UNIVAR INC., 10-K filed on 2/21/2019
Annual Report
v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Feb. 12, 2019
Jun. 29, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2018    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol UNVR    
Entity Registrant Name Univar Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001494319    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   141,732,317  
Entity Public Float     $ 3.4
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Net sales $ 8,632,500,000 $ 8,253,700,000 $ 8,073,700,000
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation) 6,732,400,000 6,448,200,000 6,346,600,000
Operating expenses:      
Outbound freight and handling 328,300,000 292,000,000 286,600,000
Warehousing, selling and administrative 931,400,000 919,700,000 893,100,000
Other operating expenses, net 73,500,000 55,400,000 37,200,000
Depreciation 125,200,000 135,000,000 152,300,000
Amortization 54,300,000 65,400,000 85,600,000
Impairment charges 0 0 133,900,000
Total operating expenses 1,512,700,000 1,467,500,000 1,588,700,000
Operating income 387,400,000 338,000,000 138,400,000
Other (expense) income:      
Interest income 3,200,000 4,000,000 3,900,000
Interest expense (135,600,000) (152,000,000) (163,800,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (100,000) (3,800,000) 0
Other expense, net (32,700,000) (17,400,000) (58,100,000)
Total other expense (165,200,000) (169,200,000) (218,000,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes 222,200,000 168,800,000 (79,600,000)
Income tax expense (benefit) 49,900,000 49,000,000 (11,200,000)
Net income (loss) $ 172,300,000 $ 119,800,000 $ (68,400,000)
Income (loss) per common share:      
Basic (usd per share) $ 1.22 $ 0.85 $ (0.50)
Diluted (usd per share) $ 1.21 $ 0.85 $ (0.50)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
Basic (in shares) 141.2 140.2 137.8
Diluted (in shares) 142.2 141.4 137.8
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income (loss) $ 172.3 $ 119.8 $ (68.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 [1] 0.5 0.0 0.0
Foreign currency translation (97.0) 107.1 36.3
Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment 0.1 (2.4) (1.8)
Derivative financial instruments 1.7 6.7 0.0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (94.7) 111.4 34.5
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 77.6 $ 231.2 $ (33.9)
[1] Adjusted due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12 “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2018. Refer to “Note 2: Significant accounting policies” for more information.
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 121.6 $ 467.0
Trade accounts receivable, net 1,094.7 1,062.4
Inventories 803.3 839.5
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 169.1 149.6
Total current assets 2,188.7 2,518.5
Property, plant and equipment, net 955.8 1,003.0
Goodwill 1,780.7 1,818.4
Intangible assets, net 238.1 287.7
Deferred tax assets 24.8 22.8
Other assets 84.3 82.3
Total assets 5,272.4 5,732.7
Current liabilities:    
Short-term financing 8.1 13.4
Trade accounts payable 925.4 941.7
Current portion of long-term debt 21.7 62.0
Accrued compensation 93.6 100.7
Other accrued expenses 285.8 301.6
Total current liabilities 1,334.6 1,419.4
Long-term debt 2,350.4 2,820.0
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities 254.4 257.1
Deferred tax liabilities 42.9 35.4
Other long-term liabilities 98.4 110.7
Total liabilities 4,080.7 4,642.6
Stockholders’ equity:    
Preferred stock, 200.0 million shares authorized at $0.01 par value with no shares issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 0.0 0.0
Common stock, 2.0 billion shares authorized at $0.01 par value with 141.7 million and 141.1 million shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 1.4 1.4
Additional paid-in capital 2,325.0 2,301.3
Accumulated deficit (761.5) (934.1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (373.2) (278.5)
Total stockholders’ equity 1,191.7 1,090.1
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 5,272.4 $ 5,732.7
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 200,000,000 200,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, share issued (in shares) 0 0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 2,000,000,000.0 2,000,000,000.0
Common stock, par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 141,700,000 141,100,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 141,700,000 141,100,000
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Operating activities:      
Net income (loss) $ 172.3 $ 119.8 $ (68.4)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 179.5 200.4 237.9
Impairment charges 0.0 0.0 133.9
Amortization of deferred financing fees and debt discount 7.6 7.9 7.9
Amortization of pension cost (credits) from accumulated other comprehensive loss 2.7 (0.2) (4.5)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 0.1 3.8 0.0
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 2.0 (11.3) (0.7)
Deferred income taxes 2.8 11.7 (31.6)
Stock-based compensation expense 20.7 19.7 10.4
Other 0.7 (0.7) (0.2)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Trade accounts receivable, net (62.1) (58.5) 70.2
Inventories 14.4 (47.7) 42.0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (19.3) (8.7) 40.1
Trade accounts payable 9.3 53.6 12.0
Pensions and other postretirement benefit liabilities (15.4) (51.8) 26.9
Other, net (25.4) 44.6 (25.9)
Net cash provided by operating activities 289.9 282.6 450.0
Investing activities:      
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (94.6) (82.7) (90.1)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 14.5 29.2 9.4
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (18.6) (24.4) (53.6)
Other (0.3) (1.2) (1.7)
Net cash used by investing activities (99.0) (79.1) (136.0)
Financing activities:      
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt 41.7 4,477.8 0.0
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations (561.9) (4,585.7) (178.2)
Short-term financing, net 0.5 (22.2) (4.6)
Financing fees paid (1.1) (7.7) 0.0
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of stock-based compensation awards (4.1) (8.5) 0.0
Stock option exercises 5.9 36.5 16.9
Contingent consideration payments (0.4) (3.7) (0.4)
Other 1.1 1.1 (0.2)
Net cash used by financing activities (518.3) (112.4) (166.5)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (18.0) 39.5 0.8
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (345.4) 130.6 148.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 467.0 336.4 188.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 121.6 467.0 336.4
Cash paid during the period for:      
Income taxes 65.0 29.9 14.9
Interest, net of capitalized interest 128.2 140.2 148.9
Non-cash activities:      
Additions of property, plant and equipment included in trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses 14.6 7.4 11.5
Additions of property, plant and equipment under a capital lease obligation $ 23.6 $ 19.9 $ 29.6
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Common stock
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 816.7 $ 1.4 $ 2,224.7 $ (985.0) $ (424.4)
Beginning balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015   138,000,000      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity          
Net loss (68.4)     (68.4)  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 36.3       36.3
Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment, net of tax (1.8)       (1.8)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax 0.0        
Stock option exercises 16.9   16.9    
Stock option exercises (in shares)   800,000      
Stock-based compensation 10.4   10.4    
Stock-based compensation (in shares)   0      
Other (0.2)   (0.2)    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016 809.9 $ 1.4 2,251.8 (1,053.4) (389.9)
Ending balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016   138,800,000      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity          
Net loss 119.8     119.8  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 107.1       107.1
Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment, net of tax (2.4)       (2.4)
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax 6.7       6.7
Restricted stock units vested 0.0        
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation   300,000      
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation 8.5   8.5    
Restricted stock units vested (in shares)   800,000      
Stock option exercises 36.5   36.5    
Stock option exercises (in shares)   1,800,000      
Employee stock purchase plan [1] 1.1   1.1    
Stock-based compensation 19.7   19.7    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ 1,090.1 $ 1.4 2,301.3 (934.1) (278.5)
Ending balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017 141,100,000 141,100,000      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity          
Impact due to adoption of ASU, net of tax [2] $ 0.2   0.7 (0.5)  
Net loss 172.3     172.3  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax (97.0)       (97.0)
Pension and other postretirement benefits adjustment, net of tax 0.1       0.1
Derivative financial instruments, net of tax 1.7       1.7
Restricted stock units vested 0.0        
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation   100,000      
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation 4.1   4.1    
Restricted stock units vested (in shares)   400,000      
Stock option exercises $ 5.9   5.9    
Stock option exercises (in shares) 282,170 300,000      
Employee stock purchase plan $ 1.1   1.1    
Stock-based compensation 20.7   20.7    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 1,191.7 $ 1.4 2,325.0 (761.5) (373.2)
Ending balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018 141,700,000 141,700,000      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity          
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other $ 0.1   0.1    
Impact due to adoption of ASU, net of tax [3] $ 0.8   $ 0.0 $ 0.3 $ 0.5
[1] During November 2016, our Board of Directors approved the Univar Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, authorizing the issuances of up to 2.0 million shares of the Company's common stock effective January 1, 2017. The total number of shares issued under the plan for the first two offering periods from January through December 2017 was 39,418 shares.
[2] Adjusted due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” on January 1, 2017.
[3] (3)Adjusted due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and ASU 2017-12 “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2018. Refer to “Note 2: Significant accounting policies” for more information.
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Impact due to adoption of ASU, net of tax $ 0.3 $ 0.2  
Foreign currency translation adjustments tax 2.4 (2.1) $ 23.9
Pension and postretirement benefits adjustment tax 0.1 0.6 1.5
Derivative financial instruments tax $ 0.4 $ (4.3) $ (2.1)
Common stock, par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Authorized for issuance under ESPP (in shares) 9,900,000    
ESPP      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Issued under the plan (in shares)   39,418  
v3.10.0.1
Nature of operations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Nature of operations
Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Univar Inc. (“Company” or “Univar”) is a leading global chemical and ingredients distributor and provider of specialty services. The Company’s operations are structured into four operating segments that represent the geographic areas under which the Company manages its business:
Univar USA (“USA”)
Univar Canada (“Canada”)
Univar Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”)
Rest of the World (“Rest of World”)
Rest of World includes certain developing businesses in Latin America (including Brazil and Mexico) and the Asia-Pacific region.
v3.10.0.1
Significant accounting policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Unless otherwise indicated, all financial data presented in these consolidated financial statements are expressed in US dollars.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are consolidated if the Company has a controlling financial interest, which may exist based on ownership of a majority of the voting interest, or based on the Company’s determination that it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company did not have any material interests in VIEs during the years presented in these consolidated financial statements. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and Hedging” (Topic 815) - “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The ASU better aligns hedge accounting with the Company’s risk management activities, simplifies the application of hedge accounting, and improves transparency as to the scope and results of hedging programs. The Company early adopted the new pronouncement effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new pronouncement as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
The cumulative effect of the changes made to the January 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) and ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and Hedging” (Topic 815) - “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” is as follows:
(in millions)
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09
 
Adjustments due to ASU 2017-12
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,062.4

 
$
41.3

 
$

 
$
1,103.7

Inventories
 
839.5

 
(2.1
)
 

 
837.4

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
149.6

 
1.8

 

 
151.4

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
941.7

 
$
7.0

 
$

 
$
948.7

Other accrued expenses
 
301.6

 
33.2

 

 
334.8

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
 
$
(934.1
)
 
$
0.8

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(933.8
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(278.5
)
 

 
0.5

 
(278.0
)
The following tables summarize the impact of adopting the new revenue standard upon the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018:
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
As reported
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Net sales
 
$
8,632.5

 
$
8,626.4

 
$
6.1

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
 
6,732.4

 
6,726.7

 
5.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
$
49.9

 
$
49.8

 
$
0.1

Net income
 
172.3

 
172.0

 
0.3

 
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
As reported
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,094.7

 
$
1,047.8

 
$
46.9

Inventories
 
803.3

 
814.4

 
(11.1
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
169.1

 
163.9

 
5.2

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
925.4

 
$
919.2

 
$
6.2

Other accrued expenses
 
285.8

 
252.1

 
33.7

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
 
$
(761.5
)
 
$
(762.6
)
 
$
1.1


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 “Compensation - Retirement Benefits” (Topic 715) - “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amendments to ASC Topic 715 that improves the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, by separating the presentation of service costs from other components of net periodic costs. The interest cost, expected return on assets, and amortization of prior service costs have been reclassified from warehousing, selling, and administrative expenses to other expense, net. The mark to market, curtailment, and settlement expenses have been reclassified from other operating expenses, net to other expense, net.
Adoption of ASU 2017-07 resulted in a retrospective presentation change to the net periodic cost for the defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits (“OPEB”) plans within the consolidated income statement as follows:
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
 
As revised
 
Previously reported
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Warehousing, selling and administrative
 
$
919.7

 
$
909.8

 
$
9.9

Other operating expenses, net
 
55.4

 
49.5

 
5.9

Other expense, net
 
(17.4
)
 
(33.2
)
 
(15.8
)

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows” (Topic 230) - “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The ASU clarifies and provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues that were not addressed within the previous guidance. The Company adopted the ASU as of January 1, 2018 and accordingly restated the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 to conform with the current period presentation under this new guidance. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified $3.7 million of cash outflows previously reported as operating activities to financing activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows related to contingent consideration payments for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The Company also adopted the following standards during 2018, none of which had a material impact to the financial statements or financial statement disclosures:
Standard
 
Effective date
2018-07
Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
July 1, 2018
2017-09
Compensation - Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting
January 1, 2018
2017-04
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
January 1, 2018
2017-01
Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business
January 1, 2018
2016-18
Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash
January 1, 2018
2016-16
Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
January 1, 2018
2016-01
Financial Instrument - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
January 1, 2018

Accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases” (Topic 842), which supersedes the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, “Leases.” The core principal of the guidance is that an entity should recognize assets and liabilities arising from a lease for both financing and operating leases, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition method with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. The Company has established a project team to evaluate and implement the standard. The project team is in the final stages of implementing the standard to meet the ASU’s reporting and disclosure requirements.
Upon the January 1, 2019 adoption of this standard, the consolidated balance sheet will include a right of use asset and liability related to certain operating lease arrangements. The Company has elected to apply the transition requirements at the January 1, 2019, effective date rather than at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. This approach allows for a cumulative effect adjustment in the period of adoption, and prior periods will not be restated. The Company will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carryforward the historical lease classification. The Company will make an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet. The Company will recognize those lease payments in the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company estimates the impact of the additional lease assets and liabilities to range from $140 million to $190 million.
In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income” (Topic 220)  “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“AOCI”), which gives entities the option to reclassify certain tax effects, that the FASB refers to as having been stranded, resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to retained earnings. The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized, or in the period of adoption. The Company must adopt this guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company expects to record an adjustment to the accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss financial statement line items in the range of $3.0 million to $4.0 million on the January 1, 2019 adoption of the ASU.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement” (Topic 820) - “Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” The ASU amends the requirements related to fair value disclosures to include new disclosure requirements and eliminates or modifies certain historic disclosures. The ASU amendment was part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project that is designed to increase the effectiveness of companies’ disclosures to the users of the financial statements and footnotes. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within such fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently determining the impact to the Company’s disclosure requirements, which will be reflected in the footnote disclosures subsequent to the ASU adoption on January 1, 2020.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General” (Subtopic 715-20) - “Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” The ASU amends the requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan disclosures to include new disclosure requirements and eliminates or clarifies certain historic disclosures. The ASU amendment was part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project that is designed to increase the effectiveness of companies’ disclosures to the users of the financial statements and footnotes. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently determining the impact to the Company’s disclosure requirements, which will be reflected in the footnote disclosures subsequent to the ASU adoption on January 1, 2021.
The Company has not yet adopted the following standards, none of which is expected to have a material impact to the financial statements or financial statement disclosures:
Standard
 
Expected adoption date
2018-18
Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606
January 1, 2020
2018-17
Consolidation (Topic 810) - Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities
January 1, 2020
2018-16
Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes
January 1, 2019
2018-15
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)
January 1, 2020
2016-13
Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
January 1, 2020

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. Cash at banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.
Trade accounts receivable, net
Trade accounts receivable are stated at the invoiced amount, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
In the normal course of business, the Company provides credit to its customers, performs ongoing credit evaluations of these customers and maintains reserves for potential credit losses. In certain situations, the Company will require up-front cash payment, collateral and/or personal guarantees based on the credit worthiness of the customer.
The allowance for doubtful accounts was $11.2 million and $13.0 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on an individual assessment of collectability based on factors that include current ability to pay, bankruptcy and payment history, as well as a general reserve related to prior experience.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of products purchased for resale and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory cost is determined based on the weighted average cost method. Inventory cost includes purchase price from producers net of rebates received, inbound freight and handling, and direct labor and other costs incurred to blend and repackage product and excludes depreciation expense. The Company recognized $1.9 million, $3.3 million and $6.6 million of lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments to certain of its inventories in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The expense related to these adjustments is included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations.
Producer incentives
The Company has arrangements with certain producers that provide discounts when certain measures are achieved, generally related to purchasing volume. Volume rebates are generally earned and realized when the related products are purchased during the year. The reduction in cost of goods sold is recorded when the related products, on which the rebate was earned, are sold. As the right to receive discount incentives is contingent on purchases during the entire year, the Company's accounting estimates for producer incentives is dependent on the ability to accurately forecast annual purchases. Discretionary rebates are recorded when received. The unpaid portion of rebates from producers is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for improvements that add functionality and/or extend useful life are capitalized. The Company capitalizes interest costs on significant capital projects, as an increase to property, plant and equipment. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each asset from the time the asset is ready for its intended purpose, with consideration of expected residual values. Depreciation expense is recorded to depreciation within the consolidated statement of operations.
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Buildings
10-50 years
Main components of tank farms
5-40 years
Containers
2-15 years
Machinery and equipment
5-20 years
Furniture, fixtures and others
5-20 years
Information technology
3-10 years

The Company evaluates the useful life and carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If an asset is tested for possible impairment, the Company compares the carrying amount of the related asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.
Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the term of the applicable lease, including renewable periods if reasonably assured, or the useful life of the improvement.
Assets under capital leases where ownership transfers to the Company at the end of the lease term or the lease agreement contains a bargain purchase option are depreciated over the useful life of the asset. For remaining assets under capital leases, the assets are depreciated over the lesser of the term of the applicable lease, including renewable periods if reasonably assured, or the useful life of the asset with consideration of any expected residual value.
Refer to “Note 12: Property, plant and equipment, net” for further information.
Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on October 1, or between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level using either a qualitative assessment, commonly referred to as a “step zero” test, or a quantitative assessment, commonly referred to as a “step one” test. For each of the reporting units, the Company has the option to perform either the step zero or the step one test. The Company’s reporting units are identical to the identified four operating segments: USA, Canada, EMEA, and Rest of World.
The Company elected the step one test to evaluate goodwill for impairment for each of the reporting units during 2018 and the step zero test in 2017. The step one goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with the reporting unit’s carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the reporting unit will recognize an impairment for the lesser of either the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit or the reporting unit’s goodwill carrying value.
The step zero goodwill impairment test utilizes qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors include: macroeconomic conditions; legal and regulatory environment; industry and market considerations; overall financial performance and cost factors to determine whether a reporting unit is at risk for goodwill impairment. In the event a reporting unit fails the step zero goodwill impairment test, it is necessary to perform the step one goodwill impairment test.
Intangible assets consist of customer and producer relationships and contracts, intellectual property trademarks, trade names, non-compete agreements and exclusive distribution rights. Intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized over their respective useful lives of 2 to 20 years. Amortization of intangible assets is based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used up; which is based on the undiscounted cash flows, or when not reliably determined, on a straight-line basis. Intangible assets are tested for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. Refer to “Note 14: Impairment charges” for further information.
Customer relationship intangible assets represent the fair value allocated in purchase price accounting for the ongoing relationships with an existing customer base acquired in a business combination. The fair value of customer relationships is determined using the excess earnings methodology, an income based approach. The excess earnings methodology provides an estimate of the fair value of customer relationship assets by deducting economic costs, including operating expenses and contributory asset charges, from revenue expected to be generated by the assets. These estimated cash flows are then discounted to the present value equivalent.
Refer to “Note 13: Goodwill and intangible assets” for further information.
Short-term financing
Short-term financing includes bank overdrafts and short-term lines of credit. Refer to “Note 16: Debt” for further information.
Long-term debt
Long-term debt consists of loans with original maturities greater than one year. Fees paid in connection with the execution of line-of-credit arrangements are included in other assets and fees paid in connection with the execution of a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. These fees are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related debt or expiration of the line-of-credit arrangement. Refer to “Note 16: Debt” for further information.
Income taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the US and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment in the forecasting of taxable income using historical and projected future operating results is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable and those deferred.
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The legislation significantly changes US tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Tax Act permanently reduces the US corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The SAB 118 measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information needed to complete the accounting requirements under ASC 740, "Income Taxes", but no later than one year from the enactment date of December 22, 2017. In 2017 and the first nine months of 2018, the Company recorded provisional amounts for certain enactment-date effects of the Act by applying the guidance in SAB 118 because the Company had not yet completed its enactment-date accounting for these effects. At December 31, 2018, the Company has now completed its accounting for all the enactment-date income tax effects of the Act. As further discussed in “Note 7: Income taxes”, during 2018 the Company recognized adjustments of $6.8 million to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017 and included these adjustments as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations.
Effective in 2018, the Company is subject to global intangible low tax income (“GILTI”) which is a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. Due to the complexity of the GILTI tax rules, companies are allowed to make an accounting policy choice of either (1) treating taxes due on future US inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred or (2) factoring such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes. The Company is electing to treat taxes due on future US inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred and, therefore, there is no impact to the deferred tax rate in 2018.
In the event that the actual outcome of future tax consequences differs from the Company’s estimates and assumptions due to changes or future events such as tax legislation, geographic mix of the earnings, completion of tax audits or earnings repatriation plans, the resulting change to the provision for income taxes could have a material effect on the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated balance sheets.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the estimated future effects of tax loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the revised tax rate is enacted.
The Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent it believes it is more likely than not that a portion of such assets will not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and the ability to carry back losses to prior years. Realization is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of tax attribute carryforwards. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, or if not, a valuation allowance has been recorded. The Company continues to monitor the value of its deferred tax assets, as the amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward periods are reduced, or current tax planning strategies are not implemented.
US GAAP prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the accounting and financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step requires the Company to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The second step requires the Company to recognize in the financial statements each tax position that meets the more likely than not criteria, measured at the amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within interest expense and warehousing, selling and administrative, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within either other accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Refer to “Note 7: Income taxes” for further information.
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
The Company sponsors several defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The Company’s contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to income during the period of the employee’s service.
The benefit obligation and cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits are calculated based on actuarial valuations, which involves making assumptions about discount rates, expected rates of return on assets, future salary increases, future health care costs, mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject to significant uncertainty.
The projected benefit obligation is calculated separately for each plan based on the estimated future benefit employees have earned in return for their service based on the employee’s expected date of retirement. Those benefits are discounted to determine the present value of the benefit obligations using the projected unit-credit method. A liability is recognized on the balance sheet for each plan to the extent the projected benefit obligation is in excess of the fair value of plan assets. An asset is recorded for each plan to the extent the fair value of plan assets is in excess of the projected benefit obligation.
The Company recognizes actuarial gains or losses, known as “mark to market” adjustments, at each December 31. The mark to market adjustments primarily include gains and losses resulting from changes in discount rates and the difference between the expected rate of return on plan assets and actual plan asset returns. Curtailment losses must be recognized in the statement of operations when it is probable that a curtailment will occur and its effects are reasonably estimable. However, a curtailment gain is recognized in the statement of operations when the related employees terminate or the plan suspension or amendment is adopted, whichever is applicable. Settlement gains and losses are recognized in the period in which the settlement occurs, regardless of how probable it is at an earlier date that the settlement will occur and despite the fact that the probable gain or loss may be reasonably estimable before the settlement actually takes place. The Company recognizes prior service costs or credits in other comprehensive loss during the period of occurrence, and subsequently amortizes these items over the remaining service period as components of net periodic benefit cost within other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
Service costs are recognized within warehousing, selling, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. All other components of net periodic benefit cost are classified as other expense, net.
The fair value of plan assets is used to calculate the expected return on assets component of the net periodic benefit cost.
Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for further information.
Leases
All leases that are determined not to meet any of the capital lease criteria are classified as operating leases. Operating lease costs are recognized as an expense in the statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company leases certain vehicles and equipment that qualify for capital lease classification. Assets under capital leases are carried at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation and are included in property, plant and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Depreciation expense related to the capital lease assets is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to “Note 12: Property, plant and equipment, net” for further information.
The present value of minimum lease payments under a capital lease is included in current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. The capital lease obligation is accreted utilizing the effective interest method and interest expense related to the capital lease obligation is included in interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to “Note 20: Commitments and contingencies” for further information.
Contingencies
A loss contingency is recorded if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the ultimate loss. Changes in these factors and related estimates could materially affect the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Legal expenses are recorded as legal services are provided. Refer to “Note 20: Commitments and contingencies” for further information.
Environmental liabilities
Environmental contingencies are recognized for probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with environmental remediation. Incremental direct costs of the investigation, remediation effort and post-remediation monitoring are included in the estimated environmental contingencies. Expected cash outflows related to environmental remediation for the next 12 months and amounts for which the timing is uncertain are reported as current within other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portion of environmental liabilities is reported within other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets on an undiscounted basis, except for sites for which the amount and timing of future cash payments are fixed or reliably determinable. Environmental remediation expenses are included within warehousing, selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, unless associated with disposed operations, in which case such expenses are included in other operating expenses, net.
Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the property, increase its capacity and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations.
Refer to “Note 20: Commitments and contingencies” for further information.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when goods are transferred to a customer or as services are provided to a customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services to customers. Net sales includes product sales, billings for freight and handling charges and fees earned for services provided, net of discounts, expected returns, customer rebates, variable consideration and sales or other revenue-based taxes. The Company recognizes product sales and billings for freight and handling charges when products are considered delivered to the customer under the terms of the sale.
Refer to “Note 3: Revenue” for further information.
Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries is the local currency, unless the primary economic environment requires the use of another currency. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the functional currency of each subsidiary at the rate of exchange on the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured into the functional currency of each subsidiary at period-end exchange rates. These foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in other (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Foreign currency gains and losses relating to intercompany borrowings that are considered a part of the Company’s investment in a foreign subsidiary are reflected as a component of currency translation within accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. The following table provides information pertaining to total foreign currency gains or losses related to such intercompany borrowings:
(in millions)
 
Foreign Currency Gains / (Losses)
Year ended December 31, 2018
 
$

Year ended December 31, 2017
 
4.8

Year ended December 31, 2016
 
(34.8
)

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into US dollars at period-end exchange rates. Income and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into US dollars at the average exchange rates for the period. The net exchange gains and losses arising on this translation are reflected as a component of currency translation within accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Refer to “Note 11: Accumulated other comprehensive loss” for further information.
Stock-based compensation plans
The Company measures the total amount of employee stock-based compensation expense for a grant based on the grant date fair value of each award and recognizes the stock-based compensation expense for each separately vesting tranche of an award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation is based on unvested outstanding awards. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures when realized. Stock-based compensation expense is classified within other operating expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to “Note 10: Stock-based compensation” for further information.
Share repurchases
The Company does not hold any treasury shares, as all shares of common stock are retired upon repurchase. Furthermore, when share repurchases occur and the common stock is retired, the excess of the repurchase price over par is allocated between additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit such that the portion allocated to additional paid-in-capital is limited to the additional paid-in-capital created from that particular share issuance (i.e. the book value of those shares) plus any resulting leftover additional paid-in-capital from previous share repurchases in instances where the repurchase price was lower than the original issuance price.
Fair value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. US GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair-value hierarchy:
 
Level 1
Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
 
 
 
Level 2
Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuation in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
 
 
 
 
Level 3
Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine fair value and classifies such items as Level 1. In cases where a market price is not available, the Company will make use of observable market-based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the items are classified as Level 2. If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based on internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market information. Items valued using internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation, and may be classified as Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable. Refer to “Note 17: Fair value measurements” for further information.
Certain financial instruments, such as derivative financial instruments, are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Other financial instruments, such as the Company’s own debt, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company elected to not make an irrevocable election to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.
Derivatives
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency contracts, interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, to manage its risks associated with foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Derivative financial instruments are recorded in either prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of forward currency contracts is calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined by estimating the net present value of amounts to be paid under the agreement offset by the net present value of the expected cash inflows based on market rates and associated yield curves. For derivative contracts with the same counterparty where the Company has a master netting arrangement with the counterparty, the fair value of the asset/liability is presented on a net basis within the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to “Note 17: Fair value measurements” for additional information relating to the gross and net balances of derivative contracts. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Cash flows associated with derivative financial instruments are recognized in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, derivatives are classified as either fair value hedges, where the instrument hedges the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability; or cash flow hedges, where the instrument hedges the exposure to variability in cash flows that are either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction. Gains and losses on derivatives that meet the conditions for fair value hedge accounting are recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the related hedged item. For derivatives that meet the conditions for cash flow hedge accounting, the effective and ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations in the same period in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. For both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, the gains and losses related to the derivative instruments are recognized within the same financial statement line item within the consolidated statement of operations as the gains and losses associated with the hedged items.
For derivative instruments designated as hedges, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship to the hedged item and its risk management strategy. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its hedging instruments at inception and on an ongoing basis. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument is sold, expired, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting.
Refer to “Note 18: Derivatives” for further information.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, which excludes non-vested restricted stock units, non-vested restricted stock and stock options. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during each period. The Company reflects common share equivalents relating to stock options, non-vested restricted stock and non-vested restricted stock units in its computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, unless the effect of inclusion is anti-dilutive. The effect of dilutive securities is calculated using the treasury stock method.
The Company has issued certain restricted stock awards, which are unvested stock-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. These restricted shares are considered participating securities. Accordingly, the Company calculates net income applicable to common stock using the two-class method, whereby net income is allocated between common stock and participating securities.
Refer to “Note 8: Earnings per share” for further information.
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Revenue
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new revenue standard using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with historic accounting under ASC Topic 605. The Company recorded a net decrease to the opening accumulated deficit of $0.8 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting the new revenue standard.
The Company disaggregates revenues from contracts with customers by both geographic segments and revenue contract types. Geographic reportable segmentation is pertinent to understanding Univar’s revenues, as it aligns to how the Company reviews the financial performance of its operations. Revenue contract types are differentiated by the type of good or service Univar offers customers, since the contractual terms necessary for revenue recognition are unique to each of the identified revenue contract types.
The following table disaggregates external customer net sales by major stream:
(in millions)
 
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Consolidated
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Chemical Distribution
 
$
4,775.2

 
$
877.6

 
$
1,974.4

 
$
383.8

 
$
8,011.0

Crop Sciences
 

 
381.6

 

 

 
381.6

Services
 
185.8

 
43.1

 
1.3

 
9.7

 
239.9

Total external customer net sales
 
$
4,961.0

 
$
1,302.3

 
$
1,975.7

 
$
393.5

 
$
8,632.5



Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when goods or services are transferred to a customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Payment terms and conditions vary by regions where the Company performs business and contract types. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is generally one year or less. As of December 31, 2018, none of the Company’s contracts contained a significant financing component.
Revenue for bill-and-hold arrangements is recognized if the Company has a substantive customer request, the materials are properly segregated and designated as belonging to the customer, materials are ready to be transferred to the customer and Univar is unable to direct the materials to service another customer. The Company has certain contractual relationships designated as an agency relationship, which requires the Company to recognize revenues on a net basis.
Chemical Distribution
The Company generates revenue when control for products is transferred to customers. Certain customers may receive discounts off the transaction price, primarily due to price and volume incentives, or return product for non-conformance, which are accounted for as variable consideration. The Company estimates the change in the transaction price that is expected to be provided to customers based on historical experience, which impacts revenues recognized.
Crop Sciences
The Company generates revenue when control for products is transferred to customers. The amount of consideration recorded varies due to price movements and rights granted to customers to return product. Customer payment terms often extend through a growing season, which may be up to six months.
Transaction prices may move during an agricultural growing season and changes may affect the amount of consideration the Company will receive. Transaction prices are also affected by special offers or volume discounts. The Company estimates the expected changes in the transaction price based on the combination of historical experience and the impact of weather on the current agriculture season. The adjustments to the transaction price are recognized as variable consideration and impacts revenues recognized.
When customers are provided rights to return eligible products, the Company estimates the expected returns based on the combination of historical experience and the impact of weather on the current agriculture season, which affects the revenues recognized.
Services
The Company generates revenue from services as they are performed and economic value is transferred to customers. Univar's services provided to customers are primarily related to waste management services and warehousing services. Waste management services is primarily related to plant maintenance, environmental contracting, environmental consulting and the collection and disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste products. Warehousing services is primarily inclusive of blending, warehousing, logistics and distribution services for customers. Waste management and warehousing services are recognized over time as the performance obligations are satisfied.
Costs to obtain or fulfill contracts with customers
Univar expenses costs to obtain contracts when the contract term and benefit period is expected to be one year or less. Contract costs where the contract term and benefit period is expected to be more than a year are capitalized and amortized over the performance obligation period. Capitalized contract costs of $1.2 million and $5.9 million are included in other current assets and other assets as of December 31, 2018.
Deferred revenue
Deferred revenues are recognized as a contract liability when customers provide Univar with consideration prior to the Company satisfying a performance obligation. The following table provides information pertaining to the deferred revenue balance and account activity:
(in millions)
 
 
Deferred revenue as of January 1, 2018
 
$
100.9

Deferred revenue as of December 31, 2018
 
45.6

Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period
 
100.3


The deferred revenue balances are all expected to have a duration of one year or less and are recorded within the other accrued expenses line item of the consolidated balance sheet.
v3.10.0.1
Other operating expenses, net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Other operating expenses, net
Other operating expenses, net consisted of the following items:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Stock-based compensation expense
$
20.7

 
$
19.7

 
$
10.4

Business transformation costs

 
23.4

 
5.4

Restructuring charges
4.8

 
5.5

 
6.5

Other employee termination costs
16.4

 
8.1

 
1.5

Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets
2.0

 
(11.3
)
 
(0.7
)
Acquisition and integration related expenses
22.0

 
3.1

 
5.5

Other
7.6

 
6.9

 
8.6

Total other operating expenses, net
$
73.5

 
$
55.4

 
$
37.2

v3.10.0.1
Restructuring charges
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring charges
Restructuring charges relate to the implementation of several regional strategic initiatives aimed at streamlining the Company’s cost structure and improving its operations. These actions primarily resulted in workforce reductions, lease termination costs and other facility rationalization costs. Restructuring charges are recorded in other operating expenses, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
2018 Restructuring
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $3.2 million in USA, consisting of $3.1 million in employee termination costs and $0.1 million in other exit costs for employees impacted by a decision to consolidate departments. Additionally, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $0.9 million in Other, relating to employee termination costs. The Company expects to incur approximately $4.7 million of additional employee termination and other exit costs over the next two years and expects this program to be substantially completed by 2020.
Also during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $0.9 million in EMEA relating to employee termination costs. The Company does not expect to incur material costs in the future related to this restructuring program. The actions associated with this program are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $0.7 million for the Rest of World segment, consisting of $0.4 million in employee termination costs, $0.2 million in facility exit costs and $0.1 million in other exit costs. The actions associated with this program were completed as of December 31, 2018.
The cost information above does not contain any estimates for programs that may be developed and implemented in future periods.
2014 to 2017 Restructuring
Between 2014 through 2017, management implemented several regional strategic initiatives aimed at streamlining the Company’s cost structure and improving its operations. Total cumulative charges recorded through December 31, 2018 for USA related to these restructuring programs were $39.5 million, which included $16.5 million in employee termination costs, $21.3 million in facility exit costs, and $1.7 million in other exit costs. The Company did not record restructuring charges for the programs during 2018. The actions associated with the restructuring programs were completed as of June 30, 2018, although administratively cash payments will be made into the future. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company reduced its estimate in the amount of $0.9 million within facility exit costs relating to a favorable lease buyout for USA.
Total cumulative charges recorded through December 31, 2018 for Canada were $5.7 million related to employee termination costs. There were no restructuring charges recorded for the programs during 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the actions associated with the restructuring programs were completed.
Total cumulative charges recorded through December 31, 2018 for EMEA were $32.8 million, which included $22.5 million in employee termination costs, $3.7 million in facility exit costs, and $6.6 million in other exit costs. During 2018, the Company did not record restructuring charges for the programs. The actions associated with the restructuring programs were completed as of June 30, 2018.
Total cumulative charges recorded through December 31, 2018 for ROW were $6.4 million, which included $6.2 million in employee termination costs and $0.2 million in facility exit costs. The Company did not record restructuring charges for these programs during 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the Company completed this program.
Total cumulative charges recorded through December 31, 2018 for Other were $6.6 million, which included $5.8 million in employee termination costs and $0.8 million in other exit costs. There were no restructuring charges recorded for these programs during 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the Company completed this program.
The following tables summarize activity related to accrued liabilities associated with redundancy and restructuring:
(in millions)
January 1,
2018
 
Charge to
earnings
 
Cash paid
 
Non-cash
and other
 
December 31, 2018
Employee termination costs
$
3.0

 
$
5.3

 
$
(3.4
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
4.2

Facility exit costs
10.2

 
(0.7
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
5.0

Other exit costs
(0.5
)
 
0.2

 
(0.1
)
 
0.6

 
0.2

Total
$
12.7

 
$
4.8

 
$
(7.9
)
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
9.4

 
(in millions)
January 1,
2017
 
Charge to
earnings
 
Cash paid
 
Non-cash
and other
 
December 31, 2017
Employee termination costs
$
6.9

 
$
2.9

 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
3.0

Facility exit costs
13.2

 
2.8

 
(5.5
)
 
(0.3
)
 
10.2

Other exit costs

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.5
)
Total
$
20.1

 
$
5.5

 
$
(13.0
)
 
$
0.1

 
$
12.7


Restructuring liabilities of $5.9 million and $5.8 million were classified as current in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The long-term portion of restructuring liabilities of $3.5 million and $6.9 million were recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and primarily consists of facility exit costs that are expected to be paid within the next five years.
While the Company believes the recorded restructuring liabilities are adequate, revisions to current estimates may be recorded in future periods based on new information as it becomes available.
v3.10.0.1
Other expense, net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Other expense, net
Other expense, net consisted of the following (losses) gains:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Pension mark to market loss (1)(2)
$
(34.2
)
 
$
(3.8
)
 
$
(68.6
)
Pension curtailment and settlement gains (1)

 
9.7

 
1.3

Non-operating retirement benefits (1)
11.0

 
9.9

 
15.3

Foreign currency transactions
(6.7
)
 
(4.6
)
 
(0.6
)
Foreign currency denominated loans revaluation
(0.8
)
 
(17.9
)
 
(13.7
)
Undesignated foreign currency derivative instruments (3)
1.1

 
0.3

 
(1.8
)
Undesignated interest rate swap contracts (3)

 
(2.2
)
 
10.1

Debt refinancing costs (4)

 
(5.3
)
 

Other
(3.1
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(0.1
)
Total other expense, net
$
(32.7
)
 
$
(17.4
)
 
$
(58.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for more information.
(2)
Includes mark to market loss related to defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan.
(3)
Refer to “Note 18: Derivatives” for more information.
(4)
Refer to “Note 16: Debt” for more information.
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income taxes
Current income tax expense represents the amounts expected to be reported on the Company’s income tax returns, and deferred tax expense or benefit represents the change in net deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded as appropriate to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount considered likely to be realized.
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The legislation significantly changes US tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Tax Act permanently reduces the US corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The SAB 118 measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information needed to complete the accounting requirements under ASC 740, "Income Taxes", but no later than one year from the enactment date of December 22, 2017. In 2017 and the first nine months of 2018, the Company recorded provisional amounts for certain enactment-date effects of the Act by applying the guidance in SAB 118 because the Company had not yet completed its enactment-date accounting for these effects. At December 31, 2018, the Company has now completed its accounting for all the enactment-date income tax effects of the Act. As further discussed below, during 2018 the Company recognized adjustments of $6.8 million related to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017 and included these adjustments as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. The main components of the SAB 118 adjustment of $6.8 million are increases due to additional transition tax of $13.0 million and deemed dividends of $9.2 million (tax) offset by a benefit for additional foreign tax credits utilized of $1.3 million (increase in foreign tax credit generated of $26.3 million offset by an increase in valuation allowance of $25.0 million), and a decrease in the valuation allowance on deferred interest expense of $13.8 million due to an increase in interest expense deduction.
Effective in 2018, the Company is subject to global intangible low tax income (“GILTI”) which is a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. Due to the complexity of the GILTI tax rules, companies are allowed to make an accounting policy choice of either (1) treating taxes due on future US inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred or (2) factoring such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes. The Company is electing to treat taxes due on future US inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred and, therefore, there is no impact to the deferred tax rate in 2018.
For financial reporting purposes, income (loss) before income taxes includes the following components:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
36.6

 
$
1.5

 
$
(131.3
)
Foreign
185.6

 
167.3

 
51.7

Total income (loss) before income taxes
$
222.2

 
$
168.8

 
$
(79.6
)

The expense (benefit) for income taxes is summarized as follows:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
13.8

 
$
6.8

 
$
(0.1
)
State
2.1

 
2.0

 
0.1

Foreign
31.2

 
28.5

 
20.4

Total current
$
47.1

 
$
37.3

 
$
20.4

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
6.5

 
$
26.5

 
$
(15.1
)
State
(0.5
)
 

 
(3.0
)
Foreign
(3.2
)
 
(14.8
)
 
(13.5
)
Total deferred
$
2.8

 
$
11.7

 
$
(31.6
)
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
49.9

 
$
49.0

 
$
(11.2
)

The reconciliation between the US statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate is presented as follows:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
US federal statutory income tax expense (benefit) applied to income (loss) before income taxes
$
46.7

 
$
59.1

 
$
(27.8
)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
1.1

 
1.4

 
(2.9
)
Foreign tax rate differential
8.1

 
(18.0
)
 
(5.8
)
Non-taxable interest income
(0.7
)
 
(11.4
)
 
(10.8
)
Valuation allowance, net
(11.6
)
 
(18.1
)
 
(24.7
)
Expiration of tax attributes

 
0.1

 
4.4

Foreign losses not benefited

 
0.7

 
8.0

Effect of flow-through entities
(0.6
)
 
8.9

 
(9.0
)
Net stock-based compensation

 
(3.7
)
 
1.7

Non-deductible expense
4.8

 
3.5

 
3.4

Unrecognized tax benefits
(2.7
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.4
)
Change in statutory income tax rates

 
(17.5
)
 
2.7

Deemed dividends from foreign subsidiaries
9.0

 
17.6

 
1.4

Global intangible low-taxed income
19.9

 

 

Non-deductible interest expense

 
0.1

 
2.6

Revaluation due to Section 987 tax law change

 

 
45.0

Section 965 repatriation tax
13.0

 
76.5

 

Foreign tax credit
(38.3
)
 
(47.6
)
 

Other
1.2

 
(0.9
)
 
2.0

Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
49.9

 
$
49.0

 
$
(11.2
)







The consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities are detailed as follows:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
$
49.4

 
$
68.6

Environmental reserves
22.9

 
25.3

Interest
25.9

 
35.7

Tax credit and capital loss carryforwards
57.8

 
37.2

Pension
66.3

 
68.2

Flow-through entities
2.7

 
2.5

Compensation
12.2

 
13.7

Inventory
4.5

 
4.2

Property, plant and equipment, net
4.8

 
3.3

Other temporary differences
17.0

 
15.1

Gross deferred tax assets
$
263.5

 
$
273.8

Valuation allowance
(106.3
)
 
(117.2
)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
$
157.2

 
$
156.6

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
(102.3
)
 
$
(98.7
)
Intangible assets
(63.6
)
 
(64.6
)
Other temporary differences
(9.4
)
 
(5.9
)
Deferred tax liabilities
$
(175.3
)
 
$
(169.2
)
Net deferred tax liability
$
(18.1
)
 
$
(12.6
)

The changes in the valuation allowance were as follows:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
$
117.2

 
$
167.9

Change related to current net operating losses generated

 
0.7

Change related to current utilization of net operating loss carryforwards
(3.7
)
 
(12.3
)
Change related to future utilization of net operating loss carryforwards
(17.4
)
 
(17.8
)
Change related to generation/expiration of tax attributes
21.3

 
29.9

Change related to foreign currency
(1.3
)
 
7.1

Change related to utilization of deferred interest expense
(9.7
)
 
(26.3
)
Change related to tax rate change
0.1

 
(31.6
)
Change related to other items
(0.2
)
 
(0.4
)
Ending balance
$
106.3

 
$
117.2


As of December 31, 2018, the total remaining tax benefit of available federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards recognized on the balance sheet amounted to $33.4 million (tax benefit of operating losses of $49.4 million reduced by a valuation allowance of $16.0 million). Total net operating losses at December 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $186.4 million and $261.9 million, respectively. If not utilized, $19.0 million of the available loss carryforwards will expire between 2019 and 2023; subsequent to 2023, $0.1 million will expire. The remaining losses of $167.3 million have an unlimited life. As of December 31, 2018, the Company also has foreign tax credit carryforwards of $55.3 million that if not utilized will expire in 2027.
The Tax Act provided for a one-time deemed mandatory repatriation of post-1986 undistributed foreign subsidiary earnings and profits (“E&P”) through the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company reported $577.2 million of undistributed foreign E&P subject to the deemed mandatory repatriation and recognized $89.5 million of income tax expense in the 2017 US Company tax return. As a result of the one-time deemed mandatory repatriation, the Company generated foreign income tax credit (“FTC”) previously paid and allocable to the deemed repatriated foreign source income of $166.4 million. These income taxes were required to be reduced in the same proportion as the foreign source income generating the deemed income taxes paid as required under the Tax Act, resulting in a net deemed income tax paid of $73.7 million. In addition, $0.3 million of withholding taxes incurred during the period were creditable. As such, the Company is eligible to claim a foreign tax credit relating to the foreign source income that generated the deemed income taxes paid and, accordingly, reported $74.0 million as a deferred tax asset generated at filing of the 2017 US tax return.
The FTC of $74.0 million generated in 2017 was not fully utilized due to adjustments required to be made against the foreign source income and an overall domestic loss, which limited the amount of the overall FTC utilization to $14.9 million in 2017. After the utilization of a net operating loss carry forward, general business credits and $14.9 million of foreign tax credits, the Company will pay additional US federal cash tax of approximately $14.9 million on the deemed mandatory repatriation, payable over eight years. At year ended December 31, 2018, the provisional FTC carryforward and related valuation allowance is estimated to be $55.3 million down from $59.1 million ($74.0 million generated in 2017 less $14.9 million utilization in 2017) reported with the filing of 2017 US tax return. The net change of $3.8 million in FTC balance is a combination of 2018 FTC utilization of $5.4 million (overall domestic loss recapture) less $1.6 million increase in FTC due to additional cash tax payments support collected from foreign tax authorities. The Company does not expect future earnings of the appropriate character of taxable income which would allow it to utilize its excess FTC balance in future tax years, in addition to other required adjustments which reduce the amount of future foreign source income available to be offset by an FTC. Therefore, the Company will maintain a valuation allowance on the remaining provisional $55.3 million FTC.
Difference Attributable to Foreign Investments
As a result of the deemed mandatory repatriation provisions in the Tax Act, the Company has $493.2 million of undistributed earnings that has either been previously taxed or would qualify for the 100 percent dividends received deduction provided for in the Tax Act, and earnings that would not result in any significant foreign taxes. As a result, the Company does not intend to distribute earnings in a taxable manner. Therefore, the Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability on its investment in foreign subsidiaries.
Tax Contingencies
The changes in unrecognized tax benefits included in other long-term liabilities, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows:
 
Year ended
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
$
3.1

 
$
4.3

Increase for tax positions of prior years

 

Reductions due to the statute of limitations expiration
(2.7
)
 
(1.5
)
Foreign exchange

 
0.3

Ending balance
$
0.4

 
$
3.1


The Company has net $0.4 million and $3.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate for continuing operations was $0.4 million. No remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, if any, would not have an impact on the effective tax rate.
The total liability included in other long-term liabilities associated with the interest and penalties was $0.5 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company recorded $0.1 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million in interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The Company files income tax returns in the US and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2018, the Company is subject to various local or foreign examinations by the tax authorities.
v3.10.0.1
Earnings per share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings per share
The following table presents the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
172.3

 
$
119.8

 
$
(68.4
)
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities
0.3

 
0.2

 

Earnings allocated to common shares outstanding
$
172.0

 
$
119.6

 
$
(68.4
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
141.2

 
140.2

 
137.8

Basic income (loss) per common share
$
1.22

 
$
0.85

 
$
(0.50
)
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
172.3

 
$
119.8

 
$
(68.4
)
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities

 

 

Earnings allocated to common shares outstanding
$
172.3

 
$
119.8

 
$
(68.4
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
141.2

 
140.2

 
137.8

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation plans (1)
1.0

 
1.2

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
142.2

 
141.4

 
137.8

Diluted income (loss) per common share (2)
$
1.21

 
$
0.85

 
$
(0.50
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Stock options to purchase approximately 1.6 million, 0.8 million, and 3.3 million shares of common stock were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, but were not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share as the impact of these stock options would have been anti-dilutive.
(2)
As a result of changes in the number of shares outstanding during the year and rounding, the sum of the quarters’ earnings per share may not equal the earnings per share for any year-to-date period.
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee benefit plans
Defined benefit pension plans
The Company sponsors defined benefit plans that provide pension benefits for employees upon retirement in certain jurisdictions including the US, Canada, United Kingdom and several other European countries.
The US, Canada and United Kingdom defined benefit pension plans are closed to new entrants. On July 1, 2015, the accrual of future service credits ceased in Canada although future salary increases continue for remaining participants. Benefits accrued by participants in the United Kingdom plan were frozen as of December 1, 2010 and benefits accrued by participants in the US plans were frozen as of December 31, 2009. These amendments to freeze benefits were made in conjunction with a benefit plan review which provides for enhanced benefits under defined contribution plans available to all employees in the US, Canada and United Kingdom.
The following summarizes the Company’s defined benefit pension plans’ projected benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
Year ended
December 31,
 
Year ended
December 31,
 
Year ended
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Change in projected benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year
$
721.9

 
$
719.7

 
$
612.0

 
$
555.5

 
$
1,333.9

 
$
1,275.2

Service cost

 

 
2.7

 
2.5

 
2.7

 
2.5

Interest cost
27.3

 
30.8

 
15.4

 
16.2

 
42.7

 
47.0

Benefits paid
(37.5
)
 
(34.2
)
 
(26.7
)
 
(27.9
)
 
(64.2
)
 
(62.1
)
Plan amendments

 

 
2.5

 
2.7

 
2.5

 
2.7

Settlement
(38.5
)
 
(44.3
)
 

 

 
(38.5
)
 
(44.3
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
(47.5
)
 
49.9

 
(33.6
)
 
13.3

 
(81.1
)
 
63.2

Foreign exchange and other

 

 
(34.8
)
 
49.7

 
(34.8
)
 
49.7

Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year
$
625.7

 
$
721.9

 
$
537.5

 
$
612.0

 
$
1,163.2

 
$
1,333.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in the fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan assets at beginning of year
$
532.3

 
$
509.1

 
$
574.9

 
$
494.3

 
$
1,107.2

 
$
1,003.4

Actual (loss) return on plan assets
(39.9
)
 
80.0

 
(19.7
)
 
37.4

 
(59.6
)
 
117.4

Contributions by employer
12.2

 
12.1

 
26.5

 
26.1

 
38.7

 
38.2

Benefits paid
(37.5
)
 
(34.2
)
 
(26.7
)
 
(27.9
)
 
(64.2
)
 
(62.1
)
Settlement
(38.5
)
 
(34.7
)
 

 
(1.3
)
 
(38.5
)
 
(36.0
)
Foreign exchange and other

 

 
(32.8
)
 
46.3

 
(32.8
)
 
46.3

Plan assets at end of year
$
428.6

 
$
532.3

 
$
522.2

 
$
574.9

 
$
950.8

 
$
1,107.2

Funded status at end of year
$
(197.1
)
 
$
(189.6
)
 
$
(15.3
)
 
$
(37.1
)
 
$
(212.4
)
 
$
(226.7
)

Net amounts related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Overfunded net benefit obligation in other assets
$

 
$

 
$
46.1

 
$
33.9

 
$
46.1

 
$
33.9

Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses
(3.5
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(5.6
)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities
(193.6
)
 
(186.1
)
 
(59.4
)
 
(68.9
)
 
(253.0
)
 
(255.0
)
Net liability recognized at end of year
$
(197.1
)
 
$
(189.6
)
 
$
(15.3
)
 
$
(37.1
)
 
$
(212.4
)
 
$
(226.7
)

The following table summarizes defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
625.7

 
$
721.9

 
$
187.7

 
$
211.4

 
$
813.4

 
$
933.3

Fair value of plan assets
428.6

 
532.3

 
147.7

 
169.3

 
576.3

 
701.6


The following table summarizes defined benefit pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Projected benefit obligation
$
625.7

 
$
721.9

 
$
209.1

 
$
240.3

 
$
834.8

 
$
962.2

Fair value of plan assets
428.6

 
532.3

 
147.7

 
169.3

 
576.3

 
701.6


The total accumulated benefit obligation for domestic defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $625.7 million and $721.9 million, respectively, and for foreign defined benefit pension benefit plans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $187.7 million and $211.4 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to defined benefit pension plans:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost (1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.5

Interest cost (2)
27.3

 
30.8

 
32.0

 
15.4

 
16.2

 
18.3

 
42.7

 
47.0

 
50.3

Expected return on plan assets (2)
(31.3
)
 
(30.9
)
 
(32.5
)
 
(25.1
)
 
(26.0
)
 
(28.7
)
 
(56.4
)
 
(56.9
)
 
(61.2
)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credits) (2)

 

 

 
2.7

 
(0.2
)
 

 
2.7

 
(0.2
)
 

Settlement (3)

 
(9.7
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(9.7
)
 

Curtailment (3)

 

 

 

 

 
(1.3
)
 

 

 
(1.3
)
Actuarial loss (2)
23.7

 
0.8

 
20.3

 
11.2

 
3.2

 
48.5

 
34.9

 
4.0

 
68.8

Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
19.7

 
$
(9.0
)
 
$
19.8

 
$
6.9

 
$
(4.3
)
 
$
39.3

 
$
26.6

 
$
(13.3
)
 
$
59.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Service cost is included in warehouse, selling and administrative expenses.
(2)
These amounts are included in other expense, net.
(3)
In 2017, the settlement gain is related to a lump sum offering accepted by participants in the USA segment. In 2016, the curtailment gain is a result of the restructuring activities in the EMEA segment. Settlement and curtailment gains are included in other expense, net.

The following summarizes pre-tax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2018 related to pension plan amendments: 
(in millions)
Defined benefit pension plans
Net prior service cost
$
(1.2
)

The following table summarizes the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2018 that are expected to be amortized as components of net periodic benefit cost (income) during the next fiscal year related to pension amendments:
(in millions)
Defined benefit pension plans
Prior service cost
$
(0.1
)

Other postretirement benefit plan
Other postretirement benefits relate to a health care plan for retired employees in the US. In 2009, the Company approved a plan to phase out the benefits provided under this plan by 2020. As a result of this change, the benefit obligation was reduced by $76.8 million and a curtailment gain of $73.1 million was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss and was being amortized to the consolidated statements of operations over the average future service period, which was fully amortized as of December 31, 2016.
The following summarizes the Company’s other postretirement benefit plan’s accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status:
 
Other postretirement
benefits
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligations:
 
 
 
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year
$
2.5

 
$
2.8

Service cost

 

Interest cost

 
0.2

Contributions by participants
0.5

 
0.4

Benefits paid
(0.5
)
 
(0.7
)
Actuarial gain
(0.7
)
 
(0.2
)
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year
$
1.8

 
$
2.5

Change in the fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
Plan assets at beginning of year
$

 
$

Contributions by employer

 
0.3

Contributions by participants
0.5

 
0.4

Benefits paid
(0.5
)
 
(0.7
)
Plan assets at end of year
$

 
$

Funded status at end of year
$
(1.8
)
 
$
(2.5
)

Net amounts related to the Company’s other postretirement benefit plan recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
 
Other postretirement
benefits
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses
$
(0.4
)
 
$
(0.4
)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities
(1.4
)
 
(2.1
)
Net liability recognized at end of year
$
(1.8
)
 
$
(2.5
)

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit income recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to other postretirement benefit plans: 
 
Other postretirement
benefits
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost (1)
$

 
$

 
$

Interest cost (2)

 
0.2

 
0.1

Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits (2)

 

 
(4.5
)
Actuarial gain (2)
(0.7
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Net periodic benefit income
$
(0.7
)
 
$

 
$
(4.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Service cost is included in warehouse, selling and administrative expenses.
(2)
These amounts are included in other expense, net.
Actuarial assumptions
Defined benefit pension plans
The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company’s defined benefit plans are as follows:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.47
%
 
3.87
%
 
2.92
%
 
2.61
%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase
N/A

 
N/A

 
2.85
%
 
2.87
%
 
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) for the period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.87
%
 
4.39
%
 
4.74
%
 
2.61
%
 
2.84
%
 
3.65
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
6.75
%
 
7.00
%
 
7.50
%
 
4.43
%
 
5.01
%
 
6.18
%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
2.87
%
 
2.87
%
 
2.86
%

Discount rates are used to measure benefit obligations and the interest cost component of net periodic benefit cost (income). The Company selects its discount rates based on the consideration of equivalent yields on high-quality fixed income investments at each measurement date. Discount rates are based on a benefit cash flow-matching approach and represent the rates at which the Company’s benefit obligations could effectively be settled as of the measurement date.
For domestic defined benefit plans, the discount rates are based on a hypothetical bond portfolio approach. The hypothetical bond portfolio is constructed to comprise AA-rated corporate bonds whose cash flow from coupons and maturities match the expected future plan benefit payments.
The discount rate for the foreign defined benefit plans are based on a yield curve approach. For plans in countries with a sufficient corporate bond market, the expected future benefit payments are matched with a yield curve derived from AA-rated corporate bonds, subject to minimum amounts outstanding and meeting other selection criteria. For plans in countries without a sufficient corporate bond market, the yield curve is constructed based on prevailing government yields and an estimated credit spread to reflect a corporate risk premium.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects management’s expectations on long-term average rates of return on funds invested to provide for benefits included in the benefit obligations. The long-term rate of return assumptions are based on the outlook for equity and fixed income returns, with consideration of historical returns, asset allocations, investment strategies and premiums for active management when appropriate. Assumptions reflect the expected rates of return at the beginning of the year.
Other postretirement benefit plan
For the other postretirement benefit plan, the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 4.63% and 3.98%, respectively. The discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit credit for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was 3.98%, 4.37% and 4.54%, respectively. Health care cost increases did not have a significant impact on the Company’s postretirement benefit obligations in the years presented as a result of the 2009 plan to phase out the health care benefits provided under the US plan.
Plan assets
Plan assets for defined benefit plans are invested in global equity and debt securities through professional investment managers with the objective to achieve targeted risk adjusted returns and to maintain liquidity sufficient to fund current benefit payments. Each funded defined benefit plan has an investment policy that is administered by plan trustees with the objective of meeting targeted asset allocations based on the circumstances of that particular plan. The investment strategy followed by the Company varies by country depending on the circumstances of the underlying plan. Less mature plan benefit obligations are funded by using more equity securities as they are expected to achieve long-term growth while exceeding inflation. More mature plan benefit obligations are funded using a higher allocation of fixed income securities as they are expected to produce current income with limited volatility. The Company has adopted a dynamic investment strategy whereby as the plan funded status improves, the investment strategy is migrated to more liability matching assets, and return seeking assets are reduced. Risk management practices include the use of multiple asset classes for diversification purposes. Specific guidelines for each asset class and investment manager are implemented and monitored.
The weighted average target asset allocation for defined benefit pension plans in the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
Asset category:
 
 
 
Equity securities
50.0
%
 
28.2
%
Debt securities
45.0
%
 
66.1
%
Other
5.0
%
 
5.7
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

Plan asset valuation methodologies are described below:
Fair value methodology
Description
Cash
This represents cash at banks. The amount of cash in the bank account represents the fair value.
 
 
Investment funds
Values are based on the net asset value of the units held at year end. The net asset values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the funds, minus their liabilities, and then divided by the number of units outstanding at the valuation date. The funds are traded on private markets that are not active; however, the unit price is based primarily on observable market data of the fund’s underlying assets.
 
 
Insurance contracts
The fair value is based on the present value of the accrued benefit.

Domestic defined benefit plan assets
The Company classified its domestic plan assets according to the fair value hierarchy described in “Note 2: Significant accounting policies.” The following summarizes the fair value of domestic plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy.
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
Cash
$
2.4

 
$
2.4

 
$

Investments funds (1)
426.2

 

 
426.2

Total
$
428.6

 
$
2.4

 
$
426.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 29.6% in US equities, 19.4% in non-US equities, 46.3% in US corporate bonds and 4.7% in other investments.

 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
Cash
$
2.6

 
$
2.6

 
$

Investments funds (1)
529.7

 

 
529.7

Total
$
532.3

 
$
2.6

 
$
529.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 30.8% in US equities, 19.7% in non-US equities, 44.5% in US corporate bonds and 5.0% in other investments.
Foreign defined benefit plan assets
The Company classified its foreign plan assets according to the fair value hierarchy described in “Note 2: Significant accounting policies.” The following summarizes the fair value of foreign plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Cash
$
9.7

 
$
9.7

 
$

 
$

Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment funds (1)
494.0

 

 
494.0

 

Insurance contracts
18.5

 

 

 
18.5

Total investments
$
512.5

 
$

 
$
494.0

 
$
18.5

Total
$
522.2

 
$
9.7

 
$
494.0

 
$
18.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 8.0% in US equities, 17.5% in non-US equities, 34.2% in non-US corporate bonds, 36.3% in non-US government bonds and 4.0% in other investments.
The following table presents changes in the foreign plan assets valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
(in millions)
Insurance
contracts
Balance at January 1, 2018
$
18.2

Actual return to plan assets:
 
Related to assets still held at year end
0.7

Purchases, sales and settlements, net
0.4

Foreign exchange
(0.8
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
18.5


The following summarizes the fair value of foreign plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Cash
$
4.0

 
$
4.0

 
$

 
$

Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment funds (1)
552.7

 

 
552.7

 

Insurance contracts
18.2

 

 

 
18.2

Total investments
$
570.9

 
$

 
$
552.7

 
$
18.2

Total
$
574.9

 
$
4.0

 
$
552.7

 
$
18.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 11.0% in US equities, 22.0% in non-US equities, 29.2% in non-US corporate bonds, 32.0% in non-US government bonds and 5.8% in other investments.
The following table presents changes in the foreign plan assets valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
(in millions)
Insurance
contracts
Balance at January 1, 2017
$
15.6

Actual return on plan assets:
 
Related to assets still held at year end
0.1

Purchases, sales and settlements, net
0.3

Foreign exchange
2.2

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
18.2


Contributions
The Company expects to contribute approximately $13.4 million and $14.9 million to its domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plan funds in 2019, respectively, including direct payments to plan participants in unfunded plans. The Company does not plan on making any discretionary contributions in 2019. In many countries, local pension protection laws have been put in place, which have introduced minimum funding requirements for qualified pension plans. As a result, the Company’s required funding of contributions to its pension plans may vary in the future.
Benefit payments
The following table shows benefit payments that are projected to be paid from plan assets in each of the next five years and in aggregate for five years thereafter:
 
Defined benefit pension plans
 
Other
postretirement
benefits
(in millions)
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
2019
$
33.9

 
$
16.2

 
$
50.1

 
$
0.5

2020
35.0

 
16.4

 
51.4

 
0.1

2021
35.9

 
17.3

 
53.2

 
0.1

2022
36.8

 
19.4

 
56.2

 
0.1

2023
37.8

 
19.7

 
57.5

 
0.1

2024 through 2028
198.9

 
112.3

 
311.2

 
0.3


Defined contribution plans
The Company provides defined contribution plans to assist eligible employees in providing for retirement or other future needs. Under such plans, company contribution expense amounted to $32.0 million, $30.0 million and $33.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Multi-employer plans
The Company has 17 union bargaining agreements in the US that stipulate contributions to one of three union pension trusts. These bargaining agreements are generally negotiated on three-year cycles and cover employees in driver and material handler positions at 16 represented locations.
The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by the Company may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
If the Company stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multi-employer plans, it may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
The Company’s participation in these plans for the annual period ended December 31, 2018 is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number. Unless otherwise noted, the most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone status available in 2018 and 2017 is for the plan’s year end at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The zone status is based on information that the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the “red zone” are less than 65 percent funded, plans in the “yellow zone” are less than 80 percent funded and plans in the “green zone” are at least 80 percent funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration dates of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. There are no minimum contributions required for future periods by the collective-bargaining agreements, statutory obligations or other contractual obligations.

Pension fund
EIN/Pension
plan number
 
PPA zone status
 
FIP/RP
status
pending/
implemented
 
Contributions (1)
 
Surcharge
imposed
 
Expiration
dates of
collective
bargaining
agreement(s)
Year ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan
91-6145047/001
 
Green
 
Green
 
No
 
$
1.5

 
$
1.5

 
$
1.7

 
No
 
January 31, 2019 to
September 30, 2021
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan
36-6044243/001
 
Red as of January 1, 2017
 
Red as of
January 1,
2016
 
Implemented
 
1.0

 
1.1

 
1.1

 
No
 
March 31, 2019
to
November 30, 2022
New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund
04-6372430/001
 
Red as of October 1, 2016
 
Red as of
October 1,
2016
 
Implemented
 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
No
 
June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
contributions:
 
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The plan contributions by the Company did not represent more than five percent of total contributions to the plans as indicated in the plans’ most recently available annual report.
v3.10.0.1
Stock-based compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]  
Stock-based compensation
In May 2017, the Company replaced and succeeded the Univar Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) with the Univar Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”). The 2015 Plan had no further awards granted and any available reserves under the 2015 Plan were transferred and available for issuance under the 2017 Plan. There were no changes to the outstanding awards related to the 2015 and the Univar Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan;” and, together with the 2015 Plan and the 2017 Plan (the “Plans”).
The 2017 Plan allows the Company to issue awards to employees, consultants, and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Awards may be made in the form of stock options, stock purchase rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, deferred share units or other stock-based awards.
As of December 31, 2018, there were 9.9 million shares authorized under the Plans.
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, the Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense within other operating expenses, net of $20.7 million, $19.7 million and $10.4 million, and a net tax expense (benefit) relating to stock-based compensation expense of $(2.6) million, $(3.7) million and $0.1 million.
The 2018 grants included provisions for stock option grants, restricted stock units and performance-based restricted stock units such that once an employee meets the retirement eligibility requirements, any remaining unvested share-based awards will continue to vest regardless of termination of service. Consequently, the requisite service period for the award is satisfied upon retirement eligibility. The Company expenses the grant date fair value of each award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of an award; however, expense recognition is accelerated for retirement eligible individuals who meet the requirements for vesting upon retirement.
Stock options
Stock options granted under the Plans expire ten years after the grant date and generally become exercisable over a four-year period or less, based on continued employment, with annual vesting. The exercise price of a stock option is determined at the time of each grant and in no case will the exercise price be less than the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Participants have no stockholder rights until the time of exercise. The Company will issue new shares upon exercise of stock options granted under the Plans.
The following reflects stock option activity under the Plans:
 
Number of
stock
options
 
Weighted-
average
exercise price
 
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
term (in years)
 
Aggregate
intrinsic value
(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
2,608,609

 
$
22.92

 
 
 
 
Granted
899,361

 
26.92

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(282,170
)
 
20.89

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(181,646
)
 
26.77

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
3,044,154

 
$
24.06

 
 
 
 
Exercisable at December 31, 2018
1,796,819

 
$
21.90

 
5.1
 
$
0.4

Expected to vest after December 31, 2018
1,247,335

 
$
27.17

 
8.7
 
$
(11.8
)
 
As of December 31, 2018, the Company has unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options of approximately $3.1 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years.
Restricted stock
Non-vested restricted stock primarily relates to awards for members of the Company’s Board of Directors which vest over 12 months. The grant date fair value of restricted stock is based on the market price of Univar stock on that date. Non-vested shares of restricted stock may not be sold or transferred and are subject to forfeiture until vesting. Both vested and non-vested shares of restricted stock are included in the Company’s shares outstanding. Dividend equivalents are available for non-vested shares of restricted stock if dividends are declared by the Company during the vesting period.
The following table reflects restricted stock activity under the Plans:
 
Restricted
stock
 
Weighted
average
grant-date
fair value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
52,835

 
$
28.56

Granted
28,863

 
28.50

Vested
(48,966
)
 
28.42

Forfeited
(3,952
)
 
30.37

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
28,780

 
$
28.50


As of December 31, 2018, the Company has unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards of approximately $0.3 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.3 years.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock was $29.92 and $18.15 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
RSUs awarded to employees generally vest in three or four equal annual installments, subject to continued employment. Each RSU converts into one share of Univar common stock on the applicable vesting date. RSUs may not be sold, pledged or otherwise transferred until they vest and are subject to forfeiture. The grant date fair value is based on the market price of Univar stock on that date.
The following table reflects RSUs activity under the Plans:
 
Number of
Restricted Stock Unit
 
Weighted-
average
grant-date fair value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
778,419

 
$
21.65

Granted
480,269

 
26.16

Vested
(365,346
)
 
22.67

Forfeited
(92,142
)
 
20.81

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
801,200

 
$
23.98


As of December 31, 2018, the Company has unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs awards of approximately $7.6 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 years.
Performance-based restricted stock units (PRSUs)
The Company awarded performance based shares to certain employees. These awards vest upon the passage of time and the achievement of performance criteria. For grants with Company based performance criteria, the vesting period is over three years with some shares vesting over each annual period. We review progress toward the attainment of the performance criteria each quarter during the vesting period. When it is probable the minimum performance criteria for the award will be achieved, we begin recognizing the expense equal to the proportionate share of the total fair value. The total expense recognized over the duration of performance awards will equal the date of grant multiplied by the number of shares ultimately awarded based on the level of attainment of the performance criteria. For grants with market performance criteria, the fair value is determined on the grant date and is calculated using the same inputs for expected volatility, and risk-free rate as stock options, with a duration of two years. The total expense recognized over the duration of the award will equal the fair value, regardless if the market performance criteria is met.
The following table reflects PRSUs activity under the Plans:
 
Number of
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit
 
Weighted-
average
grant-date fair value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
10,500

 
$
30.98

Granted
257,638

 
27.01

Vested

 

Forfeited
(11,570
)
 
26.82

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
256,568

 
$
27.18


As of December 31, 2018, the Company has unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested PRSUs awards of approximately $3.8 million, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
Employee stock purchase plan
During November 2016, our Board of Directors approved the Univar Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, authorizing the issuances of up to 2.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock effective January 1, 2017. The ESPP allows qualified participants to purchase the Company’s common stock at 95% of its market price during the last day of two offering periods in each calendar year. The first offering period is January through June, and the second from July through December. Our stock purchase plan is designed to attract and retain employees while also aligning employees’ interests with the interests of our stockholders.
As of December 31, 2018, the total number of shares issued under the plan for the two offering periods in 2018 was 56,749 shares.
Stock-based compensation fair value assumptions
The fair value of the Company’s common stock was used to establish the exercise price of stock options granted, grant date fair value of restricted stock and RSUs awards and as an input in the valuation of stock option awards and performance-based RSUs at each grant date. Prior to the Company’s June 2015 IPO, as discussed in “Note 1: Nature of operations”, the Company obtained contemporaneous quarterly valuations performed by an unrelated valuation specialist in support of each award. The fair value of the Company’s common stock was determined utilizing both income and market approaches, discounted for the lack of marketability. A discounted cash flow analysis was used to estimate fair value under the income approach. The market approach consisted of an analysis of multiples of comparable companies whose securities are traded publicly as well as other indicated market values of the Company by third parties. After the IPO, the fair value of the Company’s stock that is factored into the fair value of stock options and utilized for restricted stock, RSUs and performance-based RSUs with internally developed performance conditions is based on the grant date closing price on the New York Stock Exchange.
In 2016, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the fair value of performance-based RSUs with market conditions. The length of each performance period was used as the expected term in the simulation for each respective tranche. The weighted average grant-date fair value of performance-based RSUs with market conditions was $10.49 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The weighted-average assumptions under the Monte Carlo simulation model were as follows:
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
Risk-free interest rate (1)
1.0
%
Expected dividend yield (2)

Expected volatility (3)
45.0
%
 
 
(1)
The risk-free interest rate is based on the US Treasury yield for a period in years over which performance condition is satisfied.
(2)
The Company currently has no expectation of paying cash dividends on its common stock.
(3)
As the Company does not have sufficient historical volatility data, the expected volatility is based on the average historical data of a peer group of public companies over a period equal to the expected term of the performance-based RSUs.

The Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model was used to calculate the fair value of stock options. The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options was $8.69 and $8.40 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted average grant-date fair value is not provided for the year ended December 31, 2016, as there were no stock options granted during the period. The weighted-average assumptions used under the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model were as follows:
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Risk-free interest rate (1)
2.7
%
 
2.1
%
 
%
Expected dividend yield (2)

 

 

Expected volatility (3)
23.2
%
 
25.5
%
 
%
Expected term (years) (4)
6.0

 
5.9

 
0.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The risk-free interest rate is based on the US Treasury yield for a term consistent with the expected term of the stock options at the time of grant.
(2)
The Company currently has no expectation of paying cash dividends on its common stock.
(3)
As the Company does not have sufficient historical volatility data, the expected volatility is based on the average historical data of a peer group of public companies over a period equal to the expected term of the stock options.
(4)
As the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data under the Plans, the expected term is based on the average of the vesting period of each tranche and the original contract term of 10 years.
Additional stock-based compensation information
The following table provides additional stock-based compensation information:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
$
2.4

 
$
16.7

 
$
4.0

Fair value of restricted stock, RSUs and PRSUs vested
11.8

 
22.8

 
2.7

v3.10.0.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax.
(in millions)

Cash flow
hedges
 
Defined
benefit
pension items
 
Currency
translation
items
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$

 
$
1.2

 
$
(391.1
)
 
$
(389.9
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
4.4

 
(2.2
)
 
107.1

 
109.3

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
2.3

 
(0.2
)
 

 
2.1

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
$
6.7

 
$
(2.4
)
 
$
107.1

 
$
111.4

Balance as of December 31, 2017
$
6.7

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(284.0
)
 
$
(278.5
)
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 (1)
$
0.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.5

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
8.3

 
(2.0
)
 
(97.0
)
 
(90.7
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
(6.6
)
 
2.1

 

 
(4.5
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
$
2.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
(97.0
)
 
$
(94.7
)
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
8.9

 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
(381.0
)
 
$
(373.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Adjusted due to the adoption of ASU 2017-12 “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2018. Refer to “Note 2: Significant accounting policies” for more information.
The following is a summary of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss).
(in millions)
Year ended
December 31,
2018 (1)
 
Year ended
December 31,
2017 (1)
 
Location of impact on
statement of operations
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost (credits)
$
2.7

 
$
(0.2
)
 
Other expense, net
Tax benefit
(0.6
)
 

 
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax
$
2.1

 
$
(0.2
)
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
$
(8.1
)
 
$
3.8

 
Interest expense
Tax expense (benefit)
1.5

 
(1.5
)
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax
$
(6.6
)
 
$
2.3

 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(4.5
)
 
$
2.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to net income in the consolidated statement of operations.
Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for additional information regarding the amortization of defined benefit pension items, “Note 18: Derivatives” for cash flow hedging activity and “Note 2: Significant accounting policies” for foreign currency gains and losses relating to intercompany borrowings of a long-term nature that are reflected in currency translation items.
v3.10.0.1
Property, plant and equipment, net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Land and buildings
$
790.9

 
$
809.6

Tank farms
276.0

 
277.4

Machinery, equipment and other
836.7

 
820.2

Less: Accumulated depreciation
(970.1
)
 
(927.2
)
Subtotal
$
933.5

 
$
980.0

Work in progress
22.3

 
23.0

Property, plant and equipment, net
$
955.8

 
$
1,003.0


Included within property, plant and equipment, net are assets related to capital leases where the Company is the lessee. The below table summarizes the cost and accumulated depreciation related to these assets:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Capital lease assets, at cost
$
89.4

 
$
86.0

Less: accumulated depreciation
(37.4
)
 
(27.0
)
Capital lease assets, net
$
52.0

 
$
59.0


Capitalized interest on capital projects was nil and $0.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill
The following is a summary of the activity in goodwill by segment.
(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2017
$
1,325.2

 
$
438.4

 
$
1.1

 
$
19.7

 
$
1,784.4

Additions

 

 

 
4.1

 
4.1

Purchase price adjustments

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.5

Foreign exchange

 
29.8

 
0.1

 
(0.5
)
 
29.4

Balance, December 31, 2017
$
1,325.2

 
$
468.7

 
$
1.2

 
$
23.3

 
$
1,818.4

Additions

 

 
7.6

 

 
7.6

Purchase price adjustments

 

 

 
(3.2
)
 
(3.2
)
Other adjustments

 
(2.4
)
 

 

 
(2.4
)
Foreign exchange

 
(36.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(39.7
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
1,325.2

 
$
429.9

 
$
8.3

 
$
17.3

 
$
1,780.7


The Company’s reporting units are identical to the identified four operating segments: USA, Canada, EMEA, and Rest of World. Additions to goodwill in 2018 related to the acquisition of Kemetyl and Earthoil. Additions to goodwill in 2017 related to the acquisition of Tagma. The purchase price adjustments in 2018 relate to the Tagma acquisition. Refer to “Note 19: Business combinations” for further information. Other adjustments to goodwill in 2018 relate to immaterial dispositions. Accumulated impairment losses on goodwill were $246.3 million at January 1, 2017. Accumulated impairment losses on goodwill were $255.6 million and $271.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
As of October 1, 2018, the Company performed its annual impairment review and concluded the fair value exceeded the carrying value for all reporting units with goodwill balances. There were no events or circumstances from the date of the assessment through December 31, 2018 that would affect this conclusion.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions by management. The Company can provide no assurance that a material impairment charge will not occur in a future period. The Company’s estimates of future cash flows may differ from actual cash flows that are subsequently realized due to many factors, including future worldwide economic conditions and the expected benefits of the Company’s initiatives. Any of these potential factors, or other unexpected factors, may cause the Company to re-evaluate the carrying value of goodwill.
Intangible assets, net
The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Gross
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
Intangible assets (subject to amortization):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
846.1

 
$
(620.3
)
 
$
225.8

 
$
853.5

 
$
(582.1
)
 
$
271.4

Other
175.1

 
(162.8
)
 
12.3

 
177.8

 
(161.5
)
 
16.3

Total intangible assets
$
1,021.2

 
$
(783.1
)
 
$
238.1

 
$
1,031.3

 
$
(743.6
)
 
$
287.7


Other intangible assets consist of intellectual property trademarks, trade names, producer relationships and contracts, non-compete agreements and exclusive distribution rights.
The estimated annual amortization expense in each of the next five years is as follows:
(in millions)
 
2019
$
47.7

2020
43.3

2021
39.1

2022
31.6

2023
26.4

v3.10.0.1
Impairment charges
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Impairment charges
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company revised its business operating plan for servicing upstream oil and gas customers in its USA operating segment. In light of the 2016 prolonged drop in oil prices, and consequential decrease in demand for certain products including high-value specialized blended products used in hydraulic fracking operations, the Company narrowed its product line and service offering by curtailing certain highly specialized products and services that were being produced and sold to oil and gas customers. As a result, the Company ceased operations at three production facilities. The Company determined that these decisions resulted in a triggering event with respect to long lived assets in an asset group, resulting in the assessment of recoverability of these long lived assets. The Company performed step one of the impairment test and determined the carrying amount of the asset group exceeded the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows. Thus, the Company proceeded to step two of the impairment test where it was required to determine the fair value of the asset group and recognize an impairment loss if the carrying value exceeded the fair value. As a result of the impairment test, the Company recorded a non-cash, long-lived asset impairment charge of $113.7 million related to intangible assets and $16.5 million related to property, plant and equipment within its consolidated statements of operations. The Company also recorded a non-cash, long-lived asset impairment charge of $0.3 million related to assets held-for-sale.
The fair value of the asset group was determined using an income approach, which was comprised of multiple significant unobservable inputs including: (1) the estimate of future cash flows; (2) the amount of capital expenditures required to maintain the existing cash flows; and (3) a terminal period growth rate equal to the expected rate of inflation. Accordingly, estimated fair value of the asset group is considered to be a Level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.
In addition to the charges discussed above, the Company also impaired $3.4 million of inventory deemed to be unsaleable in connection with the facility closures.
v3.10.0.1
Other accrued expenses
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Other accrued expenses
expenses that were greater than five percent of total current liabilities. As of December 31, 2017, other accrued expenses that were greater than five percent of total current liabilities consisted of customer prepayments and deposits, which were $97.7 million.
v3.10.0.1
Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt
Short-term financing
Short-term financing consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Amounts drawn under credit facilities
$
4.7

 
$
9.1

Bank overdrafts
3.4

 
4.3

Total
$
8.1

 
$
13.4


The weighted average interest rate on short-term financing was 3.0% and 4.1% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $139.4 million and $147.0 million, respectively, in outstanding letters of credit and guarantees.
Long-term debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Senior Term Loan Facilities:
 
 
 
Term B Loan due 2024, variable interest rate of 4.77% and 4.07% at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
$
1,747.8

 
$
2,277.8

Asset Backed Loan (ABL) Facilities:
 
 
 
North American ABL Facility due 2020, variable interest rate of 4.19% and 5.00% at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
134.7

 
155.0

North American ABL Term Loan due 2018, fully paid off at December 31, 2018 and variable interest rate of 4.44% at December 31, 2017

 
16.7

Euro ABL Facility due 2023, variable interest rate of 1.75% at December 31, 2018
58.5

 

Senior Unsecured Notes:
 
 
 
Senior Unsecured Notes due 2023, fixed interest rate of 6.75% at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
399.5

 
399.5

Capital lease obligations
54.8

 
60.9

Total long-term debt before discount
$
2,395.3

 
$
2,909.9

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs and discount on debt
(23.2
)
 
(27.9
)
Total long-term debt
$
2,372.1

 
$
2,882.0

Less: current maturities
(21.7
)
 
(62.0
)
Total long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
2,350.4

 
$
2,820.0



The weighted average interest rate on long-term debt was 4.29% and 4.50% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
As of December 31, 2018, future contractual maturities of long-term debt including capital lease obligations are as follows:
(in millions)
 
2019
$
21.7

2020
147.0

2021
9.3

2022
7.6

2023
460.8

Thereafter
1,748.9

Total
$
2,395.3


Long-term debt restructurings
In December 2018, the Company entered into an amended Euro ABL Credit facility agreement which replaced the existing €200 million Euro ABL Credit facility agreement, dated March 24, 2014. The amended agreement extends the maturity date from March 22, 2019 to December 19, 2023. The Euro ABL is a revolving credit facility pursuant to which certain of the Company's European subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) may request loan advances and make loan repayments until the maturity date. Loan advances may be made in multiple currencies. Each loan advance under this facility has a variable interest rate based on the current benchmark rate (IBOR) for that currency plus a credit spread. The credit spread is determined by a pricing grid that is based on average availability of the facility. The unused line fee ranges from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum depending on the average unused commitment as a percentage of the total commitment.
During 2018, Univar made three early repayments totaling $530.0 million against the balance of its Term B Loan due 2024. The repayments utilized a combination of existing cash balances and ABL Facilities and resulted in cash balances being remitted to the US from non-US subsidiaries. These early repayments have no impact on the Company’s leverage ratio but are expected to reduce net interest expense.
On November 28, 2017, the Company entered into a Second Amendment of the Senior Term B loan facility which amended the Company's First Amendment, dated January 19, 2017. The new Senior Term B loan agreement has a $2,283.5 million US dollar loan tranche. The proceeds from the new Senior Term B loan agreement were used to repay in full the $2,183.5 million US dollar denominated Term B Loan and €80.9 million ($95.8 million) euro denominated Term B Loan.
The amendment also lowered the interest rate credit spread on the loan by 25 basis points from 2.75% to 2.50% and extended the loan by two years. An additional reduction of 25 basis points is available if the Company's total net leverage (Total Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA) reaches or falls below 4.00. The New Senior Term Facilities is payable in installments of $5.7 million commencing December 31, 2017 with the remaining balances due on the maturity date of July 1, 2024. The Company can repay the loan in whole or part without penalty.
On January 19, 2017, the Company, entered into an amended Senior Term B loan agreement which replaced the existing US dollar denominated loans, dated July 1, 2015, with new US dollar denominated loans in aggregate of $2,200.0 million. The Amendment also reduced the interest rate credit spread on the US dollar denominated loans by 50 basis points from 3.25% to 2.75% and removed the 1.00% LIBOR floor. The additional proceeds of $175.6 million received from the US dollar denominated loans were used to prepay a portion of the Euro denominated Term B Loans.
As a result of the January and November 2017 debt refinancing activity, the Company recognized debt refinancing costs of $5.3 million in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2017. Refer to “Note 6: Other expense, net” for further information. In addition, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2017.
On July 28, 2015, the Company entered into a new five year $1.4 billion North American Asset Backed Loan Facility (“NA ABL Facility”) and terminated its existing $1.4 billion North American ABL Facility including the repayment of the existing North American ABL Term Loan. The NA ABL Facility has a $1.0 billion revolving loan tranche available to certain US subsidiaries, a $300.0 million revolving loan tranche for certain Canadian subsidiaries and a $100.0 million ABL Term Loan (“ABL Term Loan”). The ABL Term Loan was paid off as of December 31, 2018. The Company may elect to allocate the total $1.3 billion in revolving tranches between the US and Canadian borrowers. Under the two revolving tranches, the borrowers may request loan advances and make loan repayments until the maturity date of July 28, 2020. The ABL Term Loan and each revolving loan advance under the facility have a variable interest rate based on the current benchmark rate elected by the borrower plus a credit spread. The credit spread is determined by the elected benchmark rate and the average availability of the facility. The unused line fee for the revolver tranches under the NA ABL Facility ranges from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum for the US and Canadian borrowers depending on the average daily outstanding amount. The NA ABL Term Loan is payable in installments of $16.7 million per quarter commencing December 31, 2016 with a final amortization payment on March 31, 2018, with the loan commitment expiring on July 28, 2018.
In addition, on July 1, 2015, the Company issued $400.0 million in Senior Unsecured Notes (“Unsecured Notes”). The Unsecured Notes have a fixed interest rate of 6.75% payable semi-annually. Principal is due upon the maturity date of July 15, 2023. The Company can prepay the Senior Unsecured Notes in whole or part at a premium above par on or after July 15, 2018 and without a premium on or after July 15, 2020.
Borrowing availability and assets pledged as collateral
As of December 31, 2018, availability of the entire $1.3 billion in North American ABL Facility credit commitments is determined based on the periodic reporting of available qualifying collateral, as defined in the North American ABL Facility credit agreement. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, $562.6 million and $548.3 million were available under the North American ABL Facility, respectively. An unused line fee of 0.375% was in effect at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
As of December 31, 2018, availability of the entire €200 million Euro ABL due 2023 is determined based on the periodic reporting of available qualifying collateral, as defined in the Euro ABL credit agreement. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, $57.7 million and $133.1 million were available under the Euro ABL, respectively. An unused line fee of 0.375% and 0.50% was in effect at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
The North American ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the US and Canadian operating subsidiaries of the Company. The Senior Term Loan Facilities are also secured by substantially all of the assets of the US operating and management subsidiaries. With respect to shared collateral, the North American ABL Facility and the Senior Term Loan Facilities are secured by accounts receivable and inventories of the US operating subsidiaries of the Company. The obligations under the North American ABL Facility is secured by a first priority lien on such accounts receivable and inventory, and the obligations under the Senior Term Loan Facilities are secured by a second priority lien on such accounts receivable and inventory. Under the North American ABL Facility, Canadian entities secure the obligations of the Canadian borrower. In addition, 65% of the shares of all first-tier foreign subsidiaries owned by the US subsidiaries have been pledged as security to the lenders in respect of all obligations. The Euro ABL is primarily secured by accounts receivable and inventories of the Company’s subsidiaries in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom.
Assets pledged under the North American ABL Facility, Senior Term Loan Facilities and the Euro ABL are as follows:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Cash
$
45.5

 
$
313.6

Trade accounts receivable, net
906.1

 
881.0

Inventories
674.0

 
702.0

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
96.9

 
93.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
743.0

 
780.0

Total
$
2,465.5

 
$
2,769.9


Debt covenants
Under certain limited circumstances, the Company’s subsidiaries noted as borrowers and guarantors under the NA ABL Facility and NA ABL Term Loan are subject to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio maintenance covenant. Such covenant is calculated based on the consolidated financial results of the Company. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, such covenant was not in effect but the Company would have been in compliance if it was then in effect. The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to a significant number of non-financial covenants in each of the credit facilities and the Senior Unsecured Notes that restrict the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, including, without limitation, requiring that the net proceeds from certain dispositions and capital market debt issuances must be used as mandatory prepayments and restrictions on the incurrence of financial indebtedness outside of these facilities (including restrictions on secured indebtedness), prepaying subordinated debt, making dividend payments, making certain investments, making certain asset dispositions, certain transactions with affiliates and certain mergers and acquisitions.
v3.10.0.1
Fair value measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair value measurements
The Company classifies its financial instruments according to the fair value hierarchy described in “Note 2: Significant accounting policies.”
Items measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis on a gross basis:
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Financial current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward currency contracts
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$

Interest rate swap contracts
12.4

 
1.2

 

 

Financial non-current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
1.5

 
10.6

 

 

Financial current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward currency contracts
0.2

 
0.4

 

 

Financial non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration

 

 

 
0.4


The net amounts related to foreign currency contracts included in prepaid and other current assets were $0.3 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The net amounts related to foreign currency contracts included in other accrued expenses were $0.2 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value measurements that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are contingent consideration liabilities (i.e. earn-outs) related to prior acquisitions. Refer to “Note 19: Business combinations” for further information discussing the business acquisitions resulting in contingent consideration liabilities, the terms of the earn-outs, the unobservable inputs factored into the fair value determination and the estimated impact on the consolidated financial statements related to changes in the unobservable inputs.
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Fair value as of January 1
$
0.4

 
$
7.5

Additions

 
0.4

Fair value adjustments
1.0

 
(3.0
)
Foreign currency

 
0.1

Payments
(1.4
)
 
(3.7
)
Gain on settlement

 
(0.9
)
Fair value as of December 31
$

 
$
0.4


The fair value adjustment in 2018 related to Tagma’s improved financial performance and subsequent payout. The 2017 fair value reduction was primarily due to declined financial performance and payouts. Fair value adjustments are recorded within other operating expenses, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are recorded in the other, net line item of the operating activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows. Cash payments up to the amount of the original acquisition value are recorded within financing activities of the consolidated statement of cash flows. The portion of contingent consideration cash payments in excess of the original acquisition value are recorded within operating activities of the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Financial instruments not carried at fair value
The estimated fair value of financial instruments not carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Carrying
amount
 
Fair
value
 
Carrying
amount
 
Fair
value
Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt including current portion (Level 2)
$
2,372.1

 
$
2,314.3

 
$
2,882.0

 
$
2,939.7

The fair values of the long-term debt, including the current portions, were based on current market quotes for similar borrowings and credit risk adjusted for liquidity, margins, and amortization, as necessary.
Fair value of other financial instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and short-term financing included in the consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.
v3.10.0.1
Derivatives
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives
Interest rate swaps
The objective of the interest rate swap contracts is to offset the variability of cash flows in LIBOR indexed debt interest payments attributable to changes in the aforementioned benchmark interest rate related to the Term B Loan due 2024.
At December 31, 2018, the Company had interest rate swap contracts in place with a total notional amount of $2.0 billion. In 2017, we entered into interest rate swap contracts with a remaining notional amount of $1.5 billion whereby a fixed rate of interest (weighted average of 1.70%) is paid and a variable rate of interest (three-month LIBOR) is received as calculated on the notional amount. In December 2018, the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts with a total notional amount of $500.0 million effective June 2019 whereby a fixed rate of interest (weighted average of 2.73%) is paid and a variable rate of interest (three-month LIBOR) is received as calculated on the notional amount. The initial interest rate swap contracts that were replaced with the 2017 contracts currently outstanding initially included a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. The LIBOR floor was removed on February 1, 2017, as part of the amendment to the interest rate swap contracts. The contracts were amended as a result of the amendment to the Term B Loan agreement with US dollar denominated tranche on January 19, 2017. Refer to “Note 16: Debt” for additional information. As a result of the interest rate swap contracts amendment, in 2017 the Company realized a gain of $1.4 million in other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
As of July 6, 2017, the Company designated the interest rate swaps as a cash flow hedge in an effort to reduce the mark-to-market volatility recognized within the consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2018, the interest rate swaps held by the Company continue to qualify for hedge accounting. Prior to the hedge accounting designation, changes in fair value of the interest rate swap contracts were recognized directly in other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to “Note 6: Other expense, net” for additional information. With the adoption of ASU 2017-12, the Company recognizes the changes in fair value of the interest rate swap contracts, whether it is due to effectiveness or ineffectiveness, in other comprehensive income and subsequently is reclassified to the income statement when the hedged item impacts earnings.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were $8.1 million in gains on our interest rate swap contracts that were reclassified to interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2018, we estimate that $12.4 million of derivative gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into the consolidated statement of operations within the next 12 months. The activity related to our cash flow hedges is included in “Note 11: Accumulated other comprehensive loss.”
The fair value of interest rate swaps is recorded either in prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, a current asset of $12.4 million and $1.2 million was included in other current assets. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, a non-current asset of $1.5 million and $10.6 million was included in other assets, respectively.
The Company had interest rate swap contracts with a total notional amount of $1.0 billion which expired during June 2017.
Interest rate caps
The Company had interest rate caps with a notional amount of $800 million which expired during June 2017. As of June 30, 2017, the interest rate cap premiums had been fully amortized through interest expense within the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no interest rate caps outstanding.
Foreign currency derivatives
The Company uses forward currency contracts to hedge earnings from the effects of foreign exchange relating to certain of the Company’s intercompany and third-party receivables and payables denominated in a foreign currency. These derivative instruments are not formally designated as hedges by the Company and the terms of these instruments range from one to three months. Forward currency contracts are recorded at fair value in either prepaid expenses and other current assets or other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets, reflecting their short-term nature. Refer to “Note 17: Fair value measurements” for additional information. The fair value adjustments and gains and losses are included in other expense, net within the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to “Note 6: Other expense, net” for more information. The total notional amount of undesignated forward currency contracts were $108.1 million and $134.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
v3.10.0.1
Business combinations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Business combinations
Year ended December 31, 2018
2018 Acquisitions
Acquisition of Earthoil
On May 31, 2018, the Company completed an acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in Earthoil Plantations Limited, a supplier of pure, organic, fair trade essential and cold-pressed vegetable seed oils used in the naturals, organic beauty, and personal care markets. The acquisition expands and strengthens Univar’s existing global natural beauty and personal care product line.
The total purchase price of the acquisition was $13.3 million. The purchase price allocation includes goodwill of $3.7 million and intangibles of $6.1 million. During the second quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an initial purchase price of $13.7 million and included goodwill of $2.5 million and intangibles of $6.1 million. During the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a purchase price adjustment of $0.4 million on this acquisition which resulted in an increase of $1.2 million to goodwill. The adjustments were primarily attributable to a $1.7 million increase in other accrued expenses associated with final working capital adjustments.
The operating results subsequent to the acquisition date did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statement of the Company. The accounting for this acquisition has only been preliminarily determined.
Acquisition of Kemetyl Industrial Chemicals
On January 4, 2018, the Company completed an acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in Kemetyl Norge Industri AS as well as a definitive asset purchase agreement with Kemetyl Aktiebolag. Kemetyl is among the leading distributors of chemical products in the Nordic region and provides bulk and specialty chemicals, such as isopropanol, glycols, metal salts, minerals and polyacrylamides, to customers in Sweden and Norway. The addition of Kemetyl will allow Univar to expand its leading position in the pharmaceutical industry.
The purchase price of these acquisitions was $7.5 million (net of cash acquired of $0.7 million). The purchase price allocation includes goodwill of $3.9 million and intangibles of $3.6 million. During the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an initial purchase price of $8.9 million and included goodwill of $5.3 million and intangibles of $3.7 million. During the third and fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded purchase price adjustments of $1.4 million on these acquisitions which resulted in a decrease of $1.4 million to goodwill recorded during the first quarter of 2018. The adjustments were primarily attributable to final working capital adjustments.
The operating results subsequent to the acquisition date did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statement of the Company. The accounting for these acquisitions has only been preliminarily determined.
Year ended December 31, 2017
In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed two acquisitions.
On September 21, 2017, the Company completed an acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in Tagma Brasil Ltda., a leading Brazilian provider of customized formulation and packaging services for crop protection chemicals that include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and surfactants. This acquisition expands Univar's agriculture business in one of the world's fastest-growing agricultural markets.
On September 29, 2017, the Company completed a definitive asset purchase agreement with PVS Minibulk, Inc., a provider of Minibulk services for inorganic chemicals in California, Oregon, and Washington. This acquisition expands and strengthens Univar's MiniBulk business in the West Coast market as the Company has the opportunity to service PVS customers and integrate them into the Univar business.
The purchase price of these acquisitions was $21.7 million (net of cash acquired of $0.2 million). The purchase price allocation includes goodwill of $1.0 million and intangibles of $5.3 million. Purchase price adjustments on the 2017 acquisitions resulted in a decrease of $3.2 million to goodwill recorded in 2018. The adjustments were primarily attributable to net cash proceeds of $2.2 million and $1.1 million increase in the value allocated to intangible assets.
The operating results subsequent to the acquisition dates did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statement of the Company. The initial purchase price of the 2017 acquisitions was $23.9 million (net of cash acquired of $0.2 million). The accounting for these acquisitions was complete as of September 30, 2018.
As of March 31, 2017, the purchase price allocation for the Bodine and Nexus Ag 2016 acquisitions were finalized. Purchase price adjustments on prior acquisitions resulted in additional cash payments of $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
v3.10.0.1
Commitments and contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and contingencies
Lease commitments
Rental and lease commitments primarily relate to land, buildings and fleet. Operating lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $64.1 million, $76.7 million and $83.3 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2018, minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

(in millions)
Minimum rental
commitments
2019
$
54.9

2020
40.4

2021
30.0

2022
24.6

2023
16.3

Thereafter
30.0

Total
$
196.2


Litigation
In the ordinary course of business the Company is subject to pending or threatened claims, lawsuits, regulatory matters and administrative proceedings from time to time. Where appropriate the Company has recorded provisions in the consolidated financial statements for these matters. The liabilities for injuries to persons or property are in some instances covered by liability insurance, subject to various deductibles and self-insured retentions.
The Company is not aware of any claims, lawsuits, regulatory matters or administrative proceedings, pending or threatened, that are likely to have a material effect on its overall financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the Company cannot predict the outcome of any claims or litigation or the potential for future claims or litigation.
The Company is subject to liabilities from claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos. The claims result primarily from an indemnification obligation related to Univar USA Inc.’s (“Univar”) 1986 purchase of McKesson Chemical Company from McKesson Corporation (“McKesson”). Univar’s obligation to indemnify McKesson for settlements and judgments arising from asbestos claims is the amount which is in excess of applicable insurance coverage, if any, which may be available under McKesson’s historical insurance coverage. Univar is also a defendant in a small number of asbestos claims. As of December 31, 2018, there were fewer than 200 asbestos-related claims for which the Company has liability for defense and indemnity pursuant to the indemnification obligation. Historically, the vast majority of the claims against both McKesson and Univar have been dismissed without payment. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these matters, it does not believe, based upon current available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any of these matters will have a material effect on its overall financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the Company cannot predict the outcome of any present or future claims or litigation and adverse developments could negatively impact earnings or cash flows in a particular future period.
Environmental
The Company is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that require environmental assessment or remediation efforts (collectively “environmental remediation work”) at approximately 130 locations, some that are now or were previously Company-owned/occupied and some that were never Company-owned/occupied (“non-owned sites”).
The Company’s environmental remediation work at some sites is being conducted pursuant to governmental proceedings or investigations, while the Company, with appropriate state or federal agency oversight and approval, is conducting the environmental remediation work at other sites voluntarily. The Company is currently undergoing remediation efforts or is in the process of active review of the need for potential remediation efforts at approximately 107 current or formerly Company-owned/occupied sites. In addition, the Company may be liable for a share of the clean-up of approximately 23 non-owned sites. These non-owned sites are typically (a) locations of independent waste disposal or recycling operations with alleged or confirmed contaminated soil and/or groundwater to which the Company may have shipped waste products or drums for re-conditioning, or (b) contaminated non-owned sites near historical sites owned or operated by the Company or its predecessors from which contamination is alleged to have arisen.
In determining the appropriate level of environmental reserves, the Company considers several factors such as information obtained from investigatory studies; changes in the scope of remediation; the interpretation, application and enforcement of laws and regulations; changes in the costs of remediation programs; the development of alternative cleanup technologies and methods; and the relative level of the Company’s involvement at various sites for which the Company is allegedly associated. The level of annual expenditures for remedial, monitoring and investigatory activities will change in the future as major components of planned remediation activities are completed and the scope, timing and costs of existing activities are changed. Project lives, and therefore cash flows, range from 2 to 30 years, depending on the specific site and type of remediation project.
Although the Company believes that its reserves are adequate for environmental contingencies, it is possible, due to the uncertainties noted above; that additional reserves could be required in the future that could have a material effect on the overall financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in a particular period. This additional loss or range of losses cannot be recorded at this time, as it is not reasonably estimable.
Changes in total environmental liabilities are as follows:
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Environmental liabilities at January 1
$
89.2

 
$
95.8

Revised obligation estimates
12.6

 
12.3

Environmental payments
(18.1
)
 
(19.3
)
Foreign exchange
(0.2
)
 
0.4

Environmental liabilities at December 31
$
83.5

 
$
89.2


Environmental liabilities of $32.1 million and $29.1 million were classified as current in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The long-term portion of environmental liabilities is recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The total discount on environmental liabilities was $5.0 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The discount rate used in the present value calculation was 2.7% and 2.4% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which represent risk-free rates.
The Company manages estimated cash flows by project. These estimates are subject to change if there are modifications to the scope of the remediation plan or if other factors, both external and internal, change the timing of the remediation activities. The Company periodically reviews the status of all existing or potential environmental liabilities and adjusts its accruals based on all available, relevant information. Based on current estimates, the expected payments for environmental remediation for the next five years and thereafter at December 31, 2018 are as follows, with projects for which timing is uncertain included in the 2019 estimated amount of $11.4 million:
(in millions)
 
2019
$
32.1

2020
10.3

2021
8.8

2022
7.0

2023
6.5

Thereafter
23.9

Total
$
88.6


Customs and International Trade Laws
In 2015, the US Department of Justice (“DOJ”), on behalf of US Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”), filed a complaint against Univar USA Inc., in the Court of the International Trade seeking approximately $84.0 million, plus additional interest and fees, in allegedly unpaid duties that applied to imports of saccharin from China. Univar denies that any such duties were due because Univar contends the saccharin it imported during the time in question was Taiwanese in origin. The case has progressed through the discovery phase and earlier this year Univar filed a motion for summary judgement, which the Court denied. The case is scheduled for trial in April 2019. Univar has not recorded a liability related to this matter. Although the Company believes its position is defensible, it cannot guarantee the outcome of this or other litigation.
v3.10.0.1
Related party transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related party transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2016, CVC divested its entire investment in the Company in conjunction with secondary public offering.
The following table summarizes the Company’s sales and purchases with related parties within the ordinary course of business:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
CD&R:
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to affiliate companies
$
4.5

 
$
5.3

 
$
7.7

Purchases from affiliate companies
0.1

 
6.0

 
16.5

Temasek:
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to affiliate companies

 
10.1

 
14.4

Purchases from affiliate companies

 
0.7

 
10.1

CVC (1):
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to affiliate companies

 

 
0.5

Purchases from affiliate companies

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Sales and purchases related information for CVC is disclosed until August 31, 2016.
The following table summarizes the Company’s receivables due from and payables due to related parties:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Due from affiliates
$
0.7

 
$
1.0

Due to affiliates
0.2

 
0.2

v3.10.0.1
Segments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segments
Management monitors the operating results of its operating segments separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Management evaluates performance on the basis of Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as consolidated net income (loss), plus the sum of: interest expense, net of interest income; income tax expense (benefit); depreciation; amortization; other operating expenses, net; impairment charges; loss on extinguishment of debt; and other expense, net.
Transfer prices between operating segments are set on an arms-length basis in a similar manner to transactions with third parties. Corporate operating expenses that directly benefit segments have been allocated to the operating segments. Allocable operating expenses are identified through a review process by management. These costs are allocated to the operating segments on a basis that reasonably approximates the use of services. This is typically measured on a weighted distribution of margin, asset, headcount or time spent.
Other/Eliminations represents the elimination of inter-segment transactions as well as unallocated corporate costs consisting of costs specifically related to parent company operations that do not directly benefit segments, either individually or collectively.
Financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:
(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
Year ended December 31, 2018
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External customers
$
4,961.0

 
$
1,302.3

 
$
1,975.7

 
$
393.5

 
$

 
$
8,632.5

Inter-segment
126.6

 
9.3

 
4.0

 
0.2

 
(140.1
)
 

Total net sales
$
5,087.6

 
$
1,311.6

 
$
1,979.7

 
$
393.7

 
$
(140.1
)
 
$
8,632.5

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
3,959.3

 
1,080.1

 
1,525.6

 
307.5

 
(140.1
)
 
6,732.4

Outbound freight and handling
215.6

 
42.5

 
62.4

 
7.8

 

 
328.3

Warehousing, selling and administrative
536.3

 
84.3

 
240.5

 
45.1

 
25.2

 
931.4

Adjusted EBITDA
$
376.4

 
$
104.7

 
$
151.2

 
$
33.3

 
$
(25.2
)
 
$
640.4

Other operating expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73.5

Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
125.2

Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54.3

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
132.4

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.1

Other expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.7

Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49.9

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
172.3

Total assets
$
3,114.8

 
$
1,519.9

 
$
973.0

 
$
212.5

 
$
(547.8
)
 
$
5,272.4

Property, plant and equipment, net
597.6

 
141.3

 
156.7

 
30.2

 
30.0

 
955.8

Capital expenditures
42.9

 
22.3

 
15.4

 
3.5

 
10.5

 
94.6

(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
Year ended December 31, 2017
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External customers
$
4,657.1

 
$
1,371.5

 
$
1,821.2

 
$
403.9

 
$

 
$
8,253.7

Inter-segment
121.9

 
9.1

 
4.5

 
0.5

 
(136.0
)
 

Total net sales
$
4,779.0

 
$
1,380.6

 
$
1,825.7

 
$
404.4

 
$
(136.0
)
 
$
8,253.7

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
3,706.8

 
1,143.0

 
1,411.7

 
322.7

 
(136.0
)
 
6,448.2

Outbound freight and handling
192.8

 
37.3

 
55.7

 
6.2

 

 
292.0

Warehousing, selling and administrative
529.4

 
86.2

 
229.1

 
46.8

 
28.2

 
919.7

Adjusted EBITDA
$
350.0

 
$
114.1

 
$
129.2

 
$
28.7

 
$
(28.2
)
 
$
593.8

Other operating expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55.4

Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
135.0

Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65.4

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148.0

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.8

Other expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.4

Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49.0

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
119.8

Total assets
$
3,526.8

 
$
2,091.3

 
$
935.1

 
$
237.5

 
$
(1,058.0
)
 
$
5,732.7

Property, plant and equipment, net
636.1

 
147.7

 
158.0

 
33.5

 
27.7

 
1,003.0

Capital expenditures
47.5

 
17.1

 
14.6

 
2.4

 
1.1

 
82.7

(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External customers
$
4,706.7

 
$
1,261.0

 
$
1,704.2

 
$
401.8

 
$

 
$
8,073.7

Inter-segment
104.4

 
8.3

 
4.5

 

 
(117.2
)
 

Total net sales
$
4,811.1

 
$
1,269.3

 
$
1,708.7

 
$
401.8

 
$
(117.2
)
 
$
8,073.7

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
3,769.7

 
1,047.4

 
1,324.6

 
322.1

 
(117.2
)
 
6,346.6

Outbound freight and handling
191.5

 
34.1

 
54.9

 
6.1

 

 
286.6

Warehousing, selling and administrative
523.5

 
85.4

 
219.3

 
46.8

 
18.1

 
893.1

Adjusted EBITDA
$
326.4

 
$
102.4

 
$
109.9

 
$
26.8

 
$
(18.1
)
 
$
547.4

Other operating expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.2

Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
152.3

Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85.6

Impairment charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
133.9

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
159.9

Other expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58.1

Income tax benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(11.2
)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(68.4
)
Total assets
$
3,676.8

 
$
1,856.2

 
$
857.4

 
$
211.3

 
$
(1,211.8
)
 
$
5,389.9

Property, plant and equipment, net
671.1

 
148.3

 
144.8

 
18.2

 
37.1

 
1,019.5

Capital expenditures
56.5

 
17.4

 
12.2

 
2.8

 
1.2

 
90.1


Business line information
The Company’s net sales from external customers relate to its chemical distribution business. Commodity chemicals and ingredients represent the largest portion of our business by sales and volume. Other sales to external customers primarily relate to services for collecting and arranging for the transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Risks and concentrations
No single customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales in any of the years presented.
The Company is exposed to credit loss and loss of liquidity availability if the financial institutions or counterparties issuing us debt securities fail to perform. We minimize exposure to these credit risks by dealing with a diversified group of investment grade financial institutions. We manage credit risk by monitoring the credit ratings and market indicators of credit risk of our lending counterparties. We do not anticipate any non-performance by any of the counterparties.
v3.10.0.1
Quarterly financial information (unaudited)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Quarterly financial information (unaudited)
The following tables contain selected unaudited statement of operations information for each quarter of the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The tables include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that is necessary for fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and operating results for the quarters presented. Our business is affected by seasonality, which historically has resulted in higher sales volume during our second and third quarter.



Unaudited quarterly results for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31 (1)
Net sales
$
2,158.0

 
$
2,372.6

 
$
2,130.7

 
$
1,971.2

Operating income
107.9

 
117.4

 
99.6

 
62.5

Net income
65.4

 
56.1

 
49.6

 
1.2

Income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted (2)
$
0.46

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.01

Shares used in computation of income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
140.9

 
141.1

 
141.2

 
141.4

Diluted
142.0

 
142.0

 
142.3

 
142.2

(1)
Included in the fourth quarter of 2018 was a loss of $34.2 million relating to the annual mark to market adjustment on the defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for further information.
(2)
As a result of changes in the number of shares outstanding during the year and rounding, the sum of the quarters’ earnings per share may not equal the earnings per share for any year-to-date period.
Unaudited quarterly results for the year ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31 (1)
Net sales
$
1,998.8

 
$
2,247.0

 
$
2,048.7

 
$
1,959.2

Operating income
67.5

 
83.7

 
88.2

 
98.6

Net income
22.6

 
31.3

 
38.9

 
27.0

Income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
$
0.16

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.19

Shares used in computation of income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
139.4

 
140.1

 
140.4

 
140.7

Diluted
140.8

 
141.3

 
141.4

 
141.8

(1)
Included in the fourth quarter of 2017 was a loss of $3.8 million relating to the annual mark to market adjustment on the defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for further information.
v3.10.0.1
Subsequent events
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events
Nexeo Solutions
On September 17, 2018, the Company entered into a Business Combination Agreement to merge with Nexeo Solutions, Inc. in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $2.0 billion, including assumption of Nexeo’s debt and other obligations, or $11.65 per share. The merger agreement provides for each share of Nexeo stock issued and outstanding to be converted into 0.305 shares of Univar common stock and $3.29 in cash, subject to adjustment at closing. The combined Company is expected to accelerate transformation and growth with the largest North American sales force in chemical and ingredients distribution, the broadest product offering, and the most efficient supply chain network in the industry.
On October 16, 2018, the Company filed its notification form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”).
On November 5, 2018, the Company filed the initial Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, related to the Nexeo Acquisition. On January 9, 2019, the Company filed Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement which referenced an updated valuation of the stock portion of the merger consideration based on the $19.15 closing price of Univar common stock on January 7, 2019, valued at approximately $1.7 billion in the aggregate. The per share value of Nexeo common stock implied by the merger consideration is $8.72, representing cash consideration of $2.88 and stock consideration with an implied value of $5.84. This Registration Statement became effective on January 29, 2019.
The Nexeo Acquisition was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, and is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2019, subject to the approval of Univar's shareholders, as well as satisfaction of other customary conditions. On January 29, 2019, Nexeo’s key stockholders, TPG Global and First Pacific, provided consent for the proposed transaction, and as of February 19, 2019, all requisite regulatory approvals and clearances of the proposed transaction had been obtained.
Univar intends to finance the cash portion of the transaction and refinance Nexeo’s existing debt with a combination of available cash and debt financing, for which it has received commitments. Univar entered into a commitment letter, dated as of September 17, 2018, with Goldman Sachs Bank USA, pursuant to which Goldman committed to provide $1.3 billion of incremental term loans.
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both Nexeo and Univar. If Nexeo or Univar terminates the Merger Agreement, Nexeo may be obligated to pay Univar, or Univar may be obligated to pay Nexeo, a termination fee of $35.0 million. Furthermore, if the Univar board changes its recommendation in certain circumstances specified in the Merger Agreement in response to an unsolicited proposal for an alternative transaction or following an intervening event, Univar may be obligated to pay Nexeo a termination fee of $128.0 million.
On February 8, 2019, Univar and Nexeo announced an agreement for Nexeo to divest its plastics distribution business to an affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC for an enterprise value of $640.0 million, subject to customary closing adjustments.
v3.10.0.1
Significant accounting policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of presentation
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Unless otherwise indicated, all financial data presented in these consolidated financial statements are expressed in US dollars.
Basis of consolidation
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are consolidated if the Company has a controlling financial interest, which may exist based on ownership of a majority of the voting interest, or based on the Company’s determination that it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company did not have any material interests in VIEs during the years presented in these consolidated financial statements. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements and Accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted
Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and Hedging” (Topic 815) - “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The ASU better aligns hedge accounting with the Company’s risk management activities, simplifies the application of hedge accounting, and improves transparency as to the scope and results of hedging programs. The Company early adopted the new pronouncement effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new pronouncement as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
The cumulative effect of the changes made to the January 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) and ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and Hedging” (Topic 815) - “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” is as follows:
(in millions)
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09
 
Adjustments due to ASU 2017-12
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,062.4

 
$
41.3

 
$

 
$
1,103.7

Inventories
 
839.5

 
(2.1
)
 

 
837.4

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
149.6

 
1.8

 

 
151.4

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
941.7

 
$
7.0

 
$

 
$
948.7

Other accrued expenses
 
301.6

 
33.2

 

 
334.8

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
 
$
(934.1
)
 
$
0.8

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(933.8
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(278.5
)
 

 
0.5

 
(278.0
)
The following tables summarize the impact of adopting the new revenue standard upon the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018:
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
As reported
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Net sales
 
$
8,632.5

 
$
8,626.4

 
$
6.1

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
 
6,732.4

 
6,726.7

 
5.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
$
49.9

 
$
49.8

 
$
0.1

Net income
 
172.3

 
172.0

 
0.3

 
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
As reported
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,094.7

 
$
1,047.8

 
$
46.9

Inventories
 
803.3

 
814.4

 
(11.1
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
169.1

 
163.9

 
5.2

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
925.4

 
$
919.2

 
$
6.2

Other accrued expenses
 
285.8

 
252.1

 
33.7

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
 
$
(761.5
)
 
$
(762.6
)
 
$
1.1


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 “Compensation - Retirement Benefits” (Topic 715) - “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amendments to ASC Topic 715 that improves the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, by separating the presentation of service costs from other components of net periodic costs. The interest cost, expected return on assets, and amortization of prior service costs have been reclassified from warehousing, selling, and administrative expenses to other expense, net. The mark to market, curtailment, and settlement expenses have been reclassified from other operating expenses, net to other expense, net.
Adoption of ASU 2017-07 resulted in a retrospective presentation change to the net periodic cost for the defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits (“OPEB”) plans within the consolidated income statement as follows:
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
 
As revised
 
Previously reported
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Warehousing, selling and administrative
 
$
919.7

 
$
909.8

 
$
9.9

Other operating expenses, net
 
55.4

 
49.5

 
5.9

Other expense, net
 
(17.4
)
 
(33.2
)
 
(15.8
)

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows” (Topic 230) - “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The ASU clarifies and provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues that were not addressed within the previous guidance. The Company adopted the ASU as of January 1, 2018 and accordingly restated the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 to conform with the current period presentation under this new guidance. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified $3.7 million of cash outflows previously reported as operating activities to financing activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows related to contingent consideration payments for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The Company also adopted the following standards during 2018, none of which had a material impact to the financial statements or financial statement disclosures:
Standard
 
Effective date
2018-07
Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
July 1, 2018
2017-09
Compensation - Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting
January 1, 2018
2017-04
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
January 1, 2018
2017-01
Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business
January 1, 2018
2016-18
Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash
January 1, 2018
2016-16
Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
January 1, 2018
2016-01
Financial Instrument - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
January 1, 2018

Accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases” (Topic 842), which supersedes the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, “Leases.” The core principal of the guidance is that an entity should recognize assets and liabilities arising from a lease for both financing and operating leases, along with additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within such fiscal years. The guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition method with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. The Company has established a project team to evaluate and implement the standard. The project team is in the final stages of implementing the standard to meet the ASU’s reporting and disclosure requirements.
Upon the January 1, 2019 adoption of this standard, the consolidated balance sheet will include a right of use asset and liability related to certain operating lease arrangements. The Company has elected to apply the transition requirements at the January 1, 2019, effective date rather than at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. This approach allows for a cumulative effect adjustment in the period of adoption, and prior periods will not be restated. The Company will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carryforward the historical lease classification. The Company will make an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet. The Company will recognize those lease payments in the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company estimates the impact of the additional lease assets and liabilities to range from $140 million to $190 million.
In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02 “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income” (Topic 220)  “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“AOCI”), which gives entities the option to reclassify certain tax effects, that the FASB refers to as having been stranded, resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to retained earnings. The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized, or in the period of adoption. The Company must adopt this guidance for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company expects to record an adjustment to the accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss financial statement line items in the range of $3.0 million to $4.0 million on the January 1, 2019 adoption of the ASU.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement” (Topic 820) - “Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” The ASU amends the requirements related to fair value disclosures to include new disclosure requirements and eliminates or modifies certain historic disclosures. The ASU amendment was part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project that is designed to increase the effectiveness of companies’ disclosures to the users of the financial statements and footnotes. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within such fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently determining the impact to the Company’s disclosure requirements, which will be reflected in the footnote disclosures subsequent to the ASU adoption on January 1, 2020.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General” (Subtopic 715-20) - “Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” The ASU amends the requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan disclosures to include new disclosure requirements and eliminates or clarifies certain historic disclosures. The ASU amendment was part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project that is designed to increase the effectiveness of companies’ disclosures to the users of the financial statements and footnotes. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently determining the impact to the Company’s disclosure requirements, which will be reflected in the footnote disclosures subsequent to the ASU adoption on January 1, 2021.
The Company has not yet adopted the following standards, none of which is expected to have a material impact to the financial statements or financial statement disclosures:
Standard
 
Expected adoption date
2018-18
Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606
January 1, 2020
2018-17
Consolidation (Topic 810) - Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities
January 1, 2020
2018-16
Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes
January 1, 2019
2018-15
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)
January 1, 2020
2016-13
Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
January 1, 2020

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. Cash at banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.
Trade accounts receivable, net
Trade accounts receivable, net
Trade accounts receivable are stated at the invoiced amount, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
In the normal course of business, the Company provides credit to its customers, performs ongoing credit evaluations of these customers and maintains reserves for potential credit losses. In certain situations, the Company will require up-front cash payment, collateral and/or personal guarantees based on the credit worthiness of the customer.
The allowance for doubtful accounts was $11.2 million and $13.0 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on an individual assessment of collectability based on factors that include current ability to pay, bankruptcy and payment history, as well as a general reserve related to prior experience.
Inventories
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of products purchased for resale and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory cost is determined based on the weighted average cost method. Inventory cost includes purchase price from producers net of rebates received, inbound freight and handling, and direct labor and other costs incurred to blend and repackage product and excludes depreciation expense. The Company recognized $1.9 million, $3.3 million and $6.6 million of lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments to certain of its inventories in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The expense related to these adjustments is included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations.
Producer incentives
Producer incentives
The Company has arrangements with certain producers that provide discounts when certain measures are achieved, generally related to purchasing volume. Volume rebates are generally earned and realized when the related products are purchased during the year. The reduction in cost of goods sold is recorded when the related products, on which the rebate was earned, are sold. As the right to receive discount incentives is contingent on purchases during the entire year, the Company's accounting estimates for producer incentives is dependent on the ability to accurately forecast annual purchases. Discretionary rebates are recorded when received. The unpaid portion of rebates from producers is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for improvements that add functionality and/or extend useful life are capitalized. The Company capitalizes interest costs on significant capital projects, as an increase to property, plant and equipment. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each asset from the time the asset is ready for its intended purpose, with consideration of expected residual values. Depreciation expense is recorded to depreciation within the consolidated statement of operations.
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Buildings
10-50 years
Main components of tank farms
5-40 years
Containers
2-15 years
Machinery and equipment
5-20 years
Furniture, fixtures and others
5-20 years
Information technology
3-10 years

The Company evaluates the useful life and carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If an asset is tested for possible impairment, the Company compares the carrying amount of the related asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.
Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the term of the applicable lease, including renewable periods if reasonably assured, or the useful life of the improvement.
Assets under capital leases where ownership transfers to the Company at the end of the lease term or the lease agreement contains a bargain purchase option are depreciated over the useful life of the asset. For remaining assets under capital leases, the assets are depreciated over the lesser of the term of the applicable lease, including renewable periods if reasonably assured, or the useful life of the asset with consideration of any expected residual value.
Refer to “Note 12: Property, plant and equipment, net” for further information.
Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations.
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on October 1, or between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level using either a qualitative assessment, commonly referred to as a “step zero” test, or a quantitative assessment, commonly referred to as a “step one” test. For each of the reporting units, the Company has the option to perform either the step zero or the step one test. The Company’s reporting units are identical to the identified four operating segments: USA, Canada, EMEA, and Rest of World.
The Company elected the step one test to evaluate goodwill for impairment for each of the reporting units during 2018 and the step zero test in 2017. The step one goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with the reporting unit’s carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the reporting unit will recognize an impairment for the lesser of either the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit or the reporting unit’s goodwill carrying value.
The step zero goodwill impairment test utilizes qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors include: macroeconomic conditions; legal and regulatory environment; industry and market considerations; overall financial performance and cost factors to determine whether a reporting unit is at risk for goodwill impairment. In the event a reporting unit fails the step zero goodwill impairment test, it is necessary to perform the step one goodwill impairment test.
Intangible assets consist of customer and producer relationships and contracts, intellectual property trademarks, trade names, non-compete agreements and exclusive distribution rights. Intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized over their respective useful lives of 2 to 20 years. Amortization of intangible assets is based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used up; which is based on the undiscounted cash flows, or when not reliably determined, on a straight-line basis. Intangible assets are tested for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. Refer to “Note 14: Impairment charges” for further information.
Customer relationship intangible assets represent the fair value allocated in purchase price accounting for the ongoing relationships with an existing customer base acquired in a business combination. The fair value of customer relationships is determined using the excess earnings methodology, an income based approach. The excess earnings methodology provides an estimate of the fair value of customer relationship assets by deducting economic costs, including operating expenses and contributory asset charges, from revenue expected to be generated by the assets. These estimated cash flows are then discounted to the present value equivalent.
Refer to “Note 13: Goodwill and intangible assets” for further information.
Short-term financing and Long-term debt
Short-term financing
Short-term financing includes bank overdrafts and short-term lines of credit. Refer to “Note 16: Debt” for further information.
Long-term debt
Long-term debt consists of loans with original maturities greater than one year. Fees paid in connection with the execution of line-of-credit arrangements are included in other assets and fees paid in connection with the execution of a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. These fees are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related debt or expiration of the line-of-credit arrangement. Refer to “Note 16: Debt” for further information.
Income taxes
Income taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the US and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment in the forecasting of taxable income using historical and projected future operating results is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable and those deferred.
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The legislation significantly changes US tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Tax Act permanently reduces the US corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The SAB 118 measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information needed to complete the accounting requirements under ASC 740, "Income Taxes", but no later than one year from the enactment date of December 22, 2017. In 2017 and the first nine months of 2018, the Company recorded provisional amounts for certain enactment-date effects of the Act by applying the guidance in SAB 118 because the Company had not yet completed its enactment-date accounting for these effects. At December 31, 2018, the Company has now completed its accounting for all the enactment-date income tax effects of the Act. As further discussed in “Note 7: Income taxes”, during 2018 the Company recognized adjustments of $6.8 million to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017 and included these adjustments as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations.
Effective in 2018, the Company is subject to global intangible low tax income (“GILTI”) which is a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. Due to the complexity of the GILTI tax rules, companies are allowed to make an accounting policy choice of either (1) treating taxes due on future US inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred or (2) factoring such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes. The Company is electing to treat taxes due on future US inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred and, therefore, there is no impact to the deferred tax rate in 2018.
In the event that the actual outcome of future tax consequences differs from the Company’s estimates and assumptions due to changes or future events such as tax legislation, geographic mix of the earnings, completion of tax audits or earnings repatriation plans, the resulting change to the provision for income taxes could have a material effect on the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated balance sheets.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the estimated future effects of tax loss carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the revised tax rate is enacted.
The Company records valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the extent it believes it is more likely than not that a portion of such assets will not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and the ability to carry back losses to prior years. Realization is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of tax attribute carryforwards. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, or if not, a valuation allowance has been recorded. The Company continues to monitor the value of its deferred tax assets, as the amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward periods are reduced, or current tax planning strategies are not implemented.
US GAAP prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the accounting and financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step requires the Company to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The second step requires the Company to recognize in the financial statements each tax position that meets the more likely than not criteria, measured at the amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within interest expense and warehousing, selling and administrative, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within either other accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Refer to “Note 7: Income taxes” for further information.
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
The Company sponsors several defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The Company’s contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to income during the period of the employee’s service.
The benefit obligation and cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits are calculated based on actuarial valuations, which involves making assumptions about discount rates, expected rates of return on assets, future salary increases, future health care costs, mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject to significant uncertainty.
The projected benefit obligation is calculated separately for each plan based on the estimated future benefit employees have earned in return for their service based on the employee’s expected date of retirement. Those benefits are discounted to determine the present value of the benefit obligations using the projected unit-credit method. A liability is recognized on the balance sheet for each plan to the extent the projected benefit obligation is in excess of the fair value of plan assets. An asset is recorded for each plan to the extent the fair value of plan assets is in excess of the projected benefit obligation.
The Company recognizes actuarial gains or losses, known as “mark to market” adjustments, at each December 31. The mark to market adjustments primarily include gains and losses resulting from changes in discount rates and the difference between the expected rate of return on plan assets and actual plan asset returns. Curtailment losses must be recognized in the statement of operations when it is probable that a curtailment will occur and its effects are reasonably estimable. However, a curtailment gain is recognized in the statement of operations when the related employees terminate or the plan suspension or amendment is adopted, whichever is applicable. Settlement gains and losses are recognized in the period in which the settlement occurs, regardless of how probable it is at an earlier date that the settlement will occur and despite the fact that the probable gain or loss may be reasonably estimable before the settlement actually takes place. The Company recognizes prior service costs or credits in other comprehensive loss during the period of occurrence, and subsequently amortizes these items over the remaining service period as components of net periodic benefit cost within other expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
Service costs are recognized within warehousing, selling, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. All other components of net periodic benefit cost are classified as other expense, net.
The fair value of plan assets is used to calculate the expected return on assets component of the net periodic benefit cost.
Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for further information.
Leases
Leases
All leases that are determined not to meet any of the capital lease criteria are classified as operating leases. Operating lease costs are recognized as an expense in the statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company leases certain vehicles and equipment that qualify for capital lease classification. Assets under capital leases are carried at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation and are included in property, plant and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Depreciation expense related to the capital lease assets is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to “Note 12: Property, plant and equipment, net” for further information.
The present value of minimum lease payments under a capital lease is included in current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. The capital lease obligation is accreted utilizing the effective interest method and interest expense related to the capital lease obligation is included in interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to “Note 20: Commitments and contingencies” for further information.
Contingencies
Contingencies
A loss contingency is recorded if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of the ultimate loss. Changes in these factors and related estimates could materially affect the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Legal expenses are recorded as legal services are provided. Refer to “Note 20: Commitments and contingencies” for further information.
Environmental liabilities
Environmental liabilities
Environmental contingencies are recognized for probable and reasonably estimable losses associated with environmental remediation. Incremental direct costs of the investigation, remediation effort and post-remediation monitoring are included in the estimated environmental contingencies. Expected cash outflows related to environmental remediation for the next 12 months and amounts for which the timing is uncertain are reported as current within other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portion of environmental liabilities is reported within other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets on an undiscounted basis, except for sites for which the amount and timing of future cash payments are fixed or reliably determinable. Environmental remediation expenses are included within warehousing, selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, unless associated with disposed operations, in which case such expenses are included in other operating expenses, net.
Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the property, increase its capacity and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations.
Refer to “Note 20: Commitments and contingencies” for further information.
Revenue recognition
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when goods are transferred to a customer or as services are provided to a customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services to customers. Net sales includes product sales, billings for freight and handling charges and fees earned for services provided, net of discounts, expected returns, customer rebates, variable consideration and sales or other revenue-based taxes. The Company recognizes product sales and billings for freight and handling charges when products are considered delivered to the customer under the terms of the sale.
Refer to “Note 3: Revenue” for further information.
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries is the local currency, unless the primary economic environment requires the use of another currency. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the functional currency of each subsidiary at the rate of exchange on the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured into the functional currency of each subsidiary at period-end exchange rates. These foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in other (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Foreign currency gains and losses relating to intercompany borrowings that are considered a part of the Company’s investment in a foreign subsidiary are reflected as a component of currency translation within accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. The following table provides information pertaining to total foreign currency gains or losses related to such intercompany borrowings:
(in millions)
 
Foreign Currency Gains / (Losses)
Year ended December 31, 2018
 
$

Year ended December 31, 2017
 
4.8

Year ended December 31, 2016
 
(34.8
)

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into US dollars at period-end exchange rates. Income and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into US dollars at the average exchange rates for the period. The net exchange gains and losses arising on this translation are reflected as a component of currency translation within accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Refer to “Note 11: Accumulated other comprehensive loss” for further information.
Stock-based compensation plans
Stock-based compensation plans
The Company measures the total amount of employee stock-based compensation expense for a grant based on the grant date fair value of each award and recognizes the stock-based compensation expense for each separately vesting tranche of an award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation is based on unvested outstanding awards. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures when realized. Stock-based compensation expense is classified within other operating expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Refer to “Note 10: Stock-based compensation” for further information.
Share repurchases
Share repurchases
The Company does not hold any treasury shares, as all shares of common stock are retired upon repurchase. Furthermore, when share repurchases occur and the common stock is retired, the excess of the repurchase price over par is allocated between additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficit such that the portion allocated to additional paid-in-capital is limited to the additional paid-in-capital created from that particular share issuance (i.e. the book value of those shares) plus any resulting leftover additional paid-in-capital from previous share repurchases in instances where the repurchase price was lower than the original issuance price.
Fair value
Fair value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. US GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair-value hierarchy:
 
Level 1
Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
 
 
 
Level 2
Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuation in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
 
 
 
 
Level 3
Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine fair value and classifies such items as Level 1. In cases where a market price is not available, the Company will make use of observable market-based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the items are classified as Level 2. If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based on internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market information. Items valued using internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input that is significant to the valuation, and may be classified as Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable. Refer to “Note 17: Fair value measurements” for further information.
Certain financial instruments, such as derivative financial instruments, are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Other financial instruments, such as the Company’s own debt, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company elected to not make an irrevocable election to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.
Derivatives
Derivatives
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as foreign currency contracts, interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, to manage its risks associated with foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Derivative financial instruments are recorded in either prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, other accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of forward currency contracts is calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined by estimating the net present value of amounts to be paid under the agreement offset by the net present value of the expected cash inflows based on market rates and associated yield curves. For derivative contracts with the same counterparty where the Company has a master netting arrangement with the counterparty, the fair value of the asset/liability is presented on a net basis within the consolidated balance sheets. Refer to “Note 17: Fair value measurements” for additional information relating to the gross and net balances of derivative contracts. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Cash flows associated with derivative financial instruments are recognized in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, derivatives are classified as either fair value hedges, where the instrument hedges the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability; or cash flow hedges, where the instrument hedges the exposure to variability in cash flows that are either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction. Gains and losses on derivatives that meet the conditions for fair value hedge accounting are recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of operations, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the related hedged item. For derivatives that meet the conditions for cash flow hedge accounting, the effective and ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations in the same period in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. For both fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, the gains and losses related to the derivative instruments are recognized within the same financial statement line item within the consolidated statement of operations as the gains and losses associated with the hedged items.
For derivative instruments designated as hedges, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship to the hedged item and its risk management strategy. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its hedging instruments at inception and on an ongoing basis. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument is sold, expired, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting.
Refer to “Note 18: Derivatives” for further information.
Earnings per share
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, which excludes non-vested restricted stock units, non-vested restricted stock and stock options. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during each period. The Company reflects common share equivalents relating to stock options, non-vested restricted stock and non-vested restricted stock units in its computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, unless the effect of inclusion is anti-dilutive. The effect of dilutive securities is calculated using the treasury stock method.
The Company has issued certain restricted stock awards, which are unvested stock-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. These restricted shares are considered participating securities. Accordingly, the Company calculates net income applicable to common stock using the two-class method, whereby net income is allocated between common stock and participating securities.
Refer to “Note 8: Earnings per share” for further information.
v3.10.0.1
Significant accounting policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Intercompany Foreign Currency Balances
The following table provides information pertaining to total foreign currency gains or losses related to such intercompany borrowings:
(in millions)
 
Foreign Currency Gains / (Losses)
Year ended December 31, 2018
 
$

Year ended December 31, 2017
 
4.8

Year ended December 31, 2016
 
(34.8
)
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles
The cumulative effect of the changes made to the January 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) and ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and Hedging” (Topic 815) - “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” is as follows:
(in millions)
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09
 
Adjustments due to ASU 2017-12
 
Balance at January 1, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,062.4

 
$
41.3

 
$

 
$
1,103.7

Inventories
 
839.5

 
(2.1
)
 

 
837.4

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
149.6

 
1.8

 

 
151.4

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
941.7

 
$
7.0

 
$

 
$
948.7

Other accrued expenses
 
301.6

 
33.2

 

 
334.8

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
 
$
(934.1
)
 
$
0.8

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(933.8
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(278.5
)
 

 
0.5

 
(278.0
)
The following tables summarize the impact of adopting the new revenue standard upon the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018:
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
As reported
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Net sales
 
$
8,632.5

 
$
8,626.4

 
$
6.1

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
 
6,732.4

 
6,726.7

 
5.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
$
49.9

 
$
49.8

 
$
0.1

Net income
 
172.3

 
172.0

 
0.3

 
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
 
As reported
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
$
1,094.7

 
$
1,047.8

 
$
46.9

Inventories
 
803.3

 
814.4

 
(11.1
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
169.1

 
163.9

 
5.2

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
925.4

 
$
919.2

 
$
6.2

Other accrued expenses
 
285.8

 
252.1

 
33.7

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
 
$
(761.5
)
 
$
(762.6
)
 
$
1.1

The Company also adopted the following standards during 2018, none of which had a material impact to the financial statements or financial statement disclosures:
Standard
 
Effective date
2018-07
Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting
July 1, 2018
2017-09
Compensation - Stock Compensation - Scope of Modification Accounting
January 1, 2018
2017-04
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
January 1, 2018
2017-01
Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business
January 1, 2018
2016-18
Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash
January 1, 2018
2016-16
Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
January 1, 2018
2016-01
Financial Instrument - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
January 1, 2018
Adoption of ASU 2017-07 resulted in a retrospective presentation change to the net periodic cost for the defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits (“OPEB”) plans within the consolidated income statement as follows:
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
 
As revised
 
Previously reported
 
Effect of change higher/(lower)
Warehousing, selling and administrative
 
$
919.7

 
$
909.8

 
$
9.9

Other operating expenses, net
 
55.4

 
49.5

 
5.9

Other expense, net
 
(17.4
)
 
(33.2
)
 
(15.8
)
The Company has not yet adopted the following standards, none of which is expected to have a material impact to the financial statements or financial statement disclosures:
Standard
 
Expected adoption date
2018-18
Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606
January 1, 2020
2018-17
Consolidation (Topic 810) - Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities
January 1, 2020
2018-16
Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes
January 1, 2019
2018-15
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)
January 1, 2020
2016-13
Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
January 1, 2020
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Buildings
10-50 years
Main components of tank farms
5-40 years
Containers
2-15 years
Machinery and equipment
5-20 years
Furniture, fixtures and others
5-20 years
Information technology
3-10 years
v3.10.0.1
Revenue (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table disaggregates external customer net sales by major stream:
(in millions)
 
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Consolidated
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Chemical Distribution
 
$
4,775.2

 
$
877.6

 
$
1,974.4

 
$
383.8

 
$
8,011.0

Crop Sciences
 

 
381.6

 

 

 
381.6

Services
 
185.8

 
43.1

 
1.3

 
9.7

 
239.9

Total external customer net sales
 
$
4,961.0

 
$
1,302.3

 
$
1,975.7

 
$
393.5

 
$
8,632.5

Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability
The following table provides information pertaining to the deferred revenue balance and account activity:
(in millions)
 
 
Deferred revenue as of January 1, 2018
 
$
100.9

Deferred revenue as of December 31, 2018
 
45.6

Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period
 
100.3

v3.10.0.1
Other operating expenses, net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Operating Expenses, Net
Other operating expenses, net consisted of the following items:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Stock-based compensation expense
$
20.7

 
$
19.7

 
$
10.4

Business transformation costs

 
23.4

 
5.4

Restructuring charges
4.8

 
5.5

 
6.5

Other employee termination costs
16.4

 
8.1

 
1.5

Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets
2.0

 
(11.3
)
 
(0.7
)
Acquisition and integration related expenses
22.0

 
3.1

 
5.5

Other
7.6

 
6.9

 
8.6

Total other operating expenses, net
$
73.5

 
$
55.4

 
$
37.2

v3.10.0.1
Restructuring charges (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities
The following tables summarize activity related to accrued liabilities associated with redundancy and restructuring:
(in millions)
January 1,
2018
 
Charge to
earnings
 
Cash paid
 
Non-cash
and other
 
December 31, 2018
Employee termination costs
$
3.0

 
$
5.3

 
$
(3.4
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
4.2

Facility exit costs
10.2

 
(0.7
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
5.0

Other exit costs
(0.5
)
 
0.2

 
(0.1
)
 
0.6

 
0.2

Total
$
12.7

 
$
4.8

 
$
(7.9
)
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
9.4

 
(in millions)
January 1,
2017
 
Charge to
earnings
 
Cash paid
 
Non-cash
and other
 
December 31, 2017
Employee termination costs
$
6.9

 
$
2.9

 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
3.0

Facility exit costs
13.2

 
2.8

 
(5.5
)
 
(0.3
)
 
10.2

Other exit costs

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.5
)
Total
$
20.1

 
$
5.5

 
$
(13.0
)
 
$
0.1

 
$
12.7

v3.10.0.1
Other expense, net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net consisted of the following (losses) gains:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Pension mark to market loss (1)(2)
$
(34.2
)
 
$
(3.8
)
 
$
(68.6
)
Pension curtailment and settlement gains (1)

 
9.7

 
1.3

Non-operating retirement benefits (1)
11.0

 
9.9

 
15.3

Foreign currency transactions
(6.7
)
 
(4.6
)
 
(0.6
)
Foreign currency denominated loans revaluation
(0.8
)
 
(17.9
)
 
(13.7
)
Undesignated foreign currency derivative instruments (3)
1.1

 
0.3

 
(1.8
)
Undesignated interest rate swap contracts (3)

 
(2.2
)
 
10.1

Debt refinancing costs (4)

 
(5.3
)
 

Other
(3.1
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(0.1
)
Total other expense, net
$
(32.7
)
 
$
(17.4
)
 
$
(58.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for more information.
(2)
Includes mark to market loss related to defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan.
(3)
Refer to “Note 18: Derivatives” for more information.
(4)
Refer to “Note 16: Debt” for more information.
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
For financial reporting purposes, income (loss) before income taxes includes the following components:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
36.6

 
$
1.5

 
$
(131.3
)
Foreign
185.6

 
167.3

 
51.7

Total income (loss) before income taxes
$
222.2

 
$
168.8

 
$
(79.6
)
Summary of Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The expense (benefit) for income taxes is summarized as follows:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
13.8

 
$
6.8

 
$
(0.1
)
State
2.1

 
2.0

 
0.1

Foreign
31.2

 
28.5

 
20.4

Total current
$
47.1

 
$
37.3

 
$
20.4

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
6.5

 
$
26.5

 
$
(15.1
)
State
(0.5
)
 

 
(3.0
)
Foreign
(3.2
)
 
(14.8
)
 
(13.5
)
Total deferred
$
2.8

 
$
11.7

 
$
(31.6
)
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
49.9

 
$
49.0

 
$
(11.2
)
Reconciliation Between Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate
The reconciliation between the US statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate is presented as follows:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
US federal statutory income tax expense (benefit) applied to income (loss) before income taxes
$
46.7

 
$
59.1

 
$
(27.8
)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
1.1

 
1.4

 
(2.9
)
Foreign tax rate differential
8.1

 
(18.0
)
 
(5.8
)
Non-taxable interest income
(0.7
)
 
(11.4
)
 
(10.8
)
Valuation allowance, net
(11.6
)
 
(18.1
)
 
(24.7
)
Expiration of tax attributes

 
0.1

 
4.4

Foreign losses not benefited

 
0.7

 
8.0

Effect of flow-through entities
(0.6
)
 
8.9

 
(9.0
)
Net stock-based compensation

 
(3.7
)
 
1.7

Non-deductible expense
4.8

 
3.5

 
3.4

Unrecognized tax benefits
(2.7
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.4
)
Change in statutory income tax rates

 
(17.5
)
 
2.7

Deemed dividends from foreign subsidiaries
9.0

 
17.6

 
1.4

Global intangible low-taxed income
19.9

 

 

Non-deductible interest expense

 
0.1

 
2.6

Revaluation due to Section 987 tax law change

 

 
45.0

Section 965 repatriation tax
13.0

 
76.5

 

Foreign tax credit
(38.3
)
 
(47.6
)
 

Other
1.2

 
(0.9
)
 
2.0

Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
49.9

 
$
49.0

 
$
(11.2
)
Consolidated Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities are detailed as follows:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
$
49.4

 
$
68.6

Environmental reserves
22.9

 
25.3

Interest
25.9

 
35.7

Tax credit and capital loss carryforwards
57.8

 
37.2

Pension
66.3

 
68.2

Flow-through entities
2.7

 
2.5

Compensation
12.2

 
13.7

Inventory
4.5

 
4.2

Property, plant and equipment, net
4.8

 
3.3

Other temporary differences
17.0

 
15.1

Gross deferred tax assets
$
263.5

 
$
273.8

Valuation allowance
(106.3
)
 
(117.2
)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
$
157.2

 
$
156.6

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
(102.3
)
 
$
(98.7
)
Intangible assets
(63.6
)
 
(64.6
)
Other temporary differences
(9.4
)
 
(5.9
)
Deferred tax liabilities
$
(175.3
)
 
$
(169.2
)
Net deferred tax liability
$
(18.1
)
 
$
(12.6
)
Schedule of Changes in Valuation Allowance
The changes in the valuation allowance were as follows:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
$
117.2

 
$
167.9

Change related to current net operating losses generated

 
0.7

Change related to current utilization of net operating loss carryforwards
(3.7
)
 
(12.3
)
Change related to future utilization of net operating loss carryforwards
(17.4
)
 
(17.8
)
Change related to generation/expiration of tax attributes
21.3

 
29.9

Change related to foreign currency
(1.3
)
 
7.1

Change related to utilization of deferred interest expense
(9.7
)
 
(26.3
)
Change related to tax rate change
0.1

 
(31.6
)
Change related to other items
(0.2
)
 
(0.4
)
Ending balance
$
106.3

 
$
117.2

Schedule of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Included in Other Long-Term Liabilities, Excluding Interest and Penalties
The changes in unrecognized tax benefits included in other long-term liabilities, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows:
 
Year ended
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance
$
3.1

 
$
4.3

Increase for tax positions of prior years

 

Reductions due to the statute of limitations expiration
(2.7
)
 
(1.5
)
Foreign exchange

 
0.3

Ending balance
$
0.4

 
$
3.1

v3.10.0.1
Earnings per share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations
The following table presents the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
172.3

 
$
119.8

 
$
(68.4
)
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities
0.3

 
0.2

 

Earnings allocated to common shares outstanding
$
172.0

 
$
119.6

 
$
(68.4
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
141.2

 
140.2

 
137.8

Basic income (loss) per common share
$
1.22

 
$
0.85

 
$
(0.50
)
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
172.3

 
$
119.8

 
$
(68.4
)
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities

 

 

Earnings allocated to common shares outstanding
$
172.3

 
$
119.8

 
$
(68.4
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
141.2

 
140.2

 
137.8

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Stock compensation plans (1)
1.0

 
1.2

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
142.2

 
141.4

 
137.8

Diluted income (loss) per common share (2)
$
1.21

 
$
0.85

 
$
(0.50
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Stock options to purchase approximately 1.6 million, 0.8 million, and 3.3 million shares of common stock were outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, but were not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share as the impact of these stock options would have been anti-dilutive.
(2)
As a result of changes in the number of shares outstanding during the year and rounding, the sum of the quarters’ earnings per share may not equal the earnings per share for any year-to-date period.
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Summary of Defined Benefit Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
The following table summarizes defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
625.7

 
$
721.9

 
$
187.7

 
$
211.4

 
$
813.4

 
$
933.3

Fair value of plan assets
428.6

 
532.3

 
147.7

 
169.3

 
576.3

 
701.6

Summary of Defined Benefit Pension Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
The following table summarizes defined benefit pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Projected benefit obligation
$
625.7

 
$
721.9

 
$
209.1

 
$
240.3

 
$
834.8

 
$
962.2

Fair value of plan assets
428.6

 
532.3

 
147.7

 
169.3

 
576.3

 
701.6

Summary of Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The following table summarizes the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2018 that are expected to be amortized as components of net periodic benefit cost (income) during the next fiscal year related to pension amendments:
(in millions)
Defined benefit pension plans
Prior service cost
$
(0.1
)
Schedule of Weighted Average Actuarial Assumptions and Valuation Methodologies Used in Defined Benefit Plans
The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company’s defined benefit plans are as follows:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.47
%
 
3.87
%
 
2.92
%
 
2.61
%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase
N/A

 
N/A

 
2.85
%
 
2.87
%
 
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) for the period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.87
%
 
4.39
%
 
4.74
%
 
2.61
%
 
2.84
%
 
3.65
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets
6.75
%
 
7.00
%
 
7.50
%
 
4.43
%
 
5.01
%
 
6.18
%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
2.87
%
 
2.87
%
 
2.86
%
Plan asset valuation methodologies are described below:
Fair value methodology
Description
Cash
This represents cash at banks. The amount of cash in the bank account represents the fair value.
 
 
Investment funds
Values are based on the net asset value of the units held at year end. The net asset values are based on the fair value of the underlying assets of the funds, minus their liabilities, and then divided by the number of units outstanding at the valuation date. The funds are traded on private markets that are not active; however, the unit price is based primarily on observable market data of the fund’s underlying assets.
 
 
Insurance contracts
The fair value is based on the present value of the accrued benefit.
Summary of Allocation of Plan Assets
The weighted average target asset allocation for defined benefit pension plans in the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
Asset category:
 
 
 
Equity securities
50.0
%
 
28.2
%
Debt securities
45.0
%
 
66.1
%
Other
5.0
%
 
5.7
%
Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Schedule of Benefit Payments
The following table shows benefit payments that are projected to be paid from plan assets in each of the next five years and in aggregate for five years thereafter:
 
Defined benefit pension plans
 
Other
postretirement
benefits
(in millions)
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
2019
$
33.9

 
$
16.2

 
$
50.1

 
$
0.5

2020
35.0

 
16.4

 
51.4

 
0.1

2021
35.9

 
17.3

 
53.2

 
0.1

2022
36.8

 
19.4

 
56.2

 
0.1

2023
37.8

 
19.7

 
57.5

 
0.1

2024 through 2028
198.9

 
112.3

 
311.2

 
0.3

Schedule of Company's Participation in Multi Employer Plans
There are no minimum contributions required for future periods by the collective-bargaining agreements, statutory obligations or other contractual obligations.

Pension fund
EIN/Pension
plan number
 
PPA zone status
 
FIP/RP
status
pending/
implemented
 
Contributions (1)
 
Surcharge
imposed
 
Expiration
dates of
collective
bargaining
agreement(s)
Year ended
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan
91-6145047/001
 
Green
 
Green
 
No
 
$
1.5

 
$
1.5

 
$
1.7

 
No
 
January 31, 2019 to
September 30, 2021
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan
36-6044243/001
 
Red as of January 1, 2017
 
Red as of
January 1,
2016
 
Implemented
 
1.0

 
1.1

 
1.1

 
No
 
March 31, 2019
to
November 30, 2022
New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund
04-6372430/001
 
Red as of October 1, 2016
 
Red as of
October 1,
2016
 
Implemented
 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
No
 
June 30, 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
contributions:
 
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The plan contributions by the Company did not represent more than five percent of total contributions to the plans as indicated in the plans’ most recently available annual report.
Pension Plan  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Summary of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status
The following summarizes the Company’s defined benefit pension plans’ projected benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
Year ended
December 31,
 
Year ended
December 31,
 
Year ended
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Change in projected benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year
$
721.9

 
$
719.7

 
$
612.0

 
$
555.5

 
$
1,333.9

 
$
1,275.2

Service cost

 

 
2.7

 
2.5

 
2.7

 
2.5

Interest cost
27.3

 
30.8

 
15.4

 
16.2

 
42.7

 
47.0

Benefits paid
(37.5
)
 
(34.2
)
 
(26.7
)
 
(27.9
)
 
(64.2
)
 
(62.1
)
Plan amendments

 

 
2.5

 
2.7

 
2.5

 
2.7

Settlement
(38.5
)
 
(44.3
)
 

 

 
(38.5
)
 
(44.3
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
(47.5
)
 
49.9

 
(33.6
)
 
13.3

 
(81.1
)
 
63.2

Foreign exchange and other

 

 
(34.8
)
 
49.7

 
(34.8
)
 
49.7

Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year
$
625.7

 
$
721.9

 
$
537.5

 
$
612.0

 
$
1,163.2

 
$
1,333.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in the fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan assets at beginning of year
$
532.3

 
$
509.1

 
$
574.9

 
$
494.3

 
$
1,107.2

 
$
1,003.4

Actual (loss) return on plan assets
(39.9
)
 
80.0

 
(19.7
)
 
37.4

 
(59.6
)
 
117.4

Contributions by employer
12.2

 
12.1

 
26.5

 
26.1

 
38.7

 
38.2

Benefits paid
(37.5
)
 
(34.2
)
 
(26.7
)
 
(27.9
)
 
(64.2
)
 
(62.1
)
Settlement
(38.5
)
 
(34.7
)
 

 
(1.3
)
 
(38.5
)
 
(36.0
)
Foreign exchange and other

 

 
(32.8
)
 
46.3

 
(32.8
)
 
46.3

Plan assets at end of year
$
428.6

 
$
532.3

 
$
522.2

 
$
574.9

 
$
950.8

 
$
1,107.2

Funded status at end of year
$
(197.1
)
 
$
(189.6
)
 
$
(15.3
)
 
$
(37.1
)
 
$
(212.4
)
 
$
(226.7
)
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Amount Recognized in Balance Sheet
Net amounts related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Overfunded net benefit obligation in other assets
$

 
$

 
$
46.1

 
$
33.9

 
$
46.1

 
$
33.9

Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses
(3.5
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(5.6
)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities
(193.6
)
 
(186.1
)
 
(59.4
)
 
(68.9
)
 
(253.0
)
 
(255.0
)
Net liability recognized at end of year
$
(197.1
)
 
$
(189.6
)
 
$
(15.3
)
 
$
(37.1
)
 
$
(212.4
)
 
$
(226.7
)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost Recognized Related to Benefit Pension Plans
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to defined benefit pension plans:
 
Domestic
 
Foreign
 
Total
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost (1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.5

Interest cost (2)
27.3

 
30.8

 
32.0

 
15.4

 
16.2

 
18.3

 
42.7

 
47.0

 
50.3

Expected return on plan assets (2)
(31.3
)
 
(30.9
)
 
(32.5
)
 
(25.1
)
 
(26.0
)
 
(28.7
)
 
(56.4
)
 
(56.9
)
 
(61.2
)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credits) (2)

 

 

 
2.7

 
(0.2
)
 

 
2.7

 
(0.2
)
 

Settlement (3)

 
(9.7
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(9.7
)
 

Curtailment (3)

 

 

 

 

 
(1.3
)
 

 

 
(1.3
)
Actuarial loss (2)
23.7

 
0.8

 
20.3

 
11.2

 
3.2

 
48.5

 
34.9

 
4.0

 
68.8

Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
19.7

 
$
(9.0
)
 
$
19.8

 
$
6.9

 
$
(4.3
)
 
$
39.3

 
$
26.6

 
$
(13.3
)
 
$
59.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Service cost is included in warehouse, selling and administrative expenses.
(2)
These amounts are included in other expense, net.
(3)
In 2017, the settlement gain is related to a lump sum offering accepted by participants in the USA segment. In 2016, the curtailment gain is a result of the restructuring activities in the EMEA segment. Settlement and curtailment gains are included in other expense, net.
Summary of Pre-tax Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The following summarizes pre-tax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2018 related to pension plan amendments: 
(in millions)
Defined benefit pension plans
Net prior service cost
$
(1.2
)
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Summary of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status
The following summarizes the Company’s other postretirement benefit plan’s accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status:
 
Other postretirement
benefits
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligations:
 
 
 
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year
$
2.5

 
$
2.8

Service cost

 

Interest cost

 
0.2

Contributions by participants
0.5

 
0.4

Benefits paid
(0.5
)
 
(0.7
)
Actuarial gain
(0.7
)
 
(0.2
)
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year
$
1.8

 
$
2.5

Change in the fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
Plan assets at beginning of year
$

 
$

Contributions by employer

 
0.3

Contributions by participants
0.5

 
0.4

Benefits paid
(0.5
)
 
(0.7
)
Plan assets at end of year
$

 
$

Funded status at end of year
$
(1.8
)
 
$
(2.5
)
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Amount Recognized in Balance Sheet
Net amounts related to the Company’s other postretirement benefit plan recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
 
Other postretirement
benefits
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses
$
(0.4
)
 
$
(0.4
)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities
(1.4
)
 
(2.1
)
Net liability recognized at end of year
$
(1.8
)
 
$
(2.5
)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost Recognized Related to Benefit Pension Plans
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit income recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to other postretirement benefit plans: 
 
Other postretirement
benefits
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost (1)
$

 
$

 
$

Interest cost (2)

 
0.2

 
0.1

Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits (2)

 

 
(4.5
)
Actuarial gain (2)
(0.7
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Net periodic benefit income
$
(0.7
)
 
$

 
$
(4.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Service cost is included in warehouse, selling and administrative expenses.
(2)
These amounts are included in other expense, net.
Summary of Pre-tax Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit income recognized in the consolidated statements of operations related to other postretirement benefit plans: 
 
Other postretirement
benefits
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost (1)
$

 
$

 
$

Interest cost (2)

 
0.2

 
0.1

Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits (2)

 

 
(4.5
)
Actuarial gain (2)
(0.7
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Net periodic benefit income
$
(0.7
)
 
$

 
$
(4.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Service cost is included in warehouse, selling and administrative expenses.
(2)
These amounts are included in other expense, net.
Domestic  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Summary of Allocation of Plan Assets
The following summarizes the fair value of domestic plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy.
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
Cash
$
2.4

 
$
2.4

 
$

Investments funds (1)
426.2

 

 
426.2

Total
$
428.6

 
$
2.4

 
$
426.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 29.6% in US equities, 19.4% in non-US equities, 46.3% in US corporate bonds and 4.7% in other investments.

 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
Cash
$
2.6

 
$
2.6

 
$

Investments funds (1)
529.7

 

 
529.7

Total
$
532.3

 
$
2.6

 
$
529.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 30.8% in US equities, 19.7% in non-US equities, 44.5% in US corporate bonds and 5.0% in other investments.
Foreign  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Summary of Allocation of Plan Assets
The following summarizes the fair value of foreign plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
December 31, 2018
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Cash
$
9.7

 
$
9.7

 
$

 
$

Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment funds (1)
494.0

 

 
494.0

 

Insurance contracts
18.5

 

 

 
18.5

Total investments
$
512.5

 
$

 
$
494.0

 
$
18.5

Total
$
522.2

 
$
9.7

 
$
494.0

 
$
18.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 8.0% in US equities, 17.5% in non-US equities, 34.2% in non-US corporate bonds, 36.3% in non-US government bonds and 4.0% in other investments.
The following summarizes the fair value of foreign plan assets by asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Cash
$
4.0

 
$
4.0

 
$

 
$

Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment funds (1)
552.7

 

 
552.7

 

Insurance contracts
18.2

 

 

 
18.2

Total investments
$
570.9

 
$

 
$
552.7

 
$
18.2

Total
$
574.9

 
$
4.0

 
$
552.7

 
$
18.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This category includes investments in 11.0% in US equities, 22.0% in non-US equities, 29.2% in non-US corporate bonds, 32.0% in non-US government bonds and 5.8% in other investments.
Summary of Changes in Foreign Plans Assets Valued Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following table presents changes in the foreign plan assets valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
(in millions)
Insurance
contracts
Balance at January 1, 2017
$
15.6

Actual return on plan assets:
 
Related to assets still held at year end
0.1

Purchases, sales and settlements, net
0.3

Foreign exchange
2.2

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
18.2

The following table presents changes in the foreign plan assets valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
(in millions)
Insurance
contracts
Balance at January 1, 2018
$
18.2

Actual return to plan assets:
 
Related to assets still held at year end
0.7

Purchases, sales and settlements, net
0.4

Foreign exchange
(0.8
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
18.5

v3.10.0.1
Stock-based compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Stock Options Activity
The following reflects stock option activity under the Plans:
 
Number of
stock
options
 
Weighted-
average
exercise price
 
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
term (in years)
 
Aggregate
intrinsic value
(in millions)
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
2,608,609

 
$
22.92

 
 
 
 
Granted
899,361

 
26.92

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(282,170
)
 
20.89

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(181,646
)
 
26.77

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
3,044,154

 
$
24.06

 
 
 
 
Exercisable at December 31, 2018
1,796,819

 
$
21.90

 
5.1
 
$
0.4

Expected to vest after December 31, 2018
1,247,335

 
$
27.17

 
8.7
 
$
(11.8
)
 
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity
The following table reflects restricted stock activity under the Plans:
 
Restricted
stock
 
Weighted
average
grant-date
fair value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
52,835

 
$
28.56

Granted
28,863

 
28.50

Vested
(48,966
)
 
28.42

Forfeited
(3,952
)
 
30.37

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
28,780

 
$
28.50

The following table reflects PRSUs activity under the Plans:
 
Number of
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit
 
Weighted-
average
grant-date fair value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
10,500

 
$
30.98

Granted
257,638

 
27.01

Vested

 

Forfeited
(11,570
)
 
26.82

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
256,568

 
$
27.18

The following table reflects RSUs activity under the Plans:
 
Number of
Restricted Stock Unit
 
Weighted-
average
grant-date fair value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
778,419

 
$
21.65

Granted
480,269

 
26.16

Vested
(365,346
)
 
22.67

Forfeited
(92,142
)
 
20.81

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
801,200

 
$
23.98

Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used Under Black Scholes Merton Option Valuation Model
The weighted-average assumptions under the Monte Carlo simulation model were as follows:
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
Risk-free interest rate (1)
1.0
%
Expected dividend yield (2)

Expected volatility (3)
45.0
%
 
 
(1)
The risk-free interest rate is based on the US Treasury yield for a period in years over which performance condition is satisfied.
(2)
The Company currently has no expectation of paying cash dividends on its common stock.
(3)
As the Company does not have sufficient historical volatility data, the expected volatility is based on the average historical data of a peer group of public companies over a period equal to the expected term of the performance-based RSUs.
The weighted-average assumptions used under the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model were as follows:
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Risk-free interest rate (1)
2.7
%
 
2.1
%
 
%
Expected dividend yield (2)

 

 

Expected volatility (3)
23.2
%
 
25.5
%
 
%
Expected term (years) (4)
6.0

 
5.9

 
0.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The risk-free interest rate is based on the US Treasury yield for a term consistent with the expected term of the stock options at the time of grant.
(2)
The Company currently has no expectation of paying cash dividends on its common stock.
(3)
As the Company does not have sufficient historical volatility data, the expected volatility is based on the average historical data of a peer group of public companies over a period equal to the expected term of the stock options.
(4)
As the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data under the Plans, the expected term is based on the average of the vesting period of each tranche and the original contract term of 10 years.
Summary of Additional Stock Based Compensation Information
The following table provides additional stock-based compensation information:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
$
2.4

 
$
16.7

 
$
4.0

Fair value of restricted stock, RSUs and PRSUs vested
11.8

 
22.8

 
2.7

v3.10.0.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Net of Tax
The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax.
(in millions)

Cash flow
hedges
 
Defined
benefit
pension items
 
Currency
translation
items
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$

 
$
1.2

 
$
(391.1
)
 
$
(389.9
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
4.4

 
(2.2
)
 
107.1

 
109.3

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
2.3

 
(0.2
)
 

 
2.1

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
$
6.7

 
$
(2.4
)
 
$
107.1

 
$
111.4

Balance as of December 31, 2017
$
6.7

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(284.0
)
 
$
(278.5
)
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 (1)
$
0.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.5

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
8.3

 
(2.0
)
 
(97.0
)
 
(90.7
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
(6.6
)
 
2.1

 

 
(4.5
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
$
2.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
(97.0
)
 
$
(94.7
)
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
8.9

 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
(381.0
)
 
$
(373.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income (Loss)
The following is a summary of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss).
(in millions)
Year ended
December 31,
2018 (1)
 
Year ended
December 31,
2017 (1)
 
Location of impact on
statement of operations
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost (credits)
$
2.7

 
$
(0.2
)
 
Other expense, net
Tax benefit
(0.6
)
 

 
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax
$
2.1

 
$
(0.2
)
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
$
(8.1
)
 
$
3.8

 
Interest expense
Tax expense (benefit)
1.5

 
(1.5
)
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax
$
(6.6
)
 
$
2.3

 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(4.5
)
 
$
2.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to net income in the consolidated statement of operations.
v3.10.0.1
Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Land and buildings
$
790.9

 
$
809.6

Tank farms
276.0

 
277.4

Machinery, equipment and other
836.7

 
820.2

Less: Accumulated depreciation
(970.1
)
 
(927.2
)
Subtotal
$
933.5

 
$
980.0

Work in progress
22.3

 
23.0

Property, plant and equipment, net
$
955.8

 
$
1,003.0

Summary of Cost and Accumulated Depreciation Related to Capital Lease Assets
Included within property, plant and equipment, net are assets related to capital leases where the Company is the lessee. The below table summarizes the cost and accumulated depreciation related to these assets:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Capital lease assets, at cost
$
89.4

 
$
86.0

Less: accumulated depreciation
(37.4
)
 
(27.0
)
Capital lease assets, net
$
52.0

 
$
59.0

v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Activity in Goodwill by Segment
The following is a summary of the activity in goodwill by segment.
(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2017
$
1,325.2

 
$
438.4

 
$
1.1

 
$
19.7

 
$
1,784.4

Additions

 

 

 
4.1

 
4.1

Purchase price adjustments

 
0.5

 

 

 
0.5

Foreign exchange

 
29.8

 
0.1

 
(0.5
)
 
29.4

Balance, December 31, 2017
$
1,325.2

 
$
468.7

 
$
1.2

 
$
23.3

 
$
1,818.4

Additions

 

 
7.6

 

 
7.6

Purchase price adjustments

 

 

 
(3.2
)
 
(3.2
)
Other adjustments

 
(2.4
)
 

 

 
(2.4
)
Foreign exchange

 
(36.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(39.7
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
1,325.2

 
$
429.9

 
$
8.3

 
$
17.3

 
$
1,780.7

Schedule of Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets
The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Gross
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
Intangible assets (subject to amortization):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
846.1

 
$
(620.3
)
 
$
225.8

 
$
853.5

 
$
(582.1
)
 
$
271.4

Other
175.1

 
(162.8
)
 
12.3

 
177.8

 
(161.5
)
 
16.3

Total intangible assets
$
1,021.2

 
$
(783.1
)
 
$
238.1

 
$
1,031.3

 
$
(743.6
)
 
$
287.7

Summary of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense
The estimated annual amortization expense in each of the next five years is as follows:
(in millions)
 
2019
$
47.7

2020
43.3

2021
39.1

2022
31.6

2023
26.4

v3.10.0.1
Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Short Term Financing
Short-term financing consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Amounts drawn under credit facilities
$
4.7

 
$
9.1

Bank overdrafts
3.4

 
4.3

Total
$
8.1

 
$
13.4

Schedule of Long Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Senior Term Loan Facilities:
 
 
 
Term B Loan due 2024, variable interest rate of 4.77% and 4.07% at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
$
1,747.8

 
$
2,277.8

Asset Backed Loan (ABL) Facilities:
 
 
 
North American ABL Facility due 2020, variable interest rate of 4.19% and 5.00% at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
134.7

 
155.0

North American ABL Term Loan due 2018, fully paid off at December 31, 2018 and variable interest rate of 4.44% at December 31, 2017

 
16.7

Euro ABL Facility due 2023, variable interest rate of 1.75% at December 31, 2018
58.5

 

Senior Unsecured Notes:
 
 
 
Senior Unsecured Notes due 2023, fixed interest rate of 6.75% at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
399.5

 
399.5

Capital lease obligations
54.8

 
60.9

Total long-term debt before discount
$
2,395.3

 
$
2,909.9

Less: unamortized debt issuance costs and discount on debt
(23.2
)
 
(27.9
)
Total long-term debt
$
2,372.1

 
$
2,882.0

Less: current maturities
(21.7
)
 
(62.0
)
Total long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
2,350.4

 
$
2,820.0

Future Contractual Maturities of Long-term Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations
As of December 31, 2018, future contractual maturities of long-term debt including capital lease obligations are as follows:
(in millions)
 
2019
$
21.7

2020
147.0

2021
9.3

2022
7.6

2023
460.8

Thereafter
1,748.9

Total
$
2,395.3

Summary of Assets Pledged Under North American ABL Facility, North American ABL Term Loan, Senior Term Loan Facilities and Euro ABL
Assets pledged under the North American ABL Facility, Senior Term Loan Facilities and the Euro ABL are as follows:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Cash
$
45.5

 
$
313.6

Trade accounts receivable, net
906.1

 
881.0

Inventories
674.0

 
702.0

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
96.9

 
93.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
743.0

 
780.0

Total
$
2,465.5

 
$
2,769.9

v3.10.0.1
Fair value measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis on a gross basis:
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Financial current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward currency contracts
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$

Interest rate swap contracts
12.4

 
1.2

 

 

Financial non-current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
1.5

 
10.6

 

 

Financial current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward currency contracts
0.2

 
0.4

 

 

Financial non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration

 

 

 
0.4

Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements that Use Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value measurements that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are contingent consideration liabilities (i.e. earn-outs) related to prior acquisitions. Refer to “Note 19: Business combinations” for further information discussing the business acquisitions resulting in contingent consideration liabilities, the terms of the earn-outs, the unobservable inputs factored into the fair value determination and the estimated impact on the consolidated financial statements related to changes in the unobservable inputs.
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Fair value as of January 1
$
0.4

 
$
7.5

Additions

 
0.4

Fair value adjustments
1.0

 
(3.0
)
Foreign currency

 
0.1

Payments
(1.4
)
 
(3.7
)
Gain on settlement

 
(0.9
)
Fair value as of December 31
$

 
$
0.4

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The estimated fair value of financial instruments not carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Carrying
amount
 
Fair
value
 
Carrying
amount
 
Fair
value
Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt including current portion (Level 2)
$
2,372.1

 
$
2,314.3

 
$
2,882.0

 
$
2,939.7

v3.10.0.1
Commitments and contingencies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Minimum Rental Commitments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases and Capital Lease Obligations
As of December 31, 2018, minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

(in millions)
Minimum rental
commitments
2019
$
54.9

2020
40.4

2021
30.0

2022
24.6

2023
16.3

Thereafter
30.0

Total
$
196.2

Changes in Total Environmental Liabilities
Changes in total environmental liabilities are as follows:
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Environmental liabilities at January 1
$
89.2

 
$
95.8

Revised obligation estimates
12.6

 
12.3

Environmental payments
(18.1
)
 
(19.3
)
Foreign exchange
(0.2
)
 
0.4

Environmental liabilities at December 31
$
83.5

 
$
89.2

Schedule of Expected Payments for Environmental Remediation
Based on current estimates, the expected payments for environmental remediation for the next five years and thereafter at December 31, 2018 are as follows, with projects for which timing is uncertain included in the 2019 estimated amount of $11.4 million:
(in millions)
 
2019
$
32.1

2020
10.3

2021
8.8

2022
7.0

2023
6.5

Thereafter
23.9

Total
$
88.6

v3.10.0.1
Related party transactions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Summary of Sales and Purchases with Related Parties
The following table summarizes the Company’s sales and purchases with related parties within the ordinary course of business:
 
Year ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
CD&R:
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to affiliate companies
$
4.5

 
$
5.3

 
$
7.7

Purchases from affiliate companies
0.1

 
6.0

 
16.5

Temasek:
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to affiliate companies

 
10.1

 
14.4

Purchases from affiliate companies

 
0.7

 
10.1

CVC (1):
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to affiliate companies

 

 
0.5

Purchases from affiliate companies

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Sales and purchases related information for CVC is disclosed until August 31, 2016.
Summary of Receivables Due from and Payables Due to Related Parties
The following table summarizes the Company’s receivables due from and payables due to related parties:
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Due from affiliates
$
0.7

 
$
1.0

Due to affiliates
0.2

 
0.2

v3.10.0.1
Segments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Company's Segment Information
Financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:
(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
Year ended December 31, 2018
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External customers
$
4,961.0

 
$
1,302.3

 
$
1,975.7

 
$
393.5

 
$

 
$
8,632.5

Inter-segment
126.6

 
9.3

 
4.0

 
0.2

 
(140.1
)
 

Total net sales
$
5,087.6

 
$
1,311.6

 
$
1,979.7

 
$
393.7

 
$
(140.1
)
 
$
8,632.5

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
3,959.3

 
1,080.1

 
1,525.6

 
307.5

 
(140.1
)
 
6,732.4

Outbound freight and handling
215.6

 
42.5

 
62.4

 
7.8

 

 
328.3

Warehousing, selling and administrative
536.3

 
84.3

 
240.5

 
45.1

 
25.2

 
931.4

Adjusted EBITDA
$
376.4

 
$
104.7

 
$
151.2

 
$
33.3

 
$
(25.2
)
 
$
640.4

Other operating expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73.5

Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
125.2

Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54.3

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
132.4

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.1

Other expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.7

Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49.9

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
172.3

Total assets
$
3,114.8

 
$
1,519.9

 
$
973.0

 
$
212.5

 
$
(547.8
)
 
$
5,272.4

Property, plant and equipment, net
597.6

 
141.3

 
156.7

 
30.2

 
30.0

 
955.8

Capital expenditures
42.9

 
22.3

 
15.4

 
3.5

 
10.5

 
94.6

(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
Year ended December 31, 2017
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External customers
$
4,657.1

 
$
1,371.5

 
$
1,821.2

 
$
403.9

 
$

 
$
8,253.7

Inter-segment
121.9

 
9.1

 
4.5

 
0.5

 
(136.0
)
 

Total net sales
$
4,779.0

 
$
1,380.6

 
$
1,825.7

 
$
404.4

 
$
(136.0
)
 
$
8,253.7

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
3,706.8

 
1,143.0

 
1,411.7

 
322.7

 
(136.0
)
 
6,448.2

Outbound freight and handling
192.8

 
37.3

 
55.7

 
6.2

 

 
292.0

Warehousing, selling and administrative
529.4

 
86.2

 
229.1

 
46.8

 
28.2

 
919.7

Adjusted EBITDA
$
350.0

 
$
114.1

 
$
129.2

 
$
28.7

 
$
(28.2
)
 
$
593.8

Other operating expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55.4

Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
135.0

Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65.4

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148.0

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.8

Other expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.4

Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49.0

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
119.8

Total assets
$
3,526.8

 
$
2,091.3

 
$
935.1

 
$
237.5

 
$
(1,058.0
)
 
$
5,732.7

Property, plant and equipment, net
636.1

 
147.7

 
158.0

 
33.5

 
27.7

 
1,003.0

Capital expenditures
47.5

 
17.1

 
14.6

 
2.4

 
1.1

 
82.7

(in millions)
USA
 
Canada
 
EMEA
 
Rest of
World
 
Other/
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External customers
$
4,706.7

 
$
1,261.0

 
$
1,704.2

 
$
401.8

 
$

 
$
8,073.7

Inter-segment
104.4

 
8.3

 
4.5

 

 
(117.2
)
 

Total net sales
$
4,811.1

 
$
1,269.3

 
$
1,708.7

 
$
401.8

 
$
(117.2
)
 
$
8,073.7

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)
3,769.7

 
1,047.4

 
1,324.6

 
322.1

 
(117.2
)
 
6,346.6

Outbound freight and handling
191.5

 
34.1

 
54.9

 
6.1

 

 
286.6

Warehousing, selling and administrative
523.5

 
85.4

 
219.3

 
46.8

 
18.1

 
893.1

Adjusted EBITDA
$
326.4

 
$
102.4

 
$
109.9

 
$
26.8

 
$
(18.1
)
 
$
547.4

Other operating expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.2

Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
152.3

Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85.6

Impairment charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
133.9

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
159.9

Other expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58.1

Income tax benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(11.2
)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(68.4
)
Total assets
$
3,676.8

 
$
1,856.2

 
$
857.4

 
$
211.3

 
$
(1,211.8
)
 
$
5,389.9

Property, plant and equipment, net
671.1

 
148.3

 
144.8

 
18.2

 
37.1

 
1,019.5

Capital expenditures
56.5

 
17.4

 
12.2

 
2.8

 
1.2

 
90.1

v3.10.0.1
Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Results
Unaudited quarterly results for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31 (1)
Net sales
$
2,158.0

 
$
2,372.6

 
$
2,130.7

 
$
1,971.2

Operating income
107.9

 
117.4

 
99.6

 
62.5

Net income
65.4

 
56.1

 
49.6

 
1.2

Income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted (2)
$
0.46

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.01

Shares used in computation of income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
140.9

 
141.1

 
141.2

 
141.4

Diluted
142.0

 
142.0

 
142.3

 
142.2

(1)
Included in the fourth quarter of 2018 was a loss of $34.2 million relating to the annual mark to market adjustment on the defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for further information.
(2)
As a result of changes in the number of shares outstanding during the year and rounding, the sum of the quarters’ earnings per share may not equal the earnings per share for any year-to-date period.
Unaudited quarterly results for the year ended December 31, 2017 are as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31 (1)
Net sales
$
1,998.8

 
$
2,247.0

 
$
2,048.7

 
$
1,959.2

Operating income
67.5

 
83.7

 
88.2

 
98.6

Net income
22.6

 
31.3

 
38.9

 
27.0

Income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
$
0.16

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.19

Shares used in computation of income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
139.4

 
140.1

 
140.4

 
140.7

Diluted
140.8

 
141.3

 
141.4

 
141.8

(1)
Included in the fourth quarter of 2017 was a loss of $3.8 million relating to the annual mark to market adjustment on the defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. Refer to “Note 9: Employee benefit plans” for further information.
v3.10.0.1
Nature of operations (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Number of operating segments 4
v3.10.0.1
Significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Adjustment for Long-term Intercompany Transactions, Net of Tax   $ 0.0 $ 4.8 $ (34.8)
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 [1]   0.5 0.0 0.0
Allowance for doubtful accounts   11.2 13.0  
Lower of cost or net realizable value inventory adjustment   $ 1.9 3.3 $ 6.6
Number of operating segments | segment   4    
Adjustments related to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 provisional income taxes   $ 6.8 $ 6.8  
Minimum        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Amortization period of finite lived intangible assets   2 years    
Maximum        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Amortization period of finite lived intangible assets   20 years    
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Scenario, Forecast | Minimum        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Estimated impact of additional lease assets and liabilities $ 140.0      
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Scenario, Forecast | Maximum        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Estimated impact of additional lease assets and liabilities 190.0      
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Scenario, Forecast | Subsequent Event | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Maximum        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 4.0      
Accumulated deficit | Accounting Standard Update 2018-02 | Scenario, Forecast | Subsequent Event | Minimum        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 3.0      
Accumulated deficit | Accounting Standard Update 2018-02 | Scenario, Forecast | Subsequent Event | Maximum        
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 $ 4.0      
[1] Adjusted due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12 “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2018. Refer to “Note 2: Significant accounting policies” for more information.
v3.10.0.1
Significant accounting policies - Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 [1]                   $ 0.5 $ 0.0 $ 0.0  
Assets                          
Trade accounts receivable, net   $ 1,094.7       $ 1,062.4       1,094.7 1,062.4   $ 1,103.7
Inventories   803.3       839.5       803.3 839.5   837.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   169.1       149.6       169.1 149.6   151.4
Liabilities [Abstract]                          
Trade accounts payable   925.4       941.7       925.4 941.7   948.7
Other accrued expenses   285.8       301.6       285.8 301.6   334.8
Equity [Abstract]                          
Accumulated deficit   (761.5)       (934.1)       (761.5) (934.1)   (933.8)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (373.2)       (278.5)       (373.2) (278.5)   (278.0)
Income Statement [Abstract]                          
Total external customer net sales   1,971.2 $ 2,130.7 $ 2,372.6 $ 2,158.0 1,959.2 $ 2,048.7 $ 2,247.0 $ 1,998.8 8,632.5 8,253.7 8,073.7  
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                   6,732.4 6,448.2 6,346.6  
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                   6,732.4 6,448.2 6,346.6  
Income tax expense                   49.9 49.0 (11.2)  
Net income   1.2 $ 49.6 $ 56.1 $ 65.4 27.0 $ 38.9 $ 31.3 $ 22.6 172.3 119.8 (68.4)  
Warehousing, selling and administrative                   931.4 919.7 893.1  
Other operating expenses, net                   73.5 55.4 37.2  
Other expense, net                   (32.7) (17.4) (58.1)  
Cash outflows reclassified to financing activities                   289.9 282.6 $ 450.0  
Balances without adoption of ASC 606                          
Assets                          
Trade accounts receivable, net           1,062.4         1,062.4    
Inventories           839.5         839.5    
Prepaid expenses and other current assets           149.6         149.6    
Liabilities [Abstract]                          
Trade accounts payable           941.7         941.7    
Other accrued expenses           301.6         301.6    
Equity [Abstract]                          
Accumulated deficit           (934.1)         (934.1)    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss           $ (278.5)         (278.5)    
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Balances without adoption of ASC 606                          
Assets                          
Trade accounts receivable, net   1,047.8               1,047.8      
Inventories   814.4               814.4      
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   163.9               163.9      
Liabilities [Abstract]                          
Trade accounts payable   919.2               919.2      
Other accrued expenses   252.1               252.1      
Equity [Abstract]                          
Accumulated deficit   (762.6)               (762.6)      
Income Statement [Abstract]                          
Total external customer net sales                   8,626.4      
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                   6,726.7      
Income tax expense                   49.8      
Net income                   172.0      
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Effect of change higher/(lower)                          
Assets                          
Trade accounts receivable, net   46.9               46.9     41.3
Inventories   (11.1)               (11.1)     (2.1)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   5.2               5.2     1.8
Liabilities [Abstract]                          
Trade accounts payable   6.2               6.2     7.0
Other accrued expenses   33.7               33.7     33.2
Equity [Abstract]                          
Accumulated deficit   $ 1.1               1.1     0.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss                         0.0
Income Statement [Abstract]                          
Total external customer net sales                   6.1      
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                   5.7      
Income tax expense                   0.1      
Net income                   0.3      
Accounting Standards Update 2016-15                          
Income Statement [Abstract]                          
Cash outflows reclassified to financing activities                     3.7    
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12                          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12                   $ 0.0      
Assets                          
Trade accounts receivable, net                         0.0
Inventories                         0.0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets                         0.0
Liabilities [Abstract]                          
Trade accounts payable                         0.0
Other accrued expenses                         0.0
Equity [Abstract]                          
Accumulated deficit                         (0.5)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss                         $ 0.5
Scenario, Previously Reported | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07                          
Income Statement [Abstract]                          
Warehousing, selling and administrative                     909.8    
Other operating expenses, net                     49.5    
Other expense, net                     (33.2)    
Restatement Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07                          
Income Statement [Abstract]                          
Warehousing, selling and administrative                     9.9    
Other operating expenses, net                     5.9    
Other expense, net                     $ (15.8)    
Minimum | Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02                          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Estimated impact of additional lease assets and liabilities $ 140.0                        
Maximum | Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02                          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Estimated impact of additional lease assets and liabilities 190.0                        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Subsequent Event | Minimum | Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02                          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 3.0                        
Accumulated deficit | Subsequent Event | Minimum | Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standard Update 2018-02                          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 3.0                        
Accumulated deficit | Subsequent Event | Maximum | Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standard Update 2018-02                          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 4.0                        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Subsequent Event | Maximum | Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02                          
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                          
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 $ 4.0                        
[1] Adjusted due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12 “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2018. Refer to “Note 2: Significant accounting policies” for more information.
v3.10.0.1
Significant accounting policies - Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Minimum | Buildings  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 10 years
Minimum | Main components of tank farms  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 5 years
Minimum | Containers  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 2 years
Minimum | Machinery and equipment  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 5 years
Minimum | Furniture, fixtures and others  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 5 years
Minimum | Information technology  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 3 years
Maximum | Buildings  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 50 years
Maximum | Main components of tank farms  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 40 years
Maximum | Containers  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 15 years
Maximum | Machinery and equipment  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 20 years
Maximum | Furniture, fixtures and others  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 20 years
Maximum | Information technology  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 10 years
v3.10.0.1
Revenue - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Accumulated deficit $ (761.5) $ (933.8) $ (934.1)
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09      
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Accumulated deficit $ 1.1 $ 0.8  
Maximum      
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Payment terms 1 year    
Crop Sciences      
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Payment terms 6 months    
Other Current Assets      
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Capitalized contract costs $ 1.2    
Other Assets      
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Capitalized contract costs $ 5.9    
v3.10.0.1
Revenue - Schedule of External Net Sales Disaggregated by Major Stream Type (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales $ 1,971.2 $ 2,130.7 $ 2,372.6 $ 2,158.0 $ 1,959.2 $ 2,048.7 $ 2,247.0 $ 1,998.8 $ 8,632.5 $ 8,253.7 $ 8,073.7
USA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 4,961.0 4,657.1 4,706.7
Canada                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 1,302.3 1,371.5 1,261.0
EMEA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 1,975.7 1,821.2 1,704.2
Rest of World                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 393.5 $ 403.9 $ 401.8
Chemical Distribution                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 8,011.0    
Chemical Distribution | USA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 4,775.2    
Chemical Distribution | Canada                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 877.6    
Chemical Distribution | EMEA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 1,974.4    
Chemical Distribution | Rest of World                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 383.8    
Crop Sciences                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 381.6    
Crop Sciences | USA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 0.0    
Crop Sciences | Canada                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 381.6    
Crop Sciences | EMEA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 0.0    
Crop Sciences | Rest of World                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 0.0    
Services                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 239.9    
Services | USA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 185.8    
Services | Canada                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 43.1    
Services | EMEA                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 1.3    
Services | Rest of World                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Total external customer net sales                 $ 9.7    
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Revenue - Schedule of Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Deferred revenue $ 45.6 $ 100.9
Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period $ 100.3  
v3.10.0.1
Other operating expenses, net (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 20.7 $ 19.7 $ 10.4
Business transformation costs 0.0 23.4 5.4
Restructuring charges 4.8 5.5 6.5
Other employee termination costs 16.4 8.1 1.5
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 2.0 (11.3) (0.7)
Acquisition and integration related expenses 22.0 3.1 5.5
Other 7.6 6.9 8.6
Total other operating expenses, net $ 73.5 $ 55.4 $ 37.2
v3.10.0.1
Restructuring charges - Schedule of Cost Information Related to Restructuring Plans That Have Not Been Completed (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings $ 4.8 $ 5.5
Revised estimate of restructuring charges (0.2) 0.1
Employee Termination Costs    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 5.3 2.9
Revised estimate of restructuring charges (0.7) 0.4
Facility Exit Costs    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings (0.7) 2.8
Revised estimate of restructuring charges (0.1) (0.3)
Other Exit Costs    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.2 (0.2)
Revised estimate of restructuring charges 0.6 $ 0.0
Operating Segments | USA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 3.2  
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost 4.7  
Incurred to date costs 39.5  
Operating Segments | Canada    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Incurred to date costs 5.7  
Operating Segments | EMEA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Incurred to date costs 32.8  
Operating Segments | Rest of World    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.7  
Incurred to date costs 6.4  
Operating Segments | Employee Termination Costs | USA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 3.1  
Incurred to date costs 16.5  
Operating Segments | Employee Termination Costs | EMEA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.9  
Incurred to date costs 22.5  
Operating Segments | Employee Termination Costs | Rest of World    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.4  
Incurred to date costs 6.2  
Operating Segments | Facility Exit Costs | USA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Incurred to date costs 21.3  
Revised estimate of restructuring charges 0.9  
Operating Segments | Facility Exit Costs | EMEA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Incurred to date costs 3.7  
Operating Segments | Facility Exit Costs | Rest of World    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.2  
Incurred to date costs 0.2  
Operating Segments | Other Exit Costs | USA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.1  
Incurred to date costs 1.7  
Operating Segments | Other Exit Costs | EMEA    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Incurred to date costs 6.6  
Operating Segments | Other Exit Costs | Rest of World    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.1  
Other    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Incurred to date costs 6.6  
Other | Employee Termination Costs    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Charge to earnings 0.9  
Incurred to date costs 5.8  
Other | Other Exit Costs    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
Incurred to date costs $ 0.8  
v3.10.0.1
Restructuring charges - Summary of Activity Related to Accrued Liabilities Associated with Redundancy and Restructuring (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ (12.7) $ (20.1)
Charge to earnings 4.8 5.5
Cash paid (7.9) (13.0)
Non-cash and other (0.2) 0.1
Ending balance (9.4) (12.7)
Employee Termination Costs    
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance (3.0) (6.9)
Charge to earnings 5.3 2.9
Cash paid (3.4) (7.2)
Non-cash and other (0.7) 0.4
Ending balance (4.2) (3.0)
Facility Exit Costs    
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance (10.2) (13.2)
Charge to earnings (0.7) 2.8
Cash paid (4.4) (5.5)
Non-cash and other (0.1) (0.3)
Ending balance (5.0) (10.2)
Other Exit Costs    
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance (0.5) 0.0
Charge to earnings 0.2 (0.2)
Cash paid (0.1) (0.3)
Non-cash and other 0.6 0.0
Ending balance $ (0.2) $ (0.5)
v3.10.0.1
Restructuring charges - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings $ 4,800,000 $ 5,500,000  
Restructuring charges 4,800,000 5,500,000 $ 6,500,000
Restructuring liabilities, current 5,900,000 5,800,000  
Restructuring liabilities, non-current $ 3,500,000 6,900,000  
Facility exit costs, payment period 5 years    
Other Exit Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings $ 200,000 (200,000)  
Employee Termination Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings 5,300,000 $ 2,900,000  
Operating Segments      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Restructuring charges 0    
Operating Segments | USA      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings 3,200,000    
Incurred to date costs 39,500,000    
Operating Segments | USA | Other Exit Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings 100,000    
Incurred to date costs 1,700,000    
Operating Segments | USA | Employee Termination Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings 3,100,000    
Incurred to date costs 16,500,000    
Operating Segments | Canada      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Incurred to date costs 5,700,000    
Operating Segments | EMEA      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Incurred to date costs 32,800,000    
Operating Segments | EMEA | Other Exit Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Incurred to date costs 6,600,000    
Operating Segments | EMEA | Employee Termination Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings 900,000    
Incurred to date costs 22,500,000    
Other      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Incurred to date costs 6,600,000    
Restructuring charges 0    
Other | Other Exit Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Incurred to date costs 800,000    
Other | Employee Termination Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Charge to earnings 900,000    
Incurred to date costs $ 5,800,000    
v3.10.0.1
Other expense, net (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]          
Pension mark to market loss $ (34.2) $ 3.8 $ (34.2) $ (3.8) $ (68.6)
Pension curtailment and settlement gains     0.0 9.7 1.3
Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component     (11.0) (9.9) (15.3)
Foreign currency transactions     (6.7) (4.6) (0.6)
Foreign currency denominated loans revaluation     (0.8) (17.9) (13.7)
Undesignated foreign currency derivative instruments     1.1 0.3 (1.8)
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net     0.0 (2.2) 10.1
Debt refinancing costs     0.0 (5.3) 0.0
Other     (3.1) (3.5) (0.1)
Total other expense, net     $ (32.7) $ (17.4) $ (58.1)
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Adjustments related to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 provisional income taxes $ 6.8 $ 6.8  
Additional transition tax due to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 13.0 73.7  
Deemed dividends 9.2    
Additional foreign tax credits utilized 1.3 14.9  
Increase in foreign tax credit generated 26.3    
Increase in valuation allowance 25.0    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Total remaining tax benefit of available federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards 33.4    
Tax benefit of operating losses 49.4 68.6  
Valuation allowance 16.0    
Total net operating losses 186.4 261.9  
Foreign tax credit carryforward 55.3 74.0  
Unrecognized tax benefits 0.4 3.1 $ 4.3
Total liability included in other long-term liabilities associated with the interest and penalties 0.5 0.4  
Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits 0.1 0.4 $ 0.3
Estimated undistributed foreign E&P subject to the deemed mandatory repatriation 577.2    
Income tax expense related to deemed mandatory repatriation   89.5  
Foreign earnings repatriated 166.4    
Credit for withholding tax   $ 0.3  
Net change in foreign tax credit 3.8    
Foreign tax credit 74.0    
Estimated foreign tax credit and valuation allowance after amounts utilized 55.3    
Tax year between 2018 and 2022      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Available loss carryforwards subject to expiration 19.0    
Tax year subsequent to 2022      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Available loss carryforwards subject to expiration 0.1    
Unlimited life      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Remaining losses not subject to expiration $ 167.3    
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Summary of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
United States $ 36.6 $ 1.5 $ (131.3)
Foreign 185.6 167.3 51.7
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 222.2 $ 168.8 $ (79.6)
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Summary of Expense (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Current:      
Federal $ 13.8 $ 6.8 $ (0.1)
State 2.1 2.0 0.1
Foreign 31.2 28.5 20.4
Total current 47.1 37.3 20.4
Deferred:      
Federal 6.5 26.5 (15.1)
State (0.5) 0.0 (3.0)
Foreign (3.2) (14.8) (13.5)
Total deferred 2.8 11.7 (31.6)
Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 49.9 $ 49.0 $ (11.2)
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Reconciliation Between Statutory Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
US federal statutory income tax expense (benefit) applied to income (loss) before income taxes $ 46.7 $ 59.1 $ (27.8)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1.1 1.4 (2.9)
Foreign tax rate differential 8.1 (18.0) (5.8)
Non-taxable interest income (0.7) (11.4) (10.8)
Valuation allowance, net (11.6) (18.1) (24.7)
Expiration of tax attributes 0.0 0.1 4.4
Foreign losses not benefited 0.0 0.7 8.0
Effect of flow-through entities (0.6) 8.9 (9.0)
Net stock-based compensation 0.0 (3.7) 1.7
Non-deductible expense 4.8 3.5 3.4
Unrecognized tax benefits (2.7) (1.7) (1.4)
Change in statutory income tax rates 0.0 (17.5) 2.7
Deemed dividends from foreign subsidiaries 9.0 17.6 1.4
Global intangible low-taxed income 19.9 0.0 0.0
Non-deductible interest expense 0.0 0.1 2.6
Revaluation due to Section 987 tax law change 0.0 0.0 45.0
Section 965 repatriation tax 13.0 76.5 0.0
Foreign tax credit (38.3) (47.6) 0.0
Other 1.2 (0.9) 2.0
Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 49.9 $ 49.0 $ (11.2)
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Consolidated Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:      
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 49.4 $ 68.6  
Environmental reserves 22.9 25.3  
Interest 25.9 35.7  
Tax credit and capital loss carryforwards 57.8 37.2  
Pension 66.3 68.2  
Flow-through entities 2.7 2.5  
Compensation 12.2 13.7  
Inventory 4.5 4.2  
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment 4.8 3.3  
Other temporary differences 17.0 15.1  
Gross deferred tax assets 263.5 273.8  
Valuation allowance (106.3) (117.2) $ (167.9)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 157.2 156.6  
Deferred tax liabilities:      
Property, plant and equipment, net (102.3) (98.7)  
Intangible assets (63.6) (64.6)  
Other temporary differences (9.4) (5.9)  
Deferred tax liabilities (175.3) (169.2)  
Net deferred tax liability $ (18.1) $ (12.6)  
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Schedule of Changes in Valuation Allowance (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]    
Increase in valuation allowance $ 25.0  
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance 117.2 $ 167.9
Change related to current net operating losses generated 0.0 0.7
Change related to current utilization of net operating loss carryforwards (3.7) (12.3)
Increase (Decrease) In Valuation Allowance Attributable To Future Utilization of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (17.4) (17.8)
Change related to generation/expiration of tax attributes 21.3 29.9
Change related to foreign currency (1.3) 7.1
Change related to utilization of deferred interest expense (9.7) (26.3)
Change related to tax rate change 0.1 (31.6)
Change related to other items (0.2) (0.4)
Ending balance 106.3 $ 117.2
Interest Expense    
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]    
Increase in valuation allowance $ 13.8  
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Difference attributable to foreign investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]    
Undistributed foreign earnings qualifying for 100 percent dividends received deduction $ 493,200,000  
Foreign tax credit utilized for overall domestic loss recapture 5,400,000  
Deferred tax on deemed mandatory repatriation   $ 14,900,000
Net change in foreign tax credit balance 26,300,000  
Estimated undistributed earnings in income subject to U.S. tax at reduced tax rates 577,200,000  
Foreign tax credit carryforward 55,300,000 74,000,000
Additional foreign tax credits utilized 1,300,000 $ 14,900,000
Foreign earnings repatriated 166,400,000  
Gross amount of foreign tax credit 59,100,000  
Cash tax payment support collected from foreign tax authorities 1,600,000  
Estimated foreign tax credit and valuation allowance after amounts utilized 55,300,000  
Remaining unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility 0  
Tax year between 2018 and 2022    
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]    
Available loss carryforwards subject to expiration $ 19,000,000  
v3.10.0.1
Income taxes - Schedule of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Included in Other Long-Term Liabilities, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 3.1 $ 4.3
Increase for tax positions of prior years 0.0 0.0
Reductions due to the statute of limitations expiration (2.7) (1.5)
Foreign exchange 0.0 0.3
Ending balance $ 0.4 $ 3.1
v3.10.0.1
Earnings per share (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Basic:                      
Net income (loss) $ 1.2 $ 49.6 $ 56.1 $ 65.4 $ 27.0 $ 38.9 $ 31.3 $ 22.6 $ 172.3 $ 119.8 $ (68.4)
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities                 0.3 0.2 0.0
Earnings allocated to common shares outstanding                 $ 172.0 $ 119.6 $ (68.4)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 141.4 141.2 141.1 140.9 140.7 140.4 140.1 139.4 141.2 140.2 137.8
Basic income (loss) per common share (usd per share)                 $ 1.22 $ 0.85 $ (0.50)
Diluted:                      
Net loss $ 1.2 $ 49.6 $ 56.1 $ 65.4 $ 27.0 $ 38.9 $ 31.3 $ 22.6 $ 172.3 $ 119.8 $ (68.4)
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities                 0.0 0.0 0.0
Earnings allocated to common shares outstanding                 $ 172.3 $ 119.8 $ (68.4)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 141.4 141.2 141.1 140.9 140.7 140.4 140.1 139.4 141.2 140.2 137.8
Stock compensation plans (in shares)                 1.0 1.2 0.0
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (in shares) 142.2 142.3 142.0 142.0 141.8 141.4 141.3 140.8 142.2 141.4 137.8
Diluted income (loss) per common share (usd per share)                 $ 1.21 $ 0.85 $ (0.50)
Employee Stock Option | Common stock                      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]                      
Antidilutive securities excluded from diluted income (loss) per share (in shares)                 1.6 0.8 3.3
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2009
Pension Plan        
Change in projected benefit obligations:        
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 1,333.9 $ 1,275.2    
Service cost 2.7 2.5 $ 2.5  
Interest cost 42.7 47.0 50.3  
Benefits paid (64.2) (62.1)    
Plan amendments 2.5 2.7    
Settlement (38.5) (44.3)    
Actuarial (gain) loss (81.1) 63.2    
Foreign exchange and other (34.8) 49.7    
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year 1,163.2 1,333.9 1,275.2  
Change in the fair value of plan assets:        
Plan assets at beginning of year 1,107.2 1,003.4    
Actual return (loss) on plan assets (59.6) 117.4    
Contributions by employer 38.7 38.2    
Benefits paid (64.2) (62.1)    
Settlement (38.5) (36.0)    
Foreign exchange and other (32.8) 46.3    
Plan assets at end of year 950.8 1,107.2 1,003.4  
Funded status at end of year (212.4) (226.7)    
Pension Plan | Domestic        
Change in projected benefit obligations:        
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year 721.9 719.7    
Service cost 0.0 0.0 0.0  
Interest cost 27.3 30.8 32.0  
Benefits paid (37.5) (34.2)    
Plan amendments 0.0 0.0    
Settlement (38.5) (44.3)    
Actuarial (gain) loss (47.5) 49.9    
Foreign exchange and other 0.0 0.0    
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year 625.7 721.9 719.7  
Change in the fair value of plan assets:        
Plan assets at beginning of year 532.3 509.1    
Actual return (loss) on plan assets (39.9) 80.0    
Contributions by employer 12.2 12.1    
Benefits paid (37.5) (34.2)    
Settlement (38.5) (34.7)    
Foreign exchange and other 0.0 0.0    
Plan assets at end of year 428.6 532.3 509.1  
Funded status at end of year (197.1) (189.6)    
Pension Plan | Foreign        
Change in projected benefit obligations:        
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year 612.0 555.5    
Service cost 2.7 2.5 2.5  
Interest cost 15.4 16.2 18.3  
Benefits paid (26.7) (27.9)    
Plan amendments 2.5 2.7    
Settlement 0.0 0.0    
Actuarial (gain) loss (33.6) 13.3    
Foreign exchange and other (34.8) 49.7    
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year 537.5 612.0 555.5  
Change in the fair value of plan assets:        
Plan assets at beginning of year 574.9 494.3    
Actual return (loss) on plan assets (19.7) 37.4    
Contributions by employer 26.5 26.1    
Benefits paid (26.7) (27.9)    
Settlement 0.0 (1.3)    
Foreign exchange and other (32.8) 46.3    
Plan assets at end of year 522.2 574.9 494.3  
Funded status at end of year (15.3) (37.1)    
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan        
Change in projected benefit obligations:        
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at beginning of year 2.5 2.8    
Service cost 0.0 0.0 0.0  
Interest cost 0.0 0.2 0.1  
Contributions by participants 0.5 0.4    
Benefits paid (0.5) (0.7)    
Plan amendments       $ (76.8)
Actuarial (gain) loss (0.7) (0.2)    
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations at end of year 1.8 2.5 2.8  
Change in the fair value of plan assets:        
Plan assets at beginning of year 0.0 0.0    
Contributions by employer 0.0 0.3    
Contributions by participants 0.5 0.4    
Benefits paid (0.5) (0.7)    
Plan assets at end of year 0.0 0.0 $ 0.0  
Funded status at end of year $ (1.8) $ (2.5)    
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Amount Recognized in Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities $ (254.4) $ (257.1)
Pension Plan    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Overfunded net benefit obligation in other assets 46.1 33.9
Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses (5.5) (5.6)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities (253.0) (255.0)
Net liability recognized at end of year (212.4) (226.7)
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses (0.4) (0.4)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities (1.4) (2.1)
Net liability recognized at end of year (1.8) (2.5)
Domestic | Pension Plan    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Overfunded net benefit obligation in other assets 0.0 0.0
Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses (3.5) (3.5)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities (193.6) (186.1)
Net liability recognized at end of year (197.1) (189.6)
Foreign | Pension Plan    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Overfunded net benefit obligation in other assets 46.1 33.9
Current portion of net benefit obligation in other accrued expenses (2.0) (2.1)
Long-term portion of net benefit obligation in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities (59.4) (68.9)
Net liability recognized at end of year $ (15.3) $ (37.1)
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Defined Benefit Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 813.4 $ 933.3
Fair value of plan assets 576.3 701.6
Domestic    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Accumulated benefit obligation 625.7 721.9
Fair value of plan assets 428.6 532.3
Foreign    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Accumulated benefit obligation 187.7 211.4
Fair value of plan assets $ 147.7 $ 169.3
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Defined Benefit Pension Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Projected benefit obligation $ 834.8 $ 962.2
Fair value of plan assets 576.3 701.6
Domestic    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Projected benefit obligation 625.7 721.9
Fair value of plan assets 428.6 532.3
Foreign    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Projected benefit obligation 209.1 240.3
Fair value of plan assets $ 147.7 $ 169.3
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Defined benefit pension plans (Narrative) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Domestic    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 625.7 $ 721.9
Foreign    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 187.7 $ 211.4
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Credit Recognized Related to Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0
Interest cost 0.0 0.2 0.1
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits 0.0 0.0 (4.5)
Actuarial loss (gain) (0.7) (0.2) (0.2)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost (0.7) 0.0 (4.6)
Pension Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 2.7 2.5 2.5
Interest cost 42.7 47.0 50.3
Expected return on plan assets (56.4) (56.9) (61.2)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits 2.7 (0.2) 0.0
Settlement 0.0 (9.7) 0.0
Curtailment 0.0 0.0 (1.3)
Actuarial loss (gain) 34.9 4.0 68.8
Net periodic benefit (income) cost 26.6 (13.3) 59.1
Domestic | Pension Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 0.0 0.0 0.0
Interest cost 27.3 30.8 32.0
Expected return on plan assets (31.3) (30.9) (32.5)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits 0.0 0.0 0.0
Settlement 0.0 (9.7) 0.0
Curtailment 0.0 0.0 0.0
Actuarial loss (gain) 23.7 0.8 20.3
Net periodic benefit (income) cost 19.7 (9.0) 19.8
Foreign | Pension Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 2.7 2.5 2.5
Interest cost 15.4 16.2 18.3
Expected return on plan assets (25.1) (26.0) (28.7)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credits 2.7 (0.2) 0.0
Settlement 0.0 0.0 0.0
Curtailment 0.0 0.0 (1.3)
Actuarial loss (gain) 11.2 3.2 48.5
Net periodic benefit (income) cost $ 6.9 $ (4.3) $ 39.3
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Pre-tax Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Pension Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Net prior service cost $ (1.2)
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Amounts Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Pension Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Prior service cost $ (0.1)
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Other postretirement benefit plan (Narrative) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]        
Reduction of benefit obligation       $ 76.8
Curtailment gain       $ 73.1
Discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation 4.63% 3.98%    
Discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit credit 3.98% 4.37% 4.54%  
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Schedule of Weighted Average Actuarial Assumptions and Valuation Methodologies Used in Defined Benefit Plans (Detail) - Pension Plan
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Domestic      
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at end of period:      
Discount rate 4.47% 3.87%  
Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) for the period:      
Discount rate 3.87% 4.39% 4.74%
Expected rate of return on plan assets 6.75% 7.00% 7.50%
Foreign      
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at end of period:      
Discount rate 2.92% 2.61%  
Expected annual rate of compensation increase 2.85% 2.87%  
Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) for the period:      
Discount rate 2.61% 2.84% 3.65%
Expected rate of return on plan assets 4.43% 5.01% 6.18%
Expected annual rate of compensation increase 2.87% 2.87% 2.86%
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Weighted Average Target Asset Allocation for Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Detail) - Pension Plan
Dec. 31, 2018
Domestic  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 100.00%
Domestic | Equity securities  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 50.00%
Domestic | Debt securities  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 45.00%
Domestic | Other  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 5.00%
Foreign  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 100.00%
Foreign | Equity securities  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 28.20%
Foreign | Debt securities  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 66.10%
Foreign | Other  
Asset category:  
Weighted average target asset allocation (as a percent) 5.70%
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Fair Value of Plans Assets (Detail) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 950.8 $ 1,107.2 $ 1,003.4
Foreign      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 522.2 $ 574.9 494.3
Foreign | US equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 8.00% 11.00%  
Foreign | Non-US equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 17.50% 22.00%  
Foreign | Other investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 4.00% 5.80%  
Foreign | Non-US corporate bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 34.20% 29.20%  
Foreign | Non-US government bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 36.30% 32.00%  
Foreign | Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 9.7 $ 4.0  
Foreign | Total investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 512.5 570.9  
Foreign | Investments funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 494.0 552.7  
Foreign | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18.5 18.2  
Foreign | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 9.7 4.0  
Foreign | Level 1 | Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 9.7 4.0  
Foreign | Level 1 | Total investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign | Level 1 | Investments funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign | Level 1 | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 494.0 552.7  
Foreign | Level 2 | Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign | Level 2 | Total investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 494.0 552.7  
Foreign | Level 2 | Investments funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 494.0 552.7  
Foreign | Level 2 | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18.5 18.2 15.6
Foreign | Level 3 | Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign | Level 3 | Total investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18.5 18.2  
Foreign | Level 3 | Investments funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign | Level 3 | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18.5 18.2  
Domestic      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 428.6 $ 532.3 $ 509.1
Domestic | US equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 29.60% 30.80%  
Domestic | Non-US equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 19.40% 19.70%  
Domestic | US corporate bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 46.30% 44.50%  
Domestic | Other investments      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Investment funds percentage 4.70% 5.00%  
Domestic | Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 2.4 $ 2.6  
Domestic | Investments funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 426.2 529.7  
Domestic | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2.4 2.6  
Domestic | Level 1 | Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2.4 2.6  
Domestic | Level 1 | Investments funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Domestic | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 426.2 529.7  
Domestic | Level 2 | Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Domestic | Level 2 | Investments funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 426.2 $ 529.7  
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Summary of Changes in Foreign Plans Assets Valued Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Detail) - Pension Plan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Change in the fair value of plan assets:    
Plan assets at beginning of year $ 1,107.2 $ 1,003.4
Actual return on plan assets:    
Foreign exchange (32.8) 46.3
Plan assets at end of year 950.8 1,107.2
Foreign    
Change in the fair value of plan assets:    
Plan assets at beginning of year 574.9 494.3
Actual return on plan assets:    
Foreign exchange (32.8) 46.3
Plan assets at end of year 522.2 574.9
Foreign | Level 3    
Change in the fair value of plan assets:    
Plan assets at beginning of year 18.2 15.6
Actual return on plan assets:    
Related to assets still held at year end 0.7 0.1
Purchases, sales and settlements, net 0.4 0.3
Foreign exchange (0.8) 2.2
Plan assets at end of year $ 18.5 $ 18.2
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Contributions (Narrative) (Details) - Pension Plan
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Domestic  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Expected contributions $ 13.4
Foreign  
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Expected contributions $ 14.9
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Schedule of Benefit Payments (Detail)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Pension Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2019 $ 50.1
2020 51.4
2021 53.2
2022 56.2
2023 57.5
2024 through 2028 311.2
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2019 0.5
2020 0.1
2021 0.1
2022 0.1
2023 0.1
2024 through 2028 0.3
Foreign | Pension Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2019 16.2
2020 16.4
2021 17.3
2022 19.4
2023 19.7
2024 through 2028 112.3
Domestic | Pension Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2019 33.9
2020 35.0
2021 35.9
2022 36.8
2023 37.8
2024 through 2028 $ 198.9
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Defined contribution plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]      
Contribution expense $ 32.0 $ 30.0 $ 33.4
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Multi-employer plans (Narrative) (Details) - Multi-employer Plans - Geographic Distribution, Domestic
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
location
agreement
trust
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]  
Number of union bargaining agreements | agreement 17
Number of union pension trusts | trust 3
Term of cycle to negotiate bargaining agreements 3 years
Number of represented locations | location 16
v3.10.0.1
Employee benefit plans - Schedule of Company's Participation in Multi Employer Plans (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]      
Contributions $ 2.7 $ 2.7 $ 2.9
Plan contributions by the Company (less than) (as a percent) 5.00%    
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan      
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]      
Contributions $ 1.5 1.5 1.7
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan      
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]      
Contributions 1.0 1.1 1.1
New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund      
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]      
Contributions $ 0.2 $ 0.1 $ 0.1
v3.10.0.1
Stock-based compensation - Additional Information (Detail)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2016
offering_period
shares
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
$ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Shares authorized (in shares) | shares   9,900,000    
Stock-based compensation expense | $   $ 20.7 $ 19.7 $ 10.4
Tax expense (benefit) relating to stock-based compensation expense | $   $ (2.6) $ (3.7) $ 0.1
Univar Employee Stock Purchase Plan        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Shares authorized (in shares) | shares 2,000,000.0      
Weighted average purchase price of shares purchased (usd per share) 95.00%      
Number of offering periods | offering_period 2      
Shares issued under the plan (in shares) | shares   56,749    
Employee Stock Option        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award expiration period   10 years    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, options | $   $ 3.1    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period   10 months 24 days    
Expected term   6 years 5 years 10 months 24 days 0 years
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, options (usd per share)   $ 8.69 $ 8.40  
Employee Stock Option | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercisable period   4 years    
Restricted Stock        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period   3 months 18 days    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, other than options | $   $ 0.3    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (usd per share)   $ 28.50 29.92 $ 18.15
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested (usd per share)   $ 28.50 28.56  
Restricted Stock | Director        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercisable period   12 months    
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period   1 year    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, other than options | $   $ 7.6    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (usd per share)   $ 26.16    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested (usd per share)   $ 23.98 21.65  
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Minimum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercisable period   3 years    
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercisable period   4 years    
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercisable period   3 years    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, period   1 year 10 months 24 days    
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, other than options | $   $ 3.8    
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (usd per share)   $ 27.01    
Expected term   2 years    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested (usd per share)   $ 27.18 $ 30.98 $ 10.49
v3.10.0.1
Stock-based compensation - Schedule of Share-based Compensation Stock Options Activity (Detail)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Number of stock options  
Number of stock options outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) | shares 2,608,609
Number of stock options, granted (in shares) | shares 899,361
Number of stock options, exercised (in shares) | shares (282,170)
Number of stock options, forfeited (in shares) | shares (181,646)
Number of stock options outstanding, ending balance (in shares) | shares 3,044,154
Number of stock options, exercisable (in shares) | shares 1,796,819
Number of stock options, expected to vest (in shares) | shares 1,247,335
Weighted- average exercise price  
Weighted average exercise price outstanding, beginning balance (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 22.92
Weighted average exercise price, granted (usd per share) | $ / shares 26.92
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (usd per share) | $ / shares 20.89
Weighted average exercise price, forfeited (usd per share) | $ / shares 26.77
Weighted average exercise price outstanding, ending balance (usd per share) | $ / shares 24.06
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (usd per share) | $ / shares 21.90
Weighted average exercise price, expected to vest (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 27.17
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, exercisable (in years) 5 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, expected to vest (in years) 8 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable | $ $ 0.4
Aggregate intrinsic value, expected to vest | $ $ (11.8)
v3.10.0.1
Stock-based compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Stock      
Restricted stock      
Restricted stock, nonvested, beginning balance (in shares) 52,835    
Restricted stock, granted (in shares) 28,863    
Restricted stock, vested (in shares) (48,966)    
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares) (3,952)    
Restricted stock, nonvested, ending balance (in shares) 28,780 52,835  
Weighted average grant-date fair value      
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested, beginning balance (usd per share) $ 28.56    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, granted (usd per share) 28.50 $ 29.92 $ 18.15
Weighted average grant-date fair value, vested (usd per share) 28.42    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, forfeited (usd per share) 30.37    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested, ending balance (usd per share) $ 28.50 $ 28.56  
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)      
Restricted stock      
Restricted stock, nonvested, beginning balance (in shares) 778,419    
Restricted stock, granted (in shares) 480,269    
Restricted stock, vested (in shares) (365,346)    
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares) (92,142)    
Restricted stock, nonvested, ending balance (in shares) 801,200 778,419  
Weighted average grant-date fair value      
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested, beginning balance (usd per share) $ 21.65    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, granted (usd per share) 26.16    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, vested (usd per share) 22.67    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, forfeited (usd per share) 20.81    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested, ending balance (usd per share) $ 23.98 $ 21.65  
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)      
Restricted stock      
Restricted stock, nonvested, beginning balance (in shares) 10,500    
Restricted stock, granted (in shares) 257,638    
Restricted stock, vested (in shares) 0    
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares) (11,570)    
Restricted stock, nonvested, ending balance (in shares) 256,568 10,500  
Weighted average grant-date fair value      
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested, beginning balance (usd per share) $ 30.98 $ 10.49  
Weighted average grant-date fair value, granted (usd per share) 27.01    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, vested (usd per share) 0.00    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, forfeited (usd per share) 26.82    
Weighted average grant-date fair value, nonvested, ending balance (usd per share) $ 27.18 $ 30.98 $ 10.49
v3.10.0.1
Stock-based compensation - Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used Under Black Scholes Merton Option Valuation Model (Detail) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Risk-free interest rate     1.00%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)     0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)     45.00%
Employee Stock Option      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Weighted-average grant-date fair value, options (usd per share) $ 8.69 $ 8.40  
Risk-free interest rate 2.70% 2.10% 0.00%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent) 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent) 23.20% 25.50% 0.00%
Expected term 6 years 5 years 10 months 24 days 0 years
v3.10.0.1
Stock-based compensation - Summary of Additional Stock Based Compensation Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]      
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 2.4 $ 16.7 $ 4.0
Fair value of restricted stock and RSUs vested $ 11.8 $ 22.8 $ 2.7
v3.10.0.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance $ 1,090.1 $ 809.9 $ 816.7
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 [1] 0.5 0.0 0.0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (90.7) 109.3  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (4.5) 2.1  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (94.7) 111.4  
Ending balance 1,191.7 1,090.1 809.9
AOCI Attributable to Parent      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance (278.5) (389.9) (424.4)
Ending balance (373.2) (278.5) (389.9)
Cash flow hedges      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance 6.7 0.0  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 8.3 4.4  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (6.6) 2.3  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 2.2 6.7  
Ending balance 8.9 6.7 0.0
Defined benefit pension items      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance (1.2) 1.2  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (2.0) (2.2)  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 2.1 (0.2)  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 0.1 (2.4)  
Ending balance (1.1) (1.2) 1.2
Currency translation items      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance (284.0) (391.1)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (97.0) 107.1  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 0.0 0.0  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (97.0) 107.1  
Ending balance (381.0) $ (284.0) $ (391.1)
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 0.0    
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 | Cash flow hedges      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 0.5    
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 | Defined benefit pension items      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 0.0    
Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 | Currency translation items      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Impact due to adoption of ASU 2017-12 $ 0.0    
[1] Adjusted due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12 “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” on January 1, 2018. Refer to “Note 2: Significant accounting policies” for more information.
v3.10.0.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Summary of Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]                      
Other expense, net                 $ (931.4) $ (919.7) $ (893.1)
Income tax expense (benefit)                 (49.9) (49.0) 11.2
Net income (loss) $ 1.2 $ 49.6 $ 56.1 $ 65.4 $ 27.0 $ 38.9 $ 31.3 $ 22.6 172.3 119.8 (68.4)
Interest expense                 (135.6) (152.0) $ (163.8)
Total reclassifications for the period                 (4.5) 2.1  
Cash flow hedges                      
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]                      
Total reclassifications for the period                 (6.6) 2.3  
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Amortization of defined benefit pension items                      
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]                      
Other expense, net                 2.7 (0.2)  
Income tax expense (benefit)                 (0.6) 0.0  
Net income (loss)                 2.1 (0.2)  
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swap contracts                      
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]                      
Income tax expense (benefit)                 1.5 (1.5)  
Net income (loss)                 (6.6) 2.3  
Interest expense                 $ (8.1) $ 3.8  
v3.10.0.1
Property, plant and equipment, net - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Less: Accumulated depreciation $ (970.1) $ (927.2)  
Subtotal 933.5 980.0  
Work in progress 22.3 23.0  
Property, plant and equipment, net 955.8 1,003.0 $ 1,019.5
Land and buildings      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross 790.9 809.6  
Tank farms      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross 276.0 277.4  
Machinery, equipment and other      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 836.7 $ 820.2  
v3.10.0.1
Property, plant and equipment, net - Summary of Cost and Accumulated Depreciation Related to Capital Lease Assets (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Capital lease assets, at cost $ 89.4 $ 86.0
Less: accumulated depreciation (37.4) (27.0)
Capital lease assets, net $ 52.0 $ 59.0
v3.10.0.1
Property, plant and equipment, net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Capitalized interest on capital projects $ 0.0 $ 0.1
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets - Summary of the Activity in Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance $ 1,818.4 $ 1,784.4
Additions 7.6 4.1
Purchase price adjustments (3.2) 0.5
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) (2.4)  
Foreign exchange (39.7) 29.4
Ending Balance 1,780.7 1,818.4
USA    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 1,325.2 1,325.2
Additions 0.0 0.0
Purchase price adjustments 0.0 0.0
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) 0.0  
Foreign exchange 0.0 0.0
Ending Balance 1,325.2 1,325.2
Canada    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 468.7 438.4
Additions 0.0 0.0
Purchase price adjustments 0.0 0.5
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) (2.4)  
Foreign exchange (36.4) 29.8
Ending Balance 429.9 468.7
EMEA    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 1.2 1.1
Additions 7.6 0.0
Purchase price adjustments 0.0 0.0
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) 0.0  
Foreign exchange (0.5) 0.1
Ending Balance 8.3 1.2
Rest of World    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 23.3 19.7
Additions 0.0 4.1
Purchase price adjustments (3.2) 0.0
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) 0.0  
Foreign exchange (2.8) (0.5)
Ending Balance $ 17.3 $ 23.3
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets - Additional Information (Detail)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2017
USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Number of operating segments | segment 4    
Accumulated impairment losses on goodwill | $ $ 255.6 $ 271.3 $ 246.3
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets - Schedule of Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross $ 1,021.2 $ 1,031.3
Accumulated amortization (783.1) (743.6)
Net 238.1 287.7
Customer Relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross 846.1 853.5
Accumulated amortization (620.3) (582.1)
Net 225.8 271.4
Other    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross 175.1 177.8
Accumulated amortization (162.8) (161.5)
Net $ 12.3 $ 16.3
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets - Summary of Estimated Annual Amortization Expense (Detail)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
2019 $ 47.7
2020 43.3
2021 39.1
2022 31.6
2023 $ 26.4
v3.10.0.1
Impairment charges (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
facility
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]      
Number of facilities where operations have ceased | facility     3
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Impairment charge $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 133.9
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Impairment charge     0.3
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Impairment charge     113.7
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Property, plant and equipment, net      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Impairment charge     $ 16.5
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Inventories      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Impairment charge $ 3.4    
v3.10.0.1
Other accrued expenses (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Customer prepayments and deposits $ 97.7
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Summary of Short Term Financing (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Amounts drawn under credit facilities $ 4.7 $ 9.1
Bank overdrafts 3.4 4.3
Total $ 8.1 $ 13.4
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Additional Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Weighted average interest rate on short-term financing 3.00% 4.10%
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees $ 139.4 $ 147.0
Weighted average interest rate on long-term debt 4.29% 4.50%
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Capital lease obligations $ 54.8 $ 60.9
Total 2,395.3 2,909.9
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs and discount on debt (23.2) (27.9)
Total long-term debt 2,372.1 2,882.0
Less: current maturities (21.7) (62.0)
Total long-term debt, excluding current maturities 2,350.4 2,820.0
Term B Loan Due 2022    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remaining notes payable $ 1,747.8 $ 2,277.8
Variable interest rate 4.77% 4.07%
North American ABL Facility Due 2020    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remaining notes payable $ 134.7 $ 155.0
Variable interest rate 4.19% 5.00%
North American ABL Term Loan Due 2018    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remaining notes payable $ 0.0 $ 16.7
Variable interest rate 0.00% 4.44%
European ABL Facility Due 2023    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remaining notes payable $ 58.5 $ 0.0
Variable interest rate 1.75% 0.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2023    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remaining notes payable $ 399.5 $ 399.5
Fixed interest rate 6.75% 6.75%
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Future Contractual Maturities of Long-term Debt Excluding Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
2019 $ 21.7  
2020 147.0  
2021 9.3  
2022 7.6  
2023 460.8  
Thereafter 1,748.9  
Total $ 2,395.3 $ 2,909.9
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Long-term debt restructurings (Narrative) (Details)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 28, 2017
USD ($)
Nov. 28, 2017
EUR (€)
Nov. 27, 2017
Jan. 19, 2017
USD ($)
Jan. 18, 2017
Jul. 28, 2015
USD ($)
tranche
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
EUR (€)
Jul. 01, 2015
USD ($)
Mar. 24, 2014
EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Early Repayment of Senior Debt               $ 530,000,000          
Additional proceeds               41,700,000 $ 4,477,800,000 $ 0      
Debt refinancing costs               0 5,300,000 0      
Loss on extinguishment of debt               100,000 $ 3,800,000 $ 0      
Number of revolving tranches | tranche           2              
Second Amendment Of The Senior Term B Loan Facility, US Dollar Denominated Tranche                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan agreement $ 2,283,500,000.0                        
Total net leverage required for additional interest rate reduction (ratio) 4.00 4.00                      
Installment payments $ 5,700,000                        
Second Amendment Of The Senior Term B Loan Facility, US Dollar Denominated Tranche | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Decrease in interest rate 25.00% 25.00%                      
Debt instrument, credit spread on variable interest rate 2.50% 2.50%                      
Term of extension 2 years 2 years                      
Senior Term B Loan US Dollar Denominated Tranche                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan agreement       $ 2,200,000,000.0                  
Proceeds used to repay existing loans $ 2,183,500,000.0                        
Additional proceeds       $ 175,600,000                  
Senior Term B Loan US Dollar Denominated Tranche | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Decrease in interest rate       50.00%                  
Debt instrument, credit spread on variable interest rate     2.75% 2.75%                  
Additional reduction of interest rate available 25.00% 25.00%                      
Senior Term Loan Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Debt instrument, credit spread on variable interest rate         3.25%                
Senior Term Loan Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Fixed interest rate       1.00%                  
Euro Tranche Term Loan Due Twenty Seventeen Variable Interest Rate Of Five Point Two Five Percent                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Proceeds used to repay existing loans $ 95,800,000 € 80,900,000                      
Unsecured Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan agreement                       $ 400,000,000.0  
Fixed interest rate                       6.75%  
New North American ABL Facility                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Term of loan facility           5 years              
Loan facility           $ 1,300,000,000 $ 1,300,000,000 $ 1,300,000,000          
Unused line fee (as a percent)               0.375% 0.375%        
New North American ABL Facility | Minimum                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Unused line fee (as a percent)           0.25%              
New North American ABL Facility | Maximum                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Unused line fee (as a percent)           0.375%              
New North American ABL Facility | New North American ABL Term Loan                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan facility           $ 100,000,000              
North American ABL Facility                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan facility           1,400,000,000              
Facility terminated           1,400,000,000.0              
Quarterly installments           16,700,000              
European ABL Facility                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan facility | €                         € 200,000,000
European ABL Facility Due 2023 | Minimum                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Unused line fee (as a percent)             0.25%            
European ABL Facility Due 2023 | Maximum                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Unused line fee (as a percent)             0.375%            
Euro ABL Due Two Thousand Nineteen                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan facility | €                     € 200,000,000    
Unused line fee (as a percent)               0.375% 0.50%        
Revolving Loan Tranche | United States Subsidiaries | New North American ABL Facility                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan facility           1,000,000,000              
Revolving Loan Tranche | Canadian Subsidiaries | New North American ABL Facility                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Loan facility           $ 300,000,000              
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Borrowing availability and assets pledged as collateral (Narrative) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
EUR (€)
Jul. 28, 2015
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Shares pledged as collateral (as a percent) 65.00%   65.00%  
New North American ABL Facility        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Credit commitments $ 1,300,000,000     $ 1,300,000,000
Available borrowing capacity $ 562,600,000 $ 548,300,000    
Unused line fee (as a percent) 0.375% 0.375%    
Euro ABL Due Two Thousand Nineteen        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Credit commitments | €     € 200,000,000  
Available borrowing capacity $ 57,700,000 $ 133,100,000    
Unused line fee (as a percent) 0.375% 0.50%    
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Summary of Assets Pledged Under North American ABL Facility, North American ABL Term Loan, Senior Term Loan Facilities and Euro ABL (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Assets pledged $ 2,465.5 $ 2,769.9
Cash    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Assets pledged 45.5 313.6
Trade accounts receivable, net    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Assets pledged 906.1 881.0
Inventories    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Assets pledged 674.0 702.0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Assets pledged 96.9 93.3
Property, plant and equipment, net    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Assets pledged $ 743.0 $ 780.0
v3.10.0.1
Fair value measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets | Level 2 | Forward Currency Contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial assets $ 0.3 $ 0.3
Current Assets | Level 2 | Interest rate swap contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial assets 12.4 1.2
Current Assets | Level 3 | Forward Currency Contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial assets 0.0 0.0
Current Assets | Level 3 | Interest rate swap contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial assets 0.0 0.0
Noncurrent Assets | Level 2 | Interest rate swap contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial assets 1.5 10.6
Noncurrent Assets | Level 3 | Interest rate swap contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial assets 0.0 0.0
Current Liabilities | Level 2 | Forward Currency Contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial liabilities 0.2 0.4
Current Liabilities | Level 3 | Forward Currency Contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial liabilities 0.0 0.0
Noncurrent Liabilities | Level 2 | Contingent Consideration    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial liabilities 0.0 0.0
Noncurrent Liabilities | Level 3 | Contingent Consideration    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Financial liabilities $ 0.0 $ 0.4
v3.10.0.1
Fair value measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - Forward Currency Contracts - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    
Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivative [Line Items]    
Net amount related to foreign currency contracts included in prepaid and other current assets $ 0.3 $ 0.2
Other Accrued Expenses    
Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivative [Line Items]    
Net amount related to foreign currency contracts included in other accrued expenses $ 0.2 $ 0.3
v3.10.0.1
Fair value measurements - Reconciliation of Fair Value Measurements that Use Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Detail) - Contingent Consideration - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Fair value beginning balance $ 0.4 $ 7.5
Additions 0.0 0.4
Fair value adjustments 1.0 (3.0)
Foreign currency 0.0 0.1
Payments (1.4) (3.7)
Gain on settlement 0.0 (0.9)
Fair value ending balance $ 0.0 $ 0.4
v3.10.0.1
Fair value measurements - Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Long-term debt including current portion, Carrying amount $ 2,372.1 $ 2,882.0
Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Long-term debt including current portion, Carrying amount 2,372.1 2,882.0
Long-term debt including current portion, Fair value $ 2,314.3 $ 2,939.7
v3.10.0.1
Derivatives (Detail) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Undesignated Forward Currency Contracts      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Notional amount   $ 108,100,000 $ 134,000,000
Undesignated Forward Currency Contracts | Minimum      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Term of instruments   1 month  
Undesignated Forward Currency Contracts | Maximum      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Term of instruments   3 months  
Interest rate swap contracts      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Derivative gains estimated to be reclassified within the next 12 months   $ 12,400,000  
Interest rate swap contracts | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Notional amount   $ 500,000,000 $ 1,500,000,000.0
Weighted average interest rate   2.73% 1.70%
Notional amount that expired during the period $ 1,000,000,000.0    
Assets   $ 2,000,000,000  
Interest Rate Cap | Cash Flow Hedging | Undesignated Forward Currency Contracts      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Notional amount $ 800,000,000    
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Interest rate swap contracts | Current Assets      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Assets   12,400,000 $ 1,200,000
Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Interest rate swap contracts | Noncurrent Assets      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Assets   1,500,000 $ 10,600,000
Term B Loan Due Twenty Twenty Two | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Gain in other expense, net   $ 1,400,000  
Term B Loan Due Twenty Twenty Two | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Minimum      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
LIBOR floor rate   1.00%  
Hedge Accounting Election | Interest Expense | Interest rate swap contracts      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Net unrealized gains   $ 8,100,000  
v3.10.0.1
Business combinations - Additional Information (Detail)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
May 31, 2018
USD ($)
Jan. 04, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 29, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Business
Sep. 17, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Sep. 21, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                        
Goodwill acquired in business purchase                 $ 7,600,000 $ 4,100,000    
Adjustment to goodwill related to business purchase                 (3,200,000) $ 500,000    
Number of business acquired | Business                   2    
Nexeo Solutions, Inc.                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                        
Value of cash and stock in business combination merger                     $ 2,000,000,000  
Value of merger agreement per share (in USD per share) | $ / shares                     $ 11.65  
Number of shares of acquiree stock exchanged for each share of acquiror stock (in shares) | shares                     0.305  
Cash consideration per share to acquiree stockholders under the proposed merger agreement (in USD per share) | $ / shares                     $ 3.29  
Credit commitments                     $ 1,300,000,000.0  
Business combination agreement termination fee                     35,000,000  
Alternative transaction termination fee payable to acquiree                     $ 128,000,000  
Tagma Brasil                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                        
Percentage of equity interest acquired                       100.00%
Tagma Brasil Ltda. And PVS Minibulk, Inc.                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                        
Total purchase price     $ 21,700,000         $ 23,900,000        
Cash acquired               200,000        
Goodwill acquired in business purchase     1,000,000                  
Adjustment to goodwill related to business purchase                 (3,200,000)      
Purchase price allocation, intangibles     $ 5,300,000                  
Increase in value of intangible assets                 1,100,000      
Proceeds from Previous Acquisition                 2,200,000      
Nexus Ag Business Inc.                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                        
Payments for previous acquisitions             $ 500,000          
Earthoil Plantations Limited                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                        
Percentage of equity interest acquired 100.00%                      
Total purchase price $ 13,300,000         $ 13,700,000            
Goodwill acquired in business purchase 3,700,000         2,500,000            
Intangible assets acquired in business purchase $ 6,100,000         $ 6,100,000            
Purchase price consideration adjustment         $ 400,000              
Adjustment to goodwill related to business purchase         1,200,000              
Increase in other accrued expenses related to final working capital adjustments         1,700,000              
Kemetyl Industrial Chemicals                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                        
Percentage of equity interest acquired   100.00%                    
Total purchase price   $ 7,500,000             $ 8,900,000      
Cash acquired   700,000                    
Goodwill acquired in business purchase   3,900,000   $ 5,300,000                
Intangible assets acquired in business purchase   $ 3,600,000     3,700,000     $ 3,700,000        
Adjustment to goodwill related to business purchase         $ 1,400,000              
Prepaid expenses and other current assets acquired in business purchase       $ 1,400,000                
v3.10.0.1
Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jul. 21, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
location
claim
site
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]        
Rental and operating lease expense   $ 64.1 $ 76.7 $ 83.3
Other Commitments [Line Items]        
Number of locations impacted by environmental laws and regulations | location   130    
Number of company owned/occupied sites requiring environmental remediation work | site   107    
Number of non owned sites liable for a share of clean-up | site   23    
Estimated life of project, minimum   2 years    
Estimated life of project, maximum   30 years    
Accrued environmental loss contingencies, current   $ 32.1 29.1  
Discount on environmental liabilities   $ 5.0 $ 5.0  
Discount rate used in the present value calculation   2.70% 2.40%  
Expected payments for environmental remediation in next year   $ 32.1    
Projects With Uncertain Timing        
Other Commitments [Line Items]        
Expected payments for environmental remediation in next year   $ 11.4    
CBP        
Other Commitments [Line Items]        
Penalty sought $ 84.0      
Maximum        
Other Commitments [Line Items]        
Number of asbestos-related claims | claim   200    
v3.10.0.1
Commitments and contingencies - Summary of Minimum Rental Commitments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases and Capital Lease Obligations (Detail)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Minimum rental commitments  
2019 $ 54.9
2020 40.4
2021 30.0
2022 24.6
2023 16.3
Thereafter 30.0
Total $ 196.2
v3.10.0.1
Commitments and contingencies - Changes in Total Environmental Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]    
Environmental liabilities at beginning of period $ 89.2 $ 95.8
Revised obligation estimates 12.6 12.3
Environmental payments (18.1) (19.3)
Foreign exchange (0.2) 0.4
Environmental liabilities at end of period $ 83.5 $ 89.2
v3.10.0.1
Commitments and contingencies - Schedule of Expected Payments for Environmental Remediation (Detail)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
2019 $ 32.1
2020 10.3
2021 8.8
2022 7.0
2023 6.5
Thereafter 23.9
Total $ 88.6
v3.10.0.1
Related party transactions - Summary of Sales and Purchases with Related Parties (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
CD&R      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Sales to affiliate companies $ 4.5 $ 5.3 $ 7.7
Purchases from affiliate companies 0.1 6.0 16.5
Temasek      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Sales to affiliate companies 0.0 10.1 14.4
Purchases from affiliate companies 0.0 0.7 10.1
CVC      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Sales to affiliate companies 0.0 0.0 0.5
Purchases from affiliate companies $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0
v3.10.0.1
Related party transactions - Summary of Receivables Due from and Payables Due to Related Parties (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Due from affiliates $ 0.7 $ 1.0
Due to affiliates $ 0.2 $ 0.2
v3.10.0.1
Segments - Company's Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales: $ 1,971.2 $ 2,130.7 $ 2,372.6 $ 2,158.0 $ 1,959.2 $ 2,048.7 $ 2,247.0 $ 1,998.8 $ 8,632.5 $ 8,253.7 $ 8,073.7
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                 6,732.4 6,448.2 6,346.6
Outbound freight and handling                 328.3 292.0 286.6
Warehousing, selling and administrative                 931.4 919.7 893.1
Adjusted EBITDA                 640.4 593.8 547.4
Other operating expenses, net                 73.5 55.4 37.2
Depreciation                 125.2 135.0 152.3
Amortization                 54.3 65.4 85.6
Impairment charges                 0.0 0.0 133.9
Interest expense, net                 132.4 148.0 159.9
Loss on extinguishment of debt                 0.1 3.8 0.0
Other expense, net                 32.7 17.4 58.1
Income tax expense                 49.9 49.0 (11.2)
Net income (loss) 1.2 $ 49.6 $ 56.1 $ 65.4 27.0 $ 38.9 $ 31.3 $ 22.6 172.3 119.8 (68.4)
Total assets 5,272.4       5,732.7       5,272.4 5,732.7 5,389.9
Property, plant and equipment, net 955.8       1,003.0       955.8 1,003.0 1,019.5
Capital expenditures                 94.6 82.7 90.1
Other/ Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 (140.1) (136.0) (117.2)
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                 (140.1) (136.0) (117.2)
Outbound freight and handling                 0.0 0.0 0.0
Warehousing, selling and administrative                 25.2 28.2 18.1
Adjusted EBITDA                 (25.2) (28.2) (18.1)
Total assets (547.8)       (1,058.0)       (547.8) (1,058.0) (1,211.8)
Property, plant and equipment, net 30.0       27.7       30.0 27.7 37.1
Capital expenditures                 10.5 1.1 1.2
Inter-segment                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 140.1 136.0 117.2
USA                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 4,961.0 4,657.1 4,706.7
USA | Inter-segment                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 (126.6) (121.9) (104.4)
USA | Operating Segments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 5,087.6 4,779.0 4,811.1
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                 3,959.3 3,706.8 3,769.7
Outbound freight and handling                 215.6 192.8 191.5
Warehousing, selling and administrative                 536.3 529.4 523.5
Adjusted EBITDA                 376.4 350.0 326.4
Total assets 3,114.8       3,526.8       3,114.8 3,526.8 3,676.8
Property, plant and equipment, net 597.6       636.1       597.6 636.1 671.1
Capital expenditures                 42.9 47.5 56.5
Canada                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 1,302.3 1,371.5 1,261.0
Canada | Inter-segment                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 (9.3) (9.1) (8.3)
Canada | Operating Segments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 1,311.6 1,380.6 1,269.3
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                 1,080.1 1,143.0 1,047.4
Outbound freight and handling                 42.5 37.3 34.1
Warehousing, selling and administrative                 84.3 86.2 85.4
Adjusted EBITDA                 104.7 114.1 102.4
Total assets 1,519.9       2,091.3       1,519.9 2,091.3 1,856.2
Property, plant and equipment, net 141.3       147.7       141.3 147.7 148.3
Capital expenditures                 22.3 17.1 17.4
EMEA                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 1,975.7 1,821.2 1,704.2
EMEA | Inter-segment                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 (4.0) (4.5) (4.5)
EMEA | Operating Segments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 1,979.7 1,825.7 1,708.7
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                 1,525.6 1,411.7 1,324.6
Outbound freight and handling                 62.4 55.7 54.9
Warehousing, selling and administrative                 240.5 229.1 219.3
Adjusted EBITDA                 151.2 129.2 109.9
Total assets 973.0       935.1       973.0 935.1 857.4
Property, plant and equipment, net 156.7       158.0       156.7 158.0 144.8
Capital expenditures                 15.4 14.6 12.2
Rest of World                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 393.5 403.9 401.8
Rest of World | Inter-segment                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 (0.2) (0.5) 0.0
Rest of World | Operating Segments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales:                 393.7 404.4 401.8
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)                 307.5 322.7 322.1
Outbound freight and handling                 7.8 6.2 6.1
Warehousing, selling and administrative                 45.1 46.8 46.8
Adjusted EBITDA                 33.3 28.7 26.8
Total assets 212.5       237.5       212.5 237.5 211.3
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 30.2       $ 33.5       30.2 33.5 18.2
Capital expenditures                 $ 3.5 $ 2.4 $ 2.8
v3.10.0.1
Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]                      
Pension mark to market loss $ (34,200,000)       $ 3,800,000       $ (34,200,000) $ (3,800,000) $ (68,600,000)
Net sales: 1,971,200,000 $ 2,130,700,000 $ 2,372,600,000 $ 2,158,000,000 1,959,200,000 $ 2,048,700,000 $ 2,247,000,000 $ 1,998,800,000 8,632,500,000 8,253,700,000 8,073,700,000
Operating income 62,500,000 99,600,000 117,400,000 107,900,000 98,600,000.0 88,200,000.0 83,700,000.0 67,500,000.0 387,400,000 338,000,000 138,400,000
Net income (loss) $ 1,200,000 $ 49,600,000 $ 56,100,000 $ 65,400,000 $ 27,000,000 $ 38,900,000 $ 31,300,000 $ 22,600,000 $ 172,300,000 $ 119,800,000 $ (68,400,000)
Income per share:                      
Basic and diluted (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.35 $ 0.40 $ 0.46 $ 0.19 $ 0.28 $ 0.22 $ 0.16      
Shares used in computation of income (loss) per share:                      
Basic (in shares) 141.4 141.2 141.1 140.9 140.7 140.4 140.1 139.4 141.2 140.2 137.8
Diluted (in shares) 142.2 142.3 142.0 142.0 141.8 141.4 141.3 140.8 142.2 141.4 137.8
v3.10.0.1
Subsequent events (Details) - USD ($)
11 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 07, 2019
Sep. 17, 2018
Nexeo Solutions, Inc.      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Value of cash and stock in business combination merger     $ 2,000,000,000
Value of merger agreement per share (in USD per share)     $ 11.65
Number of shares of acquiree stock exchanged for each share of acquiror stock (in shares)     0.305
Cash consideration per share to acquiree stockholders under the proposed merger agreement (in USD per share)     $ 3.29
Loan facility     $ 1,300,000,000.0
Business combination agreement termination fee     35,000,000
Alternative transaction termination fee payable to acquiree     $ 128,000,000
Nexeo Solutions, Inc. | Subsequent Event      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Value of cash and stock in business combination merger   $ 1,700,000,000  
Value of merger agreement per share (in USD per share)   $ 8.72  
Cash consideration per share to acquiree stockholders under the proposed merger agreement (in USD per share)   2.88  
Stock consideration, implied value per share (in USD per share)   5.84  
Share price (in USD per share)   $ 19.15  
Scenario, Forecast | Nexeo Solutions, Inc. | Subsequent Event      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Enterprise value of divestiture of plastics distribution business $ 640,000,000