquisitions, most notably iPipeline and Foundry, partially offset by proceeds from the disposal of the Gatan business and the Imaging businesses. Cash used in investing activities during 2018 was primarily for business acquisitions, most notably PowerPlan.

Financing activities - Cash provided by/(used in) financing activities in all periods presented was primarily debt repayments/borrowings as well as dividends paid to stockholders. Cash provided by financing activities during 2019 was primarily from the issuance of $1.2 billion of senior notes partially offset by $865.0 of revolving debt repayments and to a lesser extent dividend payments. Cash used in financing activities during 2018 was primarily from the pay-down of revolving debt borrowings of $405.0, partially offset by the net issuance of senior notes of $200.0 and dividends paid to shareholders.

Net working capital (current assets, excluding cash, less total current liabilities, excluding debt) was negative $505.4 at December 31, 2019 compared to negative $200.4 at December 31, 2018, due primarily to increased income taxes payable, deferred revenue, and the adoption of ASC 842, partially offset by increased accounts receivable. The increase in income taxes payable is due primarily to the approximately $200.0 of taxes incurred on the gain associated with the divestiture of Gatan. We expect to pay these taxes in the second quarter of 2020. The deferred revenue increase is due to a higher percentage of revenue from software and subscription-based services.

Total debt excluding unamortized debt issuance costs was $5.3 billion at December 31, 2019 (35.9% of total capital) compared to $5.0 billion at December 31, 2018 (39.1% of total capital). Our increased total debt at December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 was due primarily to the issuance of $500.0 of 2.35% senior unsecured notes and $700.0 of 2.95% senior unsecured notes, partially offset by the pay-down of revolving debt borrowings of $865.0.

On September 23, 2016, we entered into a five-year unsecured credit facility, as amended as of December 2, 2016 (the “2016 Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders, which replaced our previous unsecured credit facility, dated as of July 27, 2012, as amended as of October 28, 2015 (the “2012 Facility”). The 2016 Facility comprises a five year $2.5 billion revolving credit facility, which includes availability of up to $150.0 for letters of credit. We may also, subject to compliance with specified conditions, request term loans or additional revolving credit commitments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500.0. 

The 2016 Facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, limit our ability to incur new debt, enter into certain mergers and acquisitions, sell assets and grant liens, make restricted payments (including the payment of dividends on our common stock) and capital expenditures, or change our line of business. We also are subject to financial covenants which require us to limit our consolidated total leverage ratio and to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio. The most restrictive covenant is the consolidated total leverage ratio which is limited to 3.5 to 1.

The 2016 Facility provides that the consolidated total leverage ratio may be increased, no more than twice during the term of the 2016 Facility, to 4.00 to 1 for a consecutive four quarter fiscal period per increase (or, for any portion of such four quarter fiscal period in which the maximum would be 4.25 to 1).  In conjunction with the Deltek acquisition in December of 2016, we increased the maximum consolidated total leverage ratio covenant to 4.25 to 1 through June 30, 2017 and 4.00 to 1 through December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2019, we had $5.3 billion of senior unsecured notes and $0.0 of outstanding revolver borrowings. In addition, we had $7.7 of other debt in the form of finance leases and several smaller facilities that allow for borrowings or the issuance of letters of credit in foreign locations to support our non-U.S. businesses. We had $74.0 of outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2019, of which $35.8 was covered by our lending group, thereby reducing our revolving credit capacity commensurately.

We may redeem some or all of our senior secured notes at any time or from time to time, at 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium based on a spread to U.S. Treasury securities.

We were in compliance with all debt covenants related to our credit facility throughout the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for additional information regarding our credit facility and senior notes.

Cash and cash equivalents at our foreign subsidiaries at December 31, 2019 totaled $291.8 as compared to $339.0 at December 31, 2018, a decrease of 13.9%. The decrease was due primarily to the repatriation of $290.6 during the year and cash used in the acquisition of Foundry, partially offset by cash generated from foreign operations. We intend to repatriate substantially all historical and future earnings subject to the deemed repatriation tax.

Capital expenditures of $52.7, $49.1 and $48.8 were incurred during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Capitalized software expenditures of $10.2, $9.5 and $10.8 were incurred during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Capital expenditures and capitalized software expenditures were relatively consistent in 2019 as compared to 2018 and 2017. In the future, we expect the aggregate of capital expenditures and capitalized software expenditures as a percentage of annual net revenues to be between 1.0% and 1.5%.

The following tables quantify our contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2019.

 

We believe that internally generated cash flows and the remaining availability under our credit facility will be adequate to finance normal operating requirements. Although we maintain an active acquisition program, any future acquisitions will be dependent on numerous factors and it is not feasible to reasonably estimate if or when any such acquisitions will occur and what the impact will be on our activities, financial condition and results of operations. We may also explore alternatives to attract additional capital resources.

We anticipate that our businesses will generate positive cash flows from operating activities, and that these cash flows will permit the reduction of currently outstanding debt in accordance with the repayment schedule. However, the rate at which we can reduce our debt during 2020 (and reduce the associated interest expense) will be affected by, among other things, the financing and operating requirements of any new acquisitions and the financial performance of our existing companies. None of these factors can be predicted with certainty.

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for information regarding the effect of new accounting pronouncements on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We are exposed to interest rate risks on our outstanding revolving credit borrowings, and to foreign currency exchange risks on our transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We are also exposed to equity market risks pertaining to the traded price of our common stock.

At December 31, 2019, we had $5.3 billion of fixed rate borrowings with interest rates ranging from 2.35% to 4.20%. At December 31, 2019, the prevailing market rates for our long-term notes were between 0.1% and 1.5% lower than the fixed rates on our debt instruments. Our credit facility contains a $2.5 billion variable-rate revolver with $0 of outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2019.

Several of our businesses have transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of these transactions or balances are denominated in euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Danish kroner. Net revenues recognized by companies whose functional currency was not the U.S. dollar were 16% of our total revenues in 2019 and 70% of these revenues were recognized by companies with a European functional currency. If these currency exchange rates had been 10% different throughout 2019 compared to currency exchange rates actually experienced, the impact on our net earnings would have been approximately 1%.

The trading price of our common stock influences the valuation of stock award grants and the effects these grants have on our results of operations. The stock price also influences the computation of potentially dilutive common stock to determine diluted earnings per share. The stock price also affects our employees’ perceptions of programs that involve our common stock. We believe the quantification of the effects of these changing prices on our future earnings and cash flows is not readily determinable.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019.

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded the four acquisitions completed in 2019 from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 because they were acquired by the Company in purchase business combinations during 2019. We have also excluded the four acquisitions completed in 2019 from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. The acquired entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries whose total assets and total revenues excluded from management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over financial reporting collectively represent less than 1% and 2%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.

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.

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Quantitative Goodwill Impairment Assessment

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the quantitative goodwill impairment assessment is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management when developing the fair value measurement of the reporting units. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures to evaluate management’s discounted cash flows and key assumptions, including anticipated future cash flows, discount rates and earnings multiples. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the Company’s reporting units. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate, evaluating the appropriateness of the income and market based approaches, testing the completeness, accuracy and relevance of underlying data used in the approaches, and evaluating significant assumptions used by management, including anticipated future cash flows. Evaluating management’s assumption related to anticipated future cash flows involved evaluating whether the assumption used by management was reasonable considering the past performance of the reporting unit and considered whether the assumption was consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Evaluating the market based approach involved evaluating the Company’s peer companies and the consistency of assumptions used as compared to the income approach. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the Company’s income and market based approaches and reasonableness of certain assumptions, including the weighted-average cost of capital and earnings multiples.

Quantitative Indefinite-Lived Trade Name Intangible Assets Impairment Assessment

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the quantitative indefinite-lived trade name intangible assets impairment assessment is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management when developing the fair value measurement of the indefinite-lived trade name intangible assets. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures to assess the significant assumptions relating to the quantitative indefinite-lived trade name impairment assessment, such as royalty rates, revenue growth rates, and risk-adjusted rate of capital. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s indefinite-lived trade name intangible assets impairment test, including controls over the valuation of the Company’s indefinite-lived trade name intangible assets. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate, testing the completeness, accuracy and relevance of underlying data used, and evaluating the significant assumptions and method used by management, including royalty rates, revenue growth rates, and risk-adjusted rate of capital. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to revenue growth rates involved evaluating whether the assumptions used were reasonable considering the past performance of the asset group comprised of the indefinite-lived trade name and considering whether they were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the Company’s relief-from-royalty method and reasonableness of certain significant assumptions, including the royalty rates and risk-adjusted rate of capital.

Valuation of Amortizable Customer Relationships Intangible Assets Acquired

As described in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed four acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2019, with an aggregate purchase price of $2,387.6 million, net of cash acquired. The amortizable intangible assets include customer relationships of $1,020.0 million. The fair value for customer relationships is determined as of the acquisition date using the excess earnings method. Under this methodology, the fair value is determined based on the estimated future after-tax cash flows arising from the acquired customer relationships over their estimated lives after considering customer attrition and contributory asset charges.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to valuation of amortizable customer relationships intangible assets acquired is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management when developing the fair value measurement of the amortizable customer relationships intangible assets. This in turn led to high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures to evaluate management’s significant assumptions relating to the amortizable customer relationships intangible assets, such as the estimated future after-tax cash flows, including the customer attrition rate. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s valuation of amortizable customer relationships intangible assets acquired. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process by evaluating the reasonableness of the valuation reports of intangible assets acquired, testing the completeness, accuracy and relevance of underlying data used, and reading the purchase agreements. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to estimated future after-tax cash flows involved evaluating whether the assumptions used, including the customer attrition rate, were reasonable considering the past and post-acquisition performance of the business, and considering whether they were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions with respect to management’s cash flow projections, including the customer attrition rate.

Tampa, Florida

February 28, 2020

During the first quarter of 2019, we implemented a realignment of our reportable segment structure. The new reportable segments continue to provide a transparent view into Roper’s operations and capital deployment strategy and objectives. The Company’s new reporting segment structure reinforces Roper’s diversified, niche market strategy by reporting based upon business models instead of end markets. The 4 new reportable segments (and businesses within each; including changes due to acquisitions and divestitures since the realignment) are as follows:

The Company’s strategy, organizational structure, and day-to-day operations of our businesses remain unchanged. All prior periods have been recast to reflect the changes noted above.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC 842, which included the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of other key information about leasing arrangements. The Company adopted ASC 842, as of January 1, 2019 using the cumulative effect transition method for leases in existence as of the date of adoption.

The reported results for 2019 reflect the application of ASC 842 guidance while the reported results for 2018 were prepared under the previous guidance of ASC 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). The adoption of ASC 842 represents a change in accounting principle that recognizes ROU assets and lease liabilities arising from all leases based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Consistent with ASC 840, lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company’s adoption of ASC 842 had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings or our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within ASC 842, which allowed us to: (i) carry forward the historical lease classification, (ii) not reassess whether any existing contract contains a lease, and (iii) not reassess initial direct costs for existing leases.

Operating leases are classified as non-current operating lease ROU assets and current and non-current operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Finance leases are not material.

Adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of operating lease ROU assets and total operating lease liabilities of $274.0 and $282.7, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference between the operating lease ROU assets and total operating lease liabilities is the reclassification of previously recognized deferred rent liabilities against operating lease ROU assets. The adoption of ASC 842 did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings and it did not impact our net deferred tax assets or liabilities.

The Company’s operating leases are primarily for real property in support of our business operations. Although many of our leases contain renewal options, we generally are not reasonably certain to exercise these options at the commencement date. Accordingly, renewal options are generally not included in the lease term for determining the ROU asset and lease liability at commencement.

Variable lease payments generally depend on an inflation-based index and such payments are not included in the original estimate of the lease liability. These variable lease payments are not material.

Discount rates are determined based on Roper’s incremental borrowing rate as our leases generally do not provide an implicit rate.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC 606, which created a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers. The Company adopted ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method resulting in a $14.3 increase to beginning retained earnings.

See the Company’s accounting policies below for details.

Recently Released Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued an update which amends the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses rather than incurred losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The Company will adopt this update as of January 1, 2020. The Company has completed its assessment to identify differences between the existing standard and new standard and determined this update is not material to our results of operations and financial condition.

As of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, there were 0.627, 0.724 and 0.478 outstanding stock options, respectively, that were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share because doing so would have been antidilutive.

When performing the quantitative assessment, key assumptions used in the income and market methodologies are updated when the analysis is performed for each reporting unit. Various assumptions are utilized including forecasted operating results, strategic plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, the weighted-average cost of capital, comparable transactions, market data and earnings multiples. The assumptions that have the most significant effect on the fair value calculations are the anticipated future cash flows, discount rates, and the earnings multiples. While the Company uses reasonable and timely information to prepare its cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances.

Roper has 35 reporting units with individual goodwill amounts ranging from 0 to $2.5 billion. In 2019, the Company performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter for all reporting units. The Company conducted its analysis qualitatively and assessed whether it was more likely than not that the respective fair value of these reporting units was less than the carrying amount. The Company determined that impairment of goodwill was not likely in 33 of its reporting units and thus was not required to perform a quantitative analysis for these reporting units. For the remaining 2 reporting units, the Company performed its quantitative analysis and concluded that the fair value of each of these 2 reporting units was substantially in excess of its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of October 1, 2019.

Recently acquired reporting units generally represent a higher inherent risk of impairment, which typically decreases as the businesses are integrated into the enterprise. Negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to its business, actual results significantly below expected results, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets, divestitures and market capitalization declines may have a negative effect on the fair value of Roper’s reporting units.

The following events or circumstances, although not comprehensive, would be considered to determine whether interim testing of goodwill would be required:

Business combinations can also result in other intangible assets being recognized. Amortization of intangible assets, if applicable, occurs over their estimated useful lives. Trade names that are determined to have an indefinite useful economic life are not amortized, but separately tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year or on an interim basis if an event occurs that indicates the fair value is more likely than not below the carrying value. Roper first qualitatively assesses whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of an indefinite-lived trade name is less than its carrying amount. If necessary, Roper conducts a quantitative review using the relief-from-royalty method. This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these assets. The fair value of each trade name is determined by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net revenues discounted using a risk adjusted rate of capital. Each royalty rate is determined based on the profitability of the trade name to which it relates and observed market royalty rates. Revenue growth rates are determined after considering current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches or other variables. Trade names resulting from recent acquisitions generally represent the highest risk of impairment, which typically decreases as the businesses are integrated into Roper. The Company performed a quantitative analysis over the fair values of 2 of its trade names and concluded that the fair value exceeded its carrying value, with no impairment indicated as of October 1, 2019.

The assessment of fair value for impairment purposes requires significant judgments to be made by management. Although forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management uses to operate the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected results attributable to the reporting units. Changes in estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. No impairment resulted from the annual testing performed in 2019.

The most significant identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives recognized from our acquisitions are customer relationships. The fair value for customer relationships is determined as of the acquisition date using the excess earnings method. Under this methodology the fair value is determined based on the estimated future after-tax cash flows arising from the acquired customer relationships over their estimated lives after considering customer attrition and contributory asset charges. When testing customer relationship intangible assets for potential impairment, management considers historical customer attrition rates and projected revenues and profitability related to customers that existed at acquisition. In evaluating the amortizable life for customer relationship intangible assets, management considers historical customer attrition patterns.

Roper evaluates whether there has been an impairment of identifiable intangible assets with definite useful economic lives, or of the remaining life of such assets, when certain indicators of impairment are present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost or remaining period of amortization of any asset may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future gross, undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value or a revision in the remaining amortization period is required.

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, for each respective tax jurisdiction, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax assets will not be realized. Available evidence which is considered in determining the amount of valuation allowance required includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s estimate of future taxable income and any applicable tax-planning strategies.

Certain assets and liabilities have different bases for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes have been provided for these differences at the enacted tax rates expected to be paid. See Note 7 for information regarding income taxes.

Software licenses may be combined with implementation/installation services as a single performance obligation if the implementation/installation significantly modifies or customizes the functionality of the software license.

We recognize revenue over time or at a point in time depending on our evaluation of when the customer obtains control over the promised products or services. For software arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on estimates of the price that we would charge the customer for each promised product or service if it were sold on a standalone basis.

Payment for software licenses is generally required within 30 to 60 days of the transfer of control. Payment for PCS is generally required within 30 to 60 days of the commencement of the service period, which is primarily offered to customers over a one-year timeframe. Payment terms do not contain a significant financing component. Payment for implementation/installation services that are recognized over time are typically commensurate with milestones defined in the contract, or billable hours incurred.

Revenue from product sales is recognized when control transfers to the customer, which is generally when the product is shipped.

Non-project-based installation and repair services are performed by certain of our businesses for which revenue is recognized upon completion.

Payment terms are generally 30 to 60 days from the transfer of control. Payment terms do not contain a significant financing component.

Preventative maintenance service revenues are recognized over time using the input method. If we determine our efforts or inputs are expended evenly throughout the performance period, we generally recognize revenue on a straight-line basis. Payment for preventative maintenance services are typically commensurate with milestones defined in the contract.

We offer customers return rights and other credits subject to certain restrictions. We estimate variable consideration generally based on historical experience to arrive at the transaction price, or the amount to which we ultimately expect to be entitled from the customer.

Revenues from our project-based businesses, including toll and traffic systems and control systems, are generally recognized over time using the input method, primarily utilizing the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs, as the measure of performance. For these projects, payment is typically commensurate with certain performance milestones defined in the contract. Retention and down payments are also customary in these contracts. Estimated losses on any projects are recognized as soon as such losses become probable and reasonably estimable. The impact on revenues due to changes in estimates was immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company recognized revenues of $247.8, $245.9 and $249.3 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, using this method.

Our unbilled receivables and deferred revenues are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. We classify these balances as current or non-current based on the timing of when we expect to recognize revenue.

Roper completed 4 business acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2019, with an aggregate purchase price of $2,387.6, net of cash acquired. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in Roper’s Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of each acquisition. Supplemental pro forma information has not been provided as the acquisitions did not have a material impact on Roper’s Consolidated Results of Operations individually or in aggregate.

The Company recorded $1,447.0 in goodwill and $1,181.9 of other identifiable intangibles in connection with the acquisitions; however, purchase price allocations are preliminary pending final tax-related adjustments. The majority of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The amortizable intangible assets include customer relationships of $1,020.0 (15.8 year weighted average useful life) and technology of $109.3 (6.8 year weighted average useful life).

During the second quarter of 2018, Roper and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”) entered into a definitive agreement under which Thermo Fisher would acquire 100% of the shares of Gatan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Roper, for approximately $925.0 in cash. On June 10, 2019, Roper and Thermo Fisher announced a mutual termination of this agreement due to the challenges in obtaining regulatory approval in the United Kingdom.

The Company closed on its sale of Gatan to AMETEK on October 29, 2019 for approximately $925.0 in cash. The sale resulted in a pretax gain of $801.1, which is reported within “Gain on disposal of businesses” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In addition, we recognized income tax expense of $201.2 in connection with the sale, which is included within “Income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

The Company closed on its sale of the Imaging businesses to Teledyne on February 5, 2019 for approximately $225.0 in cash. The results of the Imaging businesses are reported in the Measurement & Analytical Solutions segment through such date. The sale resulted in a pretax gain of $119.6, which is reported within “Gain on disposal of businesses” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In addition, we recognized income tax expense of $32.2 in connection with the sale, which is included within “Income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

The assets and liabilities of the Imaging businesses and Gatan were classified as held for sale on Roper’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018.

Roper completed 3 business acquisitions which provide software solutions that support the development of cost estimates in the construction industry: Quote Software, PlanSwift Software, and Smartbid. These 3 businesses are integrated into our ContructConnect business and its results are reported in the Network Software & Systems reportable segment.

The Company recorded $717.5 in goodwill and $711.3 of other identifiable intangibles in connection with the acquisitions. The majority of the goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The amortizable intangible assets include customer relationships of $635.1 (19 year weighted average useful life) and technology of $48.6 (7 year weighted average useful life).

The results of the following acquisitions are integrated into our Deltek business and their results are reported in the Application Software reportable segment:

The Company recorded $82.7 in goodwill and $85.0 of other identifiable intangibles in connection with the acquisitions. The amortizable intangible assets include primarily customer relationships of $68.0 (15 year weighted average useful life) and technology of $13.0 (6 year weighted average useful life).

The components of inventories at December 31 were as follows:

The components of property, plant and equipment at December 31 were as follows: