Quarterlytics / Industrials / Industrial - Machinery / Johnson Controls International

Johnson Controls International

jci · NYSE Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker jci
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Industrial - Machinery
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2017 Annual Report · Johnson Controls International
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
JOHNSON CONTROLS 
INTERNATIONAL PLC

Annual Report 

For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Directors' Report

Independent Auditors' Report

Consolidated Statement of Income

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls Ordinary Shareholders

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Company Balance Sheet

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to Company Financial Statements

Page

3

47

54

55

56

57

58

59

131

132

133

2

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC

DIRECTORS' REPORT
For the Financial Year Ended September 30, 2017 

The directors present their report and the audited consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended September 30, 
2017,  which  are  set  out  on  pages  54  to  129,  and  audited  parent  company  financial  statements  for  the  financial  year  ended 
September 30, 2017, which are set out on pages 130 to 143.

The directors have elected to prepare the consolidated financial statements of Johnson Controls International plc and its subsidiaries 
(hereinafter referred to as "Johnson Controls" or the "Group") in accordance with Section 279 of the Companies Act 2014 (the 
"Act"), which provides that a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss may be given by preparing the financial 
statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), as defined 
in Section 279 of the Act, to the extent that the use of those principles in the preparation of the financial statements does not 
contravene any provision of the Act or of any regulations made thereunder. The directors have elected to apply the amendments 
to Schedule III Part II of Companies Act 2014, introduced by the Companies (Accounting) Act 2017, which allows the directors 
to adopt a balance sheet and profit and loss format in a different way than the formats as prescribed by Section B, provided that 
the  information  given  is  at  least  equivalent  to  that  which  would  have  been  required  by  the  use  of  such  format.   To  ensure 
comparability, corresponding amounts have been disclosed in the same format.

The directors have elected to prepare the Johnson Controls International plc parent company ("Johnson Controls Ireland" or "Parent 
Company")  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  Financial  Reporting  Standard  102  "The  Financial  Reporting  Standard 
applicable in the UK and Ireland" ("FRS 102"), together with the Companies Act 2014.

DIRECTORS' COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

The directors acknowledge that they are responsible for securing the Parent Company’s compliance with its relevant 
obligations.         

The directors confirm that the Parent Company has:

1. 
Parent Company with its relevant obligations.

Drawn up a compliance policy statement setting out the Parent Company’s policies respecting compliance by the 

2. 
Company’s relevant obligations.

Put in place appropriate arrangements or structures that are designed to secure material compliance with the Parent 

3. 
at 2 above.

Conducted a review during the financial year ended September 30, 2017 of the arrangements and structures referred to 

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with Irish law.

Irish law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year giving a true and fair view of the Group’s 
assets, liabilities and financial position at the end of the financial year and the profit or loss of the Group for the financial year. 
Under that law, the directors have prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. accounting standards, 
as defined by Section 279(1) of the Companies Act 2014, to the extent that the use of those principles in the preparation of the 
financial statements does not contravene any provision of the Companies Act or of any regulations made thereunder and the Parent 
Company financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland (accounting standards issued 
by the Financial Reporting Council of the UK, including Financial Reporting Standard 102, The Financial Reporting Standard 
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and promulgated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and Irish law).

Under Irish law, the directors shall not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the Group’s assets, liabilities and financial position as at the end of the financial year and the profit or loss of the Group for the 
financial year.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• 
•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

3

• 

• 

state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and identify 
the standards in question, subject to any material departures from those standards being disclosed and explained in the 
notes to the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue 
in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to:

• 
• 

• 

correctly record and explain the transactions of the Group;
enable, at any time, the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group to be determined with reasonable 
accuracy; and
enable the directors to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Act and enable those financial statements to 
be audited.  

The directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Group’s 
website. Legislation in Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in United States dollars and reflect the consolidated operations of the 
Group. Unless otherwise indicated, references to 2017 and 2016 are to Johnson Control's financial years ending September 30, 
2017 (fiscal 2017) and 2016 (fiscal 2016), respectively.

On September 2, 2016, Johnson Controls, Inc. ("JCI Inc.") and Tyco International plc (“Tyco”), a public liability company organized 
under the laws of Ireland, completed their combination pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), 
dated as of January 24, 2016, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 1, 2016, by and among JCI Inc., Tyco and certain 
other  parties  named  therein,  including  Jagara  Merger  Sub  LLC,  an  indirect  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Tyco  (“Merger 
Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on September 2, 2016, Merger Sub merged with and into JCI Inc., with 
JCI Inc. being the surviving corporation in the merger and a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Tyco (the “Merger”). Following 
the Merger, Tyco changed its name to “Johnson Controls International plc.” The Merger changed the jurisdiction of organization 
from the United States to Ireland. The domicile to Ireland became effective on September 2, 2016. 

The merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting 
Standards  Codification  ("ASC")  805,  "Business  Combinations."  JCI  Inc.  was  the  accounting  acquirer  for  financial  reporting 
purposes. Accordingly, the historical consolidated financial statements of JCI Inc. for periods prior to this transaction are considered 
to be the historic financial statements of the Group. Refer to Note 2, "Merger Transaction," of the notes to consolidated financial 
statements for further information. You should read this discussion and analysis along with our consolidated financial statements 
and related notes thereto as of and for the financial years ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016. Due to the timing 
of the Merger, the results of operations of Tyco are only reflected in the Group's results of operations for the last month of fiscal 
2016, compared to the full financial year of fiscal 2017, which may affect comparability throughout this report.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland, is a global diversified technology and multi industrial leader 
serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. The Group creates intelligent buildings, efficient energy solutions, 
integrated infrastructure and next generation transportation systems that work seamlessly together to deliver on the promise of 
smart cities and communities. The Group is committed to helping our customers win and creating greater value for all of its 
stakeholders through strategic focus on our buildings and energy growth platforms.

Johnson Controls was originally incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1885 as Johnson Electric Service Company to manufacture, 
install and service automatic temperature regulation systems for buildings. The Group was renamed to Johnson Controls, Inc. in 
1974.  In  1978,  the  Group  acquired  Globe-Union,  Inc.,  a Wisconsin-based  manufacturer  of  automotive  batteries  for  both  the 
replacement and original equipment markets. The Group entered the automotive seating industry in 1985 with the acquisition of 
Michigan-based Hoover Universal, Inc. In 2005, the Group acquired York International, a global supplier of heating, ventilating, 
air-conditioning ("HVAC") and refrigeration equipment and services. In 2014, the Group acquired Air Distribution Technologies, 

4

Inc. ("ADTi"), one of the largest independent providers of air distribution and ventilation products in North America.  On October 
1, 2015, the Group formed a joint venture with Hitachi to expand its building related product offerings.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 JCI Inc. and Tyco completed the Merger as described above. The acquisition of Tyco brings 
together best-in-class product, technology and service capabilities across controls, fire, security, HVAC, power solutions and energy 
storage,  to serve  various  end-markets including large institutions, commercial  buildings, retail, industrial,  small business  and 
residential.  The combination of the Tyco and Johnson Controls buildings platforms creates opportunities for near-term growth 
through cross-selling, complementary branch and channel networks, and expanded global reach for established businesses. The 
new Group benefits by combining innovation capabilities and pipelines involving new products, advanced solutions for smart 
buildings and cities, value-added services driven by advanced data and analytics and connectivity between buildings and energy 
storage through infrastructure integration. 

On October 31, 2016, the Group completed the spin-off of its Automotive Experience business by way of the transfer of the 
Automotive Experience Business from Johnson Controls to Adient plc and the issuance of ordinary shares of Adient directly to 
holders of Johnson Controls ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. Prior to the open of business on October 31, 2016, each of the 
Group's shareholders received one ordinary share of Adient plc for every 10 ordinary shares of Johnson Controls held as of the 
close of business on October 19, 2016, the record date for the distribution. Group shareholders received cash in lieu of fractional 
shares of Adient, if any. Following the separation and distribution, Adient plc is now an independent public company trading on 
the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "ADNT". The Group did not retain any equity interest in Adient plc. 
Adient's historical financial statements are reflected in the Group's consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation. 

The Building Technologies & Solutions ("Buildings") business is a global market leader in engineering, developing, manufacturing 
and installing building products and systems around the world, including HVAC equipment, HVAC controls, energy-management 
systems, security systems, fire detection systems and fire suppression solutions. The Buildings business further serves customers 
by providing technical services (in the HVAC, security and fire-protection space), energy-management consulting and data-driven 
solutions via its recently launch data-enabled business. Finally, the Group is a North American market leader in residential air 
conditioning and heating systems and a global market leader in industrial refrigeration products.

The Power Solutions business is a leading global supplier of lead-acid automotive batteries for virtually every type of passenger 
car, light truck and utility vehicle. The Group serves both automotive original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and the general 
vehicle battery aftermarket. The Group also supplies advanced battery technologies to power start-stop, hybrid and electric vehicles.

Financial Information About Business Segments

ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. In 
applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Group has determined, effective with the segment reorganization described below, 
that it has five reportable segments for financial reporting purposes. The Group’s five reportable segments are presented in the 
context of its two primary businesses - Building Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions. Refer to Note 19, "Segment 
Information," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for financial information about business segments. For the purpose 
of the following discussion of the Group’s businesses, the four Building Technologies & Solutions reportable segments are presented 
together due to their similar customers and the similar nature of their products, production processes and distribution channels.

Effective July 1, 2017, the Group reorganized the reportable segments within its Building Technologies & Solutions business to 
align with its new management reporting structure and business activities. Prior to this reorganization, Building Technologies & 
Solutions was comprised of five reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Systems and Service North America, Products 
North America, Asia, Rest of World and Tyco. As a result of this change, Building Technologies & Solutions is now comprised of 
four reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, 
Building Solutions Asia Pacific and Global Products. Refer to Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and Note 19, 
“Segment Information,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.

Products/Systems and Services

Building Technologies & Solutions

Building Technologies & Solutions sells its integrated control systems, security systems, fire-detection systems, equipment and 
services primarily through the Group’s extensive global network of sales and service offices, with operations in approximately 60 
countries. Significant sales are also generated through global third-party channels, such as distributors of air-conditioning, security, 
fire-detection and commercial HVAC systems. The Group’s large base of current customers leads to significant repeat business 
for the retrofit and replacement markets. In addition, the new commercial construction market is also important. Trusted Buildings 
5

brands, such as YORK®, Hitachi Air Conditioning, Metasys®, Ansul, Ruskin®, Titus®, Frick®, PENN®, Sabroe®, Simplex® 
and Grinnell® give the Group the most diverse portfolio in the building technology industry.

In fiscal 2017, approximately 27% of its sales originated from its service offerings. In fiscal 2017, Building Technologies & 
Solutions accounted for 76% of the Group’s consolidated net sales.

Power Solutions

Power Solutions services both automotive OEMs and the battery aftermarket by providing advanced battery technology, coupled 
with systems engineering, marketing and service expertise. The Group is the largest producer of lead-acid automotive batteries in 
the world, producing and distributing approximately 154 million lead-acid batteries annually in approximately 68 wholly- and 
majority-owned manufacturing or assembly plants, distribution centers and sales offices in 17 countries worldwide. Investments 
in new product and process technology have expanded product offerings to absorbent glass mat ("AGM") and enhanced flooded 
battery ("EFB") technologies that power start-stop vehicles, as well as lithium-ion battery technology for certain hybrid and electric 
vehicles. The business has also invested to develop sustainable lead and poly recycling operations in the North American and 
European markets. Approximately 76% of unit sales worldwide in fiscal 2017 were to the automotive replacement market, with 
the remaining sales to the OEM market.

Power  Solutions  accounted  for  24%  of  the  Group’s  fiscal  2017  consolidated  net  sales.  Batteries  and  key  components  are 
manufactured at wholly- and majority-owned plants in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

Competition

Building Technologies & Solutions

The Building Technologies & Solutions business conducts its operations through thousands of individual contracts that are either 
negotiated or awarded on a competitive basis. Key factors in the award of contracts include system and service performance, 
quality, price, design, reputation, technology, application engineering capability and construction or project management expertise. 
Competitors for HVAC equipment, security, fire-detection, fire suppression and controls in the residential and non-residential 
marketplace include many regional, national and international providers; larger competitors include Honeywell International, Inc.; 
Siemens Building Technologies, an operating group of Siemens AG; Schneider Electric SA; Carrier Corporation, a subsidiary of 
United Technologies Corporation; Trane Incorporated, a subsidiary of Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited; Daikin Industries, Ltd.; 
Lennox  International,  Inc.;  GC  Midea  Holding  Co,  Ltd.  and  Gree  Electric Appliances,  Inc.  In  addition  to  HVAC  equipment, 
Building Technologies & Solutions competes in a highly fragmented HVAC services market, which is dominated by local providers. 
The loss of any individual contract would not have a material adverse effect on the Group.

Power Solutions

Power Solutions is the principal supplier of batteries to many of the largest merchants in the battery aftermarket, including Advance 
Auto Parts, AutoZone, Robert Bosch GmbH, DAISA S.A., Costco, NAPA, O’Reilly/CSK, Interstate Battery System of America 
and Wal-Mart stores. Automotive batteries are sold throughout the world under private labels and under the Group’s brand names 
(Optima®,  Varta®,  LTH®  and  Heliar®)  to  automotive  replacement  battery  retailers  and  distributors  and  to  automobile 
manufacturers  as  original  equipment.  The  Power  Solutions  business  competes  with  a  number  of  major  U.S.  and  non-U.S. 
manufacturers and distributors of lead-acid batteries, as well as a large number of smaller, regional competitors. The Power Solutions 
business  primarily  competes  in  the  battery  market  with  Exide Technologies,  GS Yuasa  Corporation,  Camel  Group  Company 
Limited, East Penn Manufacturing Company and Banner Batteries GB Limited. The North American, European and Asian lead-
acid battery markets are highly competitive. The manufacturers in these markets compete on price, quality, technical innovation, 
service and warranty.

Backlog

The Group’s backlog relating to the Building Technologies & Solutions business is applicable to its sales of systems and services. 
At September 30, 2017, the backlog was $8.5 billion. The majority of the backlog relates to fiscal 2018. At September 30, 2016, 
the backlog was $8.2 billion. The backlog amount outstanding at any given time is not necessarily indicative of the amount of 
revenue to be earned in the upcoming fiscal year.

6

Raw Materials

Raw materials used by the businesses in connection with their operations, including lead, steel, tin, aluminum, urethane chemicals, 
brass, copper, sulfuric acid, polypropylene and certain flurochemicals used in our fire suppression agents, were readily available 
during fiscal 2017, and the Group expects such availability to continue. In fiscal 2018, commodity prices could fluctuate throughout 
the year and could significantly affect the results of operations.

Intellectual Property

Generally, the Group seeks statutory protection for strategic or financially important intellectual property developed in connection 
with  its  business.  Certain  intellectual  property,  where  appropriate,  is  protected  by  contracts,  licenses,  confidentiality  or  other 
agreements.

The Group owns numerous U.S. and non-U.S. patents (and their respective counterparts), the more important of which cover those 
technologies and inventions embodied in current products or which are used in the manufacture of those products. While the Group 
believes patents are important to its business operations and in the aggregate constitute a valuable asset, no single patent, or group 
of patents, is critical to the success of the business. The Group, from time to time, grants licenses under its patents and technology 
and receives licenses under patents and technology of others.

The Group’s trademarks, certain of which are material to its business, are registered or otherwise legally protected in the U.S. and 
many non-U.S. countries where products and services of the Group are sold. The Group, from time to time, becomes involved in 
trademark licensing transactions.

Most works of authorship produced for the Group, such as computer programs, catalogs and sales literature, carry appropriate 
notices indicating the Group’s claim to copyright protection under U.S. law and appropriate international treaties.

Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

Laws addressing the protection of the environment (environmental laws) and workers’ safety and health (worker safety laws) 
govern the Group’s ongoing global operations. They generally provide for civil and criminal penalties, as well as injunctive and 
remedial relief, for noncompliance or require remediation of sites where Group-related materials have been released into the 
environment.

The Group has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with environmental laws and 
worker safety laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. Certain of the Group’s businesses are, or 
have been, engaged in the handling or use of substances that may impact workplace health and safety or the environment. The 
Group is committed to protecting its workers and the environment against the risks associated with these substances.

The Group’s operations and facilities have been, and in the future may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement 
actions or proceedings for noncompliance with environmental laws and worker safety laws or for the remediation of Group-related 
substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory authorities through commitments 
to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and, in some cases, payment of penalties. See Note 22, "Commitments and 
Contingencies," of this report for a discussion of the Group’s potential environmental liabilities.

Environmental Capital Expenditures

The Group’s ongoing environmental compliance program often results in capital expenditures. Environmental considerations are 
a  part  of  all  significant  capital  expenditure  decisions;  however,  expenditures  in  fiscal  2017  related  solely  to  environmental 
compliance were not material. It is management’s opinion that the amount of any future capital expenditures related solely to 
environmental compliance will not have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial results or competitive position in any 
one year.

Government Regulation and Supervision

The Group's operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, both within and outside the U.S., in 
areas such as: consumer protection, government contracts, international trade, environmental protection, labor and employment, 
tax, licensing and others. For example, most U.S. states and non-U.S. jurisdictions in which the Group operates have licensing 
laws  directed  specifically  toward  the  alarm  and  fire  suppression  industries.  The  Group's  security  businesses  currently  rely 
extensively upon the use of wireline and wireless telephone service to communicate signals. Wireline and wireless telephone 
7

companies in the U.S. are regulated by the federal and state governments. In addition, government regulation of fire safety codes 
can impact the Group's fire businesses. These and other laws and regulations impact the manner in which the Group conducts its 
business, and changes in legislation or government policies can affect the Group's  worldwide operations, both favorably and 
unfavorably. For a more detailed description of the various laws and regulations that affect the Group's business, refer to the 
"Principal Risks and Uncertainties" section.

Employees

As of September 30, 2017, the Group employed approximately 121,000 people worldwide, of which approximately 44,000 were 
employed in the United States and approximately 77,000 were outside the United States. Approximately 25,000 employees are 
covered by collective bargaining agreements or works councils and we believe that our relations with the labor unions are generally 
good.

Seasonal Factors

Certain of Building Technologies & Solutions sales are seasonal as the demand for residential air conditioning equipment generally 
increases  in  the  summer  months.  This  seasonality  is  mitigated  by  the  other  products  and  services  provided  by  the  Building 
Technologies & Solutions business that have no material seasonal effect.

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

Refer  to  Note  19,  "Segment  Information,"  of  the  notes  to  consolidated  financial  statements  for  financial  information  about 
geographic areas.

Research and Development Expenditures

Refer to Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial 
statements for research and development expenditures.

Retrospective Changes

Certain amounts as of September 30, 2016 have been revised to conform to the current year's presentation. 

Effective July 1, 2017, the Group reorganized the reportable segments within its Building Technologies & Solutions business to 
align with its new management reporting structure and business activities. Prior to this reorganization, Building Technologies & 
Solutions was comprised of five reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Systems and Service North America, Products 
North America, Asia, Rest of World and Tyco. As a result of this change, Building Technologies & Solutions is now comprised of 
four reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, 
Building Solutions Asia Pacific and Global Products. Refer to Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and Note 19, 
“Segment Information,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information. The net sales and cost of sales 
split of products and systems versus services on the consolidated statement of income has also been revised for the Building 
Technologies & Solutions reorganization.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group determined that its Automotive Experience business ("Adient") met the criteria 
to  be  classified  as  a  discontinued  operation,  which  required  retrospective  application  to  financial  information  for  all  periods 
presented. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information 
regarding the Group's discontinued operations.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group began evaluating the performance of its business segments primarily on segment 
earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA"), which represents income from continuing operations before income 
taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, 
significant restructuring and impairment costs, and the net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans. 
Historical information has been revised to present the comparable periods on a consistent basis.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 
835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU No. 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a 
recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. 
During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Group adopted ASU No. 2015-03 and applied the change retrospectively to all 
periods presented. This change did not have an impact to any period presented on the consolidated statement of income. The 

8

financial statement impact of this change for the period ending September 30, 2016 was a decrease to noncurrent assets held for 
sale of $44 million, a decrease to noncurrent liabilities held for sale of $44 million, a decrease to other noncurrent assets of $30 
million and a decrease to long-term debt of $30 million. 

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value 
per  Share  (or  Its  Equivalent)." ASU  No.  2015-07  removes  the  requirement  to  categorize  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy  all 
investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Such investments should be 
disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. ASU No. 2015-07 was effective retrospectively for the Group for the quarter 
ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements, 
but did impact pension asset disclosures.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Unless otherwise indicated, references to "Johnson Controls," the "Group," "we," "our" and "us" in this Annual Report refer to 
Johnson Controls International plc and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Group has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. All 
statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are, or could be, "forward-looking statements" within the 
meaning  of  the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act  of 1995.  In  this  document,  statements  regarding Johnson  Controls' 
future financial  position,  sales,  costs,  earnings,  cash  flows,  other  measures  of  results  of  operations, synergies  and  integration 
opportunities, capital expenditures and debt levels are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," 
"estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended 
to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. 
Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other 
factors, some of which are beyond Johnson Controls’ control, that could cause Johnson Controls’ actual results to differ materially 
from  those  expressed  or  implied  by  such  forward-looking  statements,  including,  among  others,  risks  related  to: any delay  or 
inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions such as the merger 
with  Tyco,  the  spin-off  of Adient, changes  in  tax  laws,  regulations,  rates,  policies  or  interpretations,  the  loss  of  key  senior 
management, the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions, significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated 
with such transactions, the outcome of actual or potential litigation relating to such transactions, the risk that disruptions from recent 
transactions will harm Johnson Controls’ business, the strength of the U.S. or other economies, automotive vehicle production 
levels, mix and schedules, energy and commodity prices, the availability of raw materials and component products, currency 
exchange rates, and cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Johnson 
Controls’ business is included in the section entitled "Principal Risks and Uncertainties." The forward-looking statements included 
in this document are only made as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Johnson 
Controls assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring 
after the date of this document.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Risks Relating to Business Operations 

General economic, credit and capital market conditions could adversely affect our financial performance, our ability to 
grow or sustain our businesses and our ability to access the capital markets.

We compete around the world in various geographic regions and product markets. Global economic conditions affect each of our 
primary businesses. As we discuss in greater detail in the specific risk factors for each of our businesses that appear below, any 
future financial distress in the industries and/or markets where we compete could negatively affect our revenues and financial 
performance  in  future  periods,  result  in  future  restructuring  charges,  and  adversely  impact  our  ability  to  grow  or  sustain  our 
businesses.

The capital and credit markets provide us with liquidity to operate and grow our businesses beyond the liquidity that operating 
cash flows provide. A worldwide economic downturn and/or disruption of the credit markets could reduce our access to capital 
necessary for our operations and executing our strategic plan. If our access to capital were to become significantly constrained, 
or if costs of capital increased significantly due to lowered credit ratings, prevailing industry conditions, the volatility of the capital 
markets or other factors; then our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

9

Some of the industries in which we operate are cyclical and, accordingly, demand for our products and services could be 
adversely affected by downturns in these industries. 

Much  of  the  demand  for  installation  of  HVAC,  security  products,  and  fire  detection  and  suppression  solutions  is  driven  by 
commercial and residential construction and industrial facility expansion and maintenance projects. Commercial and residential 
construction projects are heavily dependent on general economic conditions, localized demand for commercial and residential 
real estate and availability of credit. Commercial and residential real estate markets are prone to significant fluctuations in supply 
and demand. In addition, most commercial and residential real estate developers rely heavily on project financing in order to 
initiate and complete projects. Declines in real estate values could lead to significant reductions in the availability of project 
financing, even in markets where demand may otherwise be sufficient to support new construction. These factors could in turn 
hamper demand for new HVAC, fire detection and suppression and security installations.

Levels of industrial capital expenditures for facility expansions and maintenance turn on general economic conditions, economic 
conditions  within  specific  industries  we  serve,  expectations  of  future  market  behavior  and  available  financing. Additionally, 
volatility in commodity prices can negatively affect the level of these activities and can result in postponement of capital spending 
decisions or the delay or cancellation of existing orders.

The businesses of many of our industrial customers, particularly oil and gas companies, chemical and petrochemical companies, 
mining and general industrial companies, are to varying degrees cyclical and have experienced periodic downturns. During such 
economic downturns, customers in these industries historically have tended to delay major capital projects, including greenfield 
construction, maintenance projects and upgrades. Additionally, demand for our products and services may be affected by volatility 
in energy and commodity prices and fluctuating demand forecasts, as our customers may be more conservative in their capital 
planning, which may reduce demand for our products and services. Although our industrial customers tend to be less dependent 
on project financing than real estate developers, disruptions in financial markets and banking systems could make credit and capital 
markets difficult for our customers to access, and could significantly raise the cost of new debt for our customers. Any difficulty 
in accessing these markets and the increased associated costs can have a negative effect on investment in large capital projects, 
including necessary maintenance and upgrades, even during periods of favorable end-market conditions.

Many of our customers outside of the industrial and commercial sectors, including governmental and institutional customers, have 
experienced budgetary constraints as sources of revenue have been negatively impacted by adverse economic conditions. These 
budgetary constraints have in the past and may in the future reduce demand for our products and services among governmental 
and institutional customers.

Reduced demand for our products and services could result in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or lead to excess capacity, 
which  unfavorably  impacts  our  absorption  of  fixed  costs. This  reduced  demand  may  also  erode  average  selling  prices  in  the 
industries we serve. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations 
and cash flows.

Decreased demand from our customers in the automotive industry may adversely affect our results of operations.

Our financial performance in the Power Solutions business depends, in part, on conditions in the automotive industry. Sales to 
OEMs accounted for approximately 24% of the total sales of the Power Solutions business in fiscal 2017. Declines in the North 
American, European and Asian automotive production levels could reduce our sales and adversely affect our results of operations. 
In addition, if any OEMs reach a point where they cannot fund their operations, we may incur write-offs of accounts receivable, 
incur impairment charges or require additional restructuring actions beyond our current restructuring plans, which, if significant, 
would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

An inability to successfully respond to competition and pricing pressure from other companies in the Power Solutions 
business may adversely impact our business. 

Our Power Solutions business competes with a number of major U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturers and distributors of lead-acid 
batteries, as well as a large number of smaller, regional competitors. The North American, European and Asian lead-acid battery 
markets are highly competitive. The manufacturers in these markets compete on price, quality, technical innovation, service and 
warranty. If we are unable to remain competitive and maintain market share in the regions and markets we serve, our business, 
financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

10

Volatility in commodity prices may adversely affect our results of operations.

Increases in commodity costs can negatively impact the profitability of orders in backlog as prices on such orders are typically 
fixed; therefore, in the short-term we cannot adjust for changes in certain commodity prices. In these cases, if we are not able to 
recover commodity cost increases through price increases to our customers on new orders, then such increases will have an adverse 
effect on our results of operations. In cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply based 
fixed price contracts, we use commodity hedge contracts to minimize overall price risk associated with our anticipated commodity 
purchases. Unfavorability in our hedging programs during a period of declining commodity prices could result in lower margins 
as we reduce prices to match the market on a fixed commodity cost level. Additionally, to the extent we do not or are unable to 
hedge certain commodities and the commodity prices substantially increase, such increases will have an adverse effect on our 
results of operations.

In our Power Solutions business, lead is a major component of lead-acid batteries, and the price of lead may be highly volatile. 
We attempt to manage the impact of changing lead prices through the recycling of used batteries returned to us by our aftermarket 
customers, commercial terms and commodity hedging programs. Our ability to mitigate the impact of lead price changes can be 
impacted by many factors, including customer negotiations, inventory level fluctuations and sales volume/mix changes, any of 
which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

We rely on our global direct installation channel for a significant portion of our revenue. Failure to maintain and grow 
the installed base resulting from direct channel sales could adversely affect our business.

Unlike many of our competitors, the Group relies on a direct sales channel for a substantial portion of our revenue. The direct 
channel provides for the installation of fire and security solutions, and HVAC equipment manufactured by the Group. This represents 
a significant distribution channel for our products, creates a large installed base of our fire and security solutions, and HVAC 
equipment, and creates opportunities for longer term service and monitoring revenue. If we are unable to maintain or grow this 
installation business, whether due to changes in economic conditions, a failure to anticipate changing customer needs, a failure 
to introduce innovative or technologically advanced solutions, or for any other reason, our installation revenue could decline, 
which could in turn adversely impact our product pull through and our ability to grow service and monitoring revenue.

Our future growth is dependent upon our ability to develop or acquire new technologies that achieve market acceptance 
with acceptable margins.

Our future success depends on our ability to develop or acquire, manufacture and bring competitive, and increasingly complex, 
products and services to market quickly and cost-effectively. Our ability to develop or acquire new products and services requires 
the  investment  of  significant  resources.  These  acquisitions  and  development  efforts  divert  resources  from  other  potential 
investments in our businesses, and they may not lead to the development of new technologies, products or services on a timely 
basis. Moreover, as we introduce new products, we may be unable to detect and correct defects in the design of a product or in its 
application to a specified use, which could result in loss of sales or delays in market acceptance. Even after introduction, new or 
enhanced products may not satisfy customer preferences and product failures may cause customers to reject our products. As a 
result, these products may not achieve market acceptance and our brand image could suffer. In addition, the markets for our 
products and services may not develop or grow as we anticipate. As a result, the failure of our technology, products or services to 
gain market acceptance, the potential for product defects, product quality issues, or the obsolescence of our products and services 
could significantly reduce our revenues, increase our operating costs or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks  associated  with  our  non-U.S.  operations  could  adversely  affect  our  business,  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations.

We have significant operations in a number of countries outside the U.S., some of which are located in emerging markets. Long-
term economic uncertainty in some of the regions of the world in which we operate, such as Asia, South America, the Middle East, 
Europe and emerging markets, could result in the disruption of markets and negatively affect cash flows from our operations to 
cover our capital needs and debt service requirements.

In addition, as a result of our global presence, a significant portion of our revenues and expenses is denominated in currencies 
other than the U.S. dollar. We are therefore subject to non-U.S. currency risks and non-U.S. exchange exposure. While we employ 
financial instruments to hedge some of our transactional foreign exchange exposure, these activities do not insulate us completely 
from those exposures. Exchange rates can be volatile and a substantial weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar 
could reduce our profit margin in various locations outside of the U.S. and adversely impact the comparability of results from 
period to period.
11

There are other risks that are inherent in our non-U.S. operations, including the potential for changes in socio-economic conditions, 
laws  and  regulations,  including  anti-trust,  import,  export,  labor  and  environmental  laws,  and  monetary  and  fiscal  policies; 
protectionist measures that may prohibit acquisitions or joint ventures, or impact trade volumes; unsettled political conditions; 
government-imposed plant or other operational shutdowns; backlash from foreign labor organizations related to our restructuring 
actions; corruption; natural and man-made disasters, hazards and losses; violence, civil and labor unrest, and possible terrorist 
attacks.

These and other factors may have a material adverse effect on our non-U.S. operations and therefore on our business and results 
of operations.

Our businesses operate in regulated industries and are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws and 
regulations.

Our operations and employees are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local licensing laws, codes and standards and similar 
foreign laws, codes, standards and regulations. Changes in laws or regulations could require us to change the way we operate or 
to utilize resources to maintain compliance, which could increase costs or otherwise disrupt operations. In addition, failure to 
comply with any applicable laws or regulations could result in substantial fines or revocation of our operating permits and licenses. 
For example, we were subject to investigation by the European Commission related to European lead recyclers’ procurement 
practices from 2012 to 2017. Although we were not fined in connection with such investigation, competition or other regulatory 
investigations can continue for several years, be costly to defend and can result in substantial fines. If laws and regulations were 
to change or if we or our products failed to comply, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely 
affected.

Due to the international scope of our operations, the system of laws and regulations to which we are subject is complex and includes 
regulations issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, 
the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control and various non U.S. governmental agencies, including applicable 
export controls, anti-trust, customs, currency exchange control and transfer pricing regulations, and laws regulating the foreign 
ownership of assets. No assurances can be made that we will continue to be found to be operating in compliance with, or be able 
to detect violations of, any such laws or regulations. In addition, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory 
requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered 
or interpreted.

We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar 
anti-bribery laws around the world.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA"), the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions 
generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials or other persons 
for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement 
activity, with more frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both U.S. and non-U.S. regulators, 
and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. Our policies mandate compliance with 
these  anti-bribery  laws. We  operate  in  many  parts  of  the  world  that  are  recognized  as  having  governmental  and  commercial 
corruption and local customs and practices that can be inconsistent with anti-bribery laws. We cannot assure you that our internal 
control policies and procedures will always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or third party 
intermediaries. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that our employees or agents have or may have violated 
applicable anti-corruption laws, or if we are subject to allegations of any such violations, we may be required to investigate or 
have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be expensive and require significant time and 
attention from senior management. Violations of these laws may result in criminal or civil sanctions, which could disrupt our 
business and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, 
we could be subject to commercial impacts such as lost revenue from customers who decline to do business with us as a result of 
such compliance matters, or we could be subject to lawsuits brought by private litigants, each of which could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to risks arising from regulations applicable to companies doing business with the U.S. government.

Our customers include many U.S. federal, state and local government authorities. Doing business with the U.S. government and 
state and local authorities subjects us to unusual risks, including dependence on the level of government spending and compliance 
with and changes in governmental procurement and security regulations. Agreements relating to the sale of products to government 
entities may be subject to termination, reduction or modification, either at the convenience of the government or for failure to 
12

perform under the applicable contract. We are subject to potential government investigations of business practices and compliance 
with  government  procurement  and  security  regulations,  which  can  be  expensive  and  burdensome.  If  we  were  charged  with 
wrongdoing as a result of an investigation, we could be suspended from bidding on or receiving awards of new government 
contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's results of operations. In addition, various U.S. federal and 
state legislative proposals have been made that would deny governmental contracts to U.S. companies that have moved their 
corporate location abroad. We are unable to predict the likelihood that, or final form in which, any such proposed legislation might 
become law, the nature of regulations that may be promulgated under any future legislative enactments, or the effect such enactments 
and increased regulatory scrutiny may have on our business.

Infringement or expiration of our intellectual property rights, or allegations that we have infringed the intellectual property 
rights of third parties, could negatively affect us.

We rely on a combination of trademarks, trade secrets, patents, copyrights, know-how, confidentiality provisions and licensing 
arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We cannot guarantee, however, that the steps we have taken to protect 
our intellectual property will be adequate to prevent infringement of our rights or misappropriation of our technology, trade secrets 
or know-how. For example, effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in 
some of the countries in which we operate. In addition, while we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees 
and third parties to protect our trade secrets, know-how, business strategy and other proprietary information, such confidentiality 
agreements could be breached or otherwise may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets and know-how related to 
the design, manufacture or operation of our products. If it became necessary for us to resort to litigation to protect our intellectual 
property rights, any proceedings could be burdensome and costly, and we may not prevail. Further, adequate remedies may not 
be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets and manufacturing expertise. Finally, for those 
products in our portfolio that rely on patent protection, once a patent has expired, the product is generally open to competition. 
Products under patent protection usually generate significantly higher revenues than those not protected by patents. If we fail to 
successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could suffer, which could harm our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, we are, from time to time, subject to claims of intellectual property infringement by third parties, including practicing 
entities and non-practicing entities. Regardless of the merit of such claims, responding to infringement claims can be expensive 
and time-consuming, and the litigation process is subject to inherent uncertainties, and we may not prevail in litigation matters 
regardless of the merits of our position. Intellectual property lawsuits or claims may become extremely disruptive if the plaintiffs 
succeed in blocking the trade of our products and services and they may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Global climate change could negatively affect our business.

Increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change may result in more regional and/or federal requirements 
to reduce or mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate legislation, which 
creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. Such regulatory uncertainty extends to incentives, that if discontinued, could adversely  
impact the demand for energy efficient buildings and batteries for energy efficient vehicles, and could increase costs of compliance. 
These factors may impact the demand for our products, obsolescence of our products and our results of operations.

There is a growing consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are linked to global climate changes. Climate changes, such as extreme 
weather conditions, create financial risk to our business. For example, the demand for our products and services, such as residential 
air conditioning equipment and automotive replacement batteries, may be affected by unseasonable weather conditions. Climate 
changes could also disrupt our operations by impacting the availability and cost of materials needed for manufacturing and could 
increase insurance and other operating costs. These factors may impact our decisions to construct new facilities or maintain existing 
facilities in areas most prone to physical climate risks. The Group could also face indirect financial risks passed through the supply 
chain, and process disruptions due to physical climate changes could result in price modifications for our products and the resources 
needed to produce them.

Potential liability for environmental contamination could result in substantial costs

We have projects underway at multiple current and former manufacturing facilities to investigate and remediate environmental 
contamination resulting from past operations by us or by other businesses that previously owned or used the properties. These 
projects relate to a variety of activities, including solvent, oil, metal, lead and other hazardous substance contamination cleanup; 
and  structure  decontamination  and  demolition,  including  asbestos  abatement.  Because  of  uncertainties  associated  with 
environmental regulation and environmental remediation activities at sites where we may be liable, future expenses that we may 

13

incur to remediate identified sites could be considerably higher than the current accrued liability on our consolidated statement 
of financial position, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 

We are subject to requirements relating to environmental and safety regulations and environmental remediation matters, 
including those related to the manufacturing and recycling of lead-acid batteries, which could adversely affect our business, 
results of operation and reputation.

We are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, solid and 
hazardous waste storage, treatment and disposal, and remediation of releases of hazardous materials, including as it pertains to 
lead, the primary material used in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries. There are significant capital, operating and other costs 
associated with compliance with these environmental laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations may become more 
stringent in the future, which could increase costs of compliance or require us to manufacture with alternative technologies and 
materials. 

Federal, state and local authorities also regulate a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, health, safety and permitting in 
addition to the environmental matters discussed above. New legislation and regulations may require the Group to make material 
changes to its operations, resulting in significant increases to the cost of production.

We are party to asbestos-related product litigation that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations 
and cash flows.

We and certain of our subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits 
based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases typically involve product liability claims based primarily 
on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were used with asbestos 
containing components. We cannot predict with certainty the extent to which we will be successful in litigating or otherwise 
resolving lawsuits in the future and we continue to evaluate different strategies related to asbestos claims filed against us including 
entity restructuring and judicial relief. Unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could have a material adverse impact 
on our business and financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The amounts we have recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets in the consolidated statement of financial 
position are based on our current strategy for resolving asbestos claims, currently available information, and a number of variables, 
estimates and assumptions. Key variables and assumptions include the number and type of new claims that are filed each year, 
the average cost of resolution of claims, the identity of defendants and the resolution of coverage issues with insurance carriers, 
amount of insurance, and the solvency risk with respect to the Group's insurance carriers. Many of these factors are closely linked, 
such that a change in one variable or assumption will impact one or more of the others, and no single variable or assumption 
predominately influences the determination of the Group's asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets. Furthermore, 
predictions with respect to these variables are subject to greater uncertainty in the later portion of the projection period. Other 
factors that may affect the Group's liability and cash payments for asbestos-related matters include uncertainties surrounding the 
litigation  process  from  jurisdiction  to  jurisdiction  and  from  case  to  case,  reforms  of  state  or  federal  tort  legislation  and  the 
applicability of insurance policies among subsidiaries. As a result, actual liabilities or insurance recoveries could be significantly 
higher or lower than those recorded if assumptions used in our calculations vary significantly from actual results. If actual liabilities 
are significantly higher than those recorded, the cost of resolving such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our 
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Risks related to our defined benefit retirement plans may adversely impact our results of operations and cash flow.

Significant changes in actual investment return on defined benefit plan assets, discount rates, mortality assumptions and other 
factors could adversely affect our results of operations and the amounts of contributions we must make to our defined benefit 
plans in future periods. Because we mark-to-market our defined benefit plan assets and liabilities on an annual basis, large non-
cash gains or losses could be recorded in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or when a remeasurement event occurs. Generally 
accepted accounting principles in the U.S. require that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. 
These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and interest rates, which may change based on economic conditions. 
Funding requirements for our defined benefit plans are dependent upon, among other factors, interest rates, underlying asset returns 
and the impact of legislative or regulatory changes related to defined benefit funding obligations. For a discussion regarding the 
significant assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, refer to "Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies" section.

We may be unable to realize the expected benefits of our restructuring actions, which could adversely affect our profitability 
and operations.

14

To align our resources with our growth strategies, operate more efficiently and control costs, we periodically announce restructuring 
plans, which may include workforce reductions, global plant closures and consolidations, asset impairments and other cost reduction 
initiatives. We may undertake additional restructuring actions and workforce reductions in the future. As these plans and actions 
are complex, unforeseen factors could result in expected savings and benefits to be delayed or not realized to the full extent planned, 
and our operations and business may be disrupted.

Negative or unexpected tax consequences could adversely affect our results of operations.

Adverse  changes  in  the  underlying  profitability  and  financial  outlook  of  our  operations  in  several  jurisdictions  could  lead  to 
additional changes in our valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and other tax reserves on our statement of financial 
position, and the future sale of certain businesses could potentially result in additional taxes that could materially and adversely 
affect our results of operations. Additionally, changes in tax laws in the U.S., Ireland or in other countries where we have significant 
operations could materially affect deferred tax assets and liabilities on our consolidated statement of financial position and our 
income tax provision in our consolidated statement of income.

We are also subject to tax audits by governmental authorities. Negative unexpected results from one or more such tax audits could 
adversely affect our results of operations.

Future changes in U.S. tax law could adversely affect us or our affiliates.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. President signed into law a sweeping tax reform bill popularly known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs 
Act” (the “TCJA”). The effects of the TCJA are not yet entirely clear and will depend on, among other things, additional regulatory 
and administrative guidance, as well as any statutory technical corrections that are subsequently enacted.  While the TCJA reduces 
the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate generally applicable to U.S. corporations, the TCJA could nevertheless have a significant 
adverse effect on the U.S. federal income taxation of our and our affiliates’ operations, including by limiting or eliminating various 
deductions or credits (including interest expense deductions and deductions relating to employee compensation), imposing taxes 
with respect to certain earnings of non-U.S. entities on a current basis, changing the timing of the recognition of income or its 
character and imposing additional corporate taxes under certain circumstances to combat perceived base erosion issues, among 
other changes.   

The TCJA, or any related, similar or amended legislation or other changes in U.S. federal income tax laws, could adversely affect 
the U.S. federal income taxation of our and our affiliates’ ongoing operations and may also adversely affect the integration efforts 
relating to, and potential synergies from, past strategic transactions. Any such changes and related consequences could have a 
material adverse impact on our financial results.

Legal proceedings in which we are, or may be, a party may adversely affect us.

We are currently, and may in the future, become subject to legal proceedings and commercial or contractual disputes. These are 
typically claims that arise in the normal course of business including, without limitation, commercial or contractual disputes with 
our suppliers, intellectual property matters, third party liability, including product liability claims and employment claims. We 
have  also been  named as  a  defendant in a  number  of  actions  where  third party  use of  our  products  has  allegedly resulted  in 
contamination to groundwater and drinking water supplies. Plaintiffs in these cases are generally seeking damages for personal 
injuries, medical monitoring and diminution in property values, and are also seeking punitive damages and injunctive relief to 
address remediation of the alleged contamination. There is a possibility that such claims may have an adverse impact on our results 
of  operations  that  is  greater  than  we  anticipate  and/or  negatively  affect  our  reputation.  See  Note  22  “Commitments  and 
Contingencies” of this report for a further discussion of these matters. 

A downgrade in the ratings of our debt could restrict our ability to access the debt capital markets and increase our interest 
costs.

Unfavorable changes in the ratings that rating agencies assign to our debt may ultimately negatively impact our access to the debt 
capital markets and increase the costs we incur to borrow funds. If ratings for our debt fall below investment grade, our access to 
the debt capital markets would become restricted. Future tightening in the credit markets and a reduced level of liquidity in many 
financial markets due to turmoil in the financial and banking industries could affect our access to the debt capital markets or the 
price we pay to issue debt. Historically, we have relied on our ability to issue commercial paper rather than to draw on our credit 
facility to support our daily operations, which means that a downgrade in our ratings or volatility in the financial markets causing 
limitations to the debt capital markets could have an adverse effect on our business or our ability to meet our liquidity needs.

15

Additionally,  several  of  our  credit  agreements  generally  include  an  increase  in  interest  rates  if  the  ratings  for  our  debt  are 
downgraded. Further, an increase in the level of our indebtedness may increase our vulnerability to adverse general economic and 
industry conditions and may affect our ability to obtain additional financing.

The potential insolvency or financial distress of third parties could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

We are exposed to the risk that third parties to various arrangements who owe us money or goods and services, or who purchase 
goods and services from us, will not be able to perform their obligations or continue to place orders due to insolvency or financial 
distress. If third parties fail to perform their obligations under arrangements with us, we may be forced to replace the underlying 
commitment at current or above market prices or on other terms that are less favorable to us. In such events, we may incur losses, 
or our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity could otherwise be adversely affected.

We may be unable to complete or integrate acquisitions or joint ventures effectively, which may adversely affect our growth, 
profitability and results of operations.

We expect acquisitions of businesses and assets, as well as joint ventures (or other strategic arrangements), to play a role in our 
future growth. We cannot be certain that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition or joint venture targets, obtain financing 
for  acquisitions  on  satisfactory  terms,  successfully  acquire  identified  targets  or  form  joint  ventures,  or  manage  the  timing  of 
acquisitions with capital obligations across our businesses. Additionally, we may not be successful in integrating acquired businesses 
or joint ventures into our existing operations and achieving projected synergies which could result in impairment of assets, including 
goodwill and acquired intangible assets. Given the significance of the Group's recent acquisitions, the goodwill and intangible 
assets recorded were significant and impairment of such assets could result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition 
and results of operation. Competition for acquisition opportunities in the various industries in which we operate may rise, thereby 
increasing our costs of making acquisitions or causing us to refrain from making further acquisitions. If we were to use equity 
securities to finance a future acquisition, our then-current shareholders would experience dilution. We are also subject to applicable 
antitrust laws and must avoid anticompetitive behavior. These and other factors related to acquisitions and joint ventures may 
negatively and adversely impact our growth, profitability and results of operations.

Risks associated with joint venture investments may adversely affect our business and financial results.

We have entered into several joint ventures and we may enter into additional joint ventures in the future. Our joint venture partners 
may at any time have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with our goals or with the goals of the 
joint venture. In addition, we may compete against our joint venture partners in certain of our other markets. Disagreements with 
our business partners may impede our ability to maximize the benefits of our partnerships. Our joint venture arrangements may 
require us, among other matters, to pay certain costs or to make certain capital investments or to seek our joint venture partner’s 
consent to take certain actions. In addition, our joint venture partners may be unable or unwilling to meet their economic or other 
obligations under the operative documents, and we may be required to either fulfill those obligations alone to ensure the ongoing 
success of a joint venture or to dissolve and liquidate a joint venture. These risks could result in a material adverse effect on our 
business and financial results.

We are subject to business continuity risks associated with centralization of certain administrative functions.

We have been regionally centralizing certain administrative functions, primarily in North America, Europe and Asia, to improve 
efficiency and reduce costs. To the extent that these central locations are disrupted or disabled, key business processes, such as 
invoicing, payments and general management operations, could be interrupted, which could have an adverse impact on our business.

A failure of our information technology (IT) and data security infrastructure could adversely impact our business and 
operations.

We rely upon the capacity, reliability and security of our IT and data security infrastructure and our ability to expand and continually 
update this infrastructure in response to the changing needs of our business. As we implement new systems or integrate existing 
systems, they may not perform as expected. We also face the challenge of supporting our older systems and implementing necessary 
upgrades. If we experience a problem with the functioning of an important IT system or a security breach of our IT systems, 
including during system upgrades and/or new system implementations, the resulting disruptions could have an adverse effect on 
our business.

We and certain of our third-party vendors receive and store personal information in connection with our human resources operations 
and other aspects of our business. Despite our implementation of security measures, our IT systems, like those of other companies, 

16

are vulnerable to damages from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber attack and other similar disruptions. 
Any system failure, accident or security breach could result in disruptions to our operations. A material network breach in the 
security of our IT systems could include the theft of our intellectual property, trade secrets, customer information, human resources 
information or other confidential matter. To the extent that any disruptions or security breach results in a loss or damage to our 
data, or an inappropriate disclosure of confidential, proprietary or customer information, it could cause significant damage to our 
reputation, affect our relationships with our customers, lead to claims against the Group and ultimately harm our business. In 
addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches 
in the future.

A material disruption of our operations, particularly at our monitoring and/or manufacturing facilities, could adversely 
affect our business.

If  our  operations,  particularly  at  our  monitoring  facilities  and/or  manufacturing  facilities,  were  to  be  disrupted  as  a  result  of 
significant equipment failures, natural disasters, power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, sabotage, adverse weather conditions, 
public health crises, labor disputes or other reasons, we may be unable to effectively respond to alarm signals, fill customer orders 
and otherwise meet obligations to or demand from our customers, which could adversely affect our financial performance.

Interruptions in production could increase our costs and reduce our sales. Any interruption in production capability could require 
us to make substantial capital expenditures or purchase alternative material at higher costs to fill customer orders, which could 
negatively affect our profitability and financial condition. We maintain property damage insurance that we believe to be adequate 
to provide for reconstruction of facilities and equipment, as well as business interruption insurance to mitigate losses resulting 
from significant production interruption or shutdown caused by an insured loss. However, any recovery under our insurance 
policies may not offset the lost sales or increased costs that may be experienced during the disruption of operations, which could 
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

Our business success depends on attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

Our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team 
and workforce. Failure to ensure that we have the leadership capacity with the necessary skill set and experience could impede 
our ability to deliver our growth objectives and execute our strategic plan. Organizational and reporting changes resulting from 
the Merger, or as a result of any future leadership transition or corporate initiatives could result in increased turnover. Additionally, 
any unplanned turnover or inability to attract and retain key employees could have a negative effect on our results of operations.

Our business may be adversely affected by work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated 
with our labor force.

We employ approximately 121,000 people worldwide. Approximately 20% of these employees are covered by collective bargaining 
agreements or works council. Although we believe that our relations with the labor unions and works councils that represent our 
employees are generally good and we have experienced no material strikes or work stoppages recently, no assurances can be made 
that we will not experience in the future these and other types of conflicts with labor unions, works council, other groups representing 
employees or our employees generally, or that any future negotiations with our labor unions will not result in significant increases 
in our cost of labor. Additionally, a work stoppage at one of our suppliers could materially and adversely affect our operations if 
an alternative source of supply were not readily available. Stoppages by employees of our customers could also result in reduced 
demand for our products.

Regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability 
concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 
adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies 
who use conflict minerals in their products. There are costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including 
for diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes 
or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. Our continued compliance with these disclosure rules could 
adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of 
suppliers offering "conflict free" conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals 
from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices, or that we will be able to satisfy customers who require our 
products to be conflict free. Also, we may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals 
not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products 
through the procedures we may implement.
17

We are exposed to greater risks of liability for employee acts or omissions, or system failure, in our fire, security and life 
safety businesses than may be inherent in other businesses.

If a customer or third party believes that he or she has suffered harm to person or property due to an actual or alleged act or omission 
of one of our employees or a security or fire system failure, he or she may pursue legal action against us, and the cost of defending 
the legal action and of any judgment could be substantial. In particular, because many of our products and services are intended 
to protect lives and real and personal property, we may have greater exposure to litigation risks than businesses that provide other 
products and services. We could face liability for failure to respond adequately to alarm activations or failure of our fire protection 
to operate as expected. The nature of the services we provide exposes us to the risks that we may be held liable for employee acts 
or omissions or system failures. In an attempt to reduce this risk, our installation, service and monitoring agreements and other 
contracts contain provisions limiting our liability in such circumstances, and we typically maintain product liability insurance to 
mitigate the risk that our products and services fail to operate as expected. However, in the event of litigation, it is possible that 
contract limitations may be deemed not applicable or unenforceable, that our insurance coverage is not adequate, or that insurance 
carriers deny coverage of our claims. As a result, such employee acts or omissions or system failures could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We do not own the right to use the ADT® brand name in the U.S. and Canada.

We own the ADT® brand name in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. and Canada, and The ADT Corporation ("ADT") owns the 
brand name in the U.S. and Canada. Although Tyco has entered agreements with ADT designed to protect the value of the ADT® 
brand, we cannot assure you that actions taken by ADT will not negatively impact the value of the brand outside of the U.S. and 
Canada. These factors expose us to the risk that the ADT® brand name could suffer reputational damage or devaluation for reasons 
outside of our control, including ADT's business conduct in the U.S. and Canada. Any of these factors may adversely affect our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Police departments could refuse to respond to calls from monitored security service companies.

Police departments in a limited number of jurisdictions do not respond to calls from monitored security service companies, either 
as a matter of policy or by local ordinance. We have offered affected customers the option of receiving responses from private 
guard companies, in most cases through contracts with us, which increases the overall cost to customers. If more police departments, 
whether inside or outside the U.S., were to refuse to respond or be prohibited from responding to calls from monitored security 
service companies, our ability to attract and retain customers could be negatively impacted and our results of operations and cash 
flow could be adversely affected.

A variety of other factors could adversely affect the results of operations of our Power Solutions business.

Any of the following could materially and adversely impact the results of operations of our Power Solutions business: loss of, or 
changes in, automobile battery supply contracts with our large original equipment and aftermarket customers; the increasing quality 
and useful life of batteries or use of alternative battery technologies, both of which may adversely impact the lead-acid battery 
market, including replacement cycle; delays or cancellations of new vehicle programs; market and financial consequences of any 
recalls that may be required on our products; delays or difficulties in new product development, including lithium-ion technology; 
impact  of  potential  increases  in  lithium-ion  battery  volumes  on  established  lead-acid  battery  volumes  as  lithium-ion  battery 
technology grows and costs become more competitive; financial instability or market declines of our customers or suppliers; 
slower  than  projected  market  development  in  emerging  markets;  interruption  of  supply  of  certain  single-source  components; 
changing nature of our joint ventures and relationships with our strategic business partners; unseasonable weather conditions in 
various parts of the world; our ability to secure sufficient tolling capacity to recycle batteries; price and availability of battery 
cores used in recycling; and the lack of the development of a market for hybrid and electric vehicles.

A variety of other factors could adversely affect the results of operations of our Buildings business.

Any of the following could materially and adversely impact the results of operations of our Buildings business: loss of, changes 
in, or failure to perform under guaranteed performance contracts with our major customers; cancellation of, or significant delays 
in, projects in our backlog; delays or difficulties in new product development; the potential introduction of similar or superior 
technologies;  financial  instability  or  market  declines  of  our  major  component  suppliers;  the  unavailability  of  raw  materials 
(primarily steel, copper and electronic components) necessary for production of our products; price increases of limited-source 
components, products and services that we are unable to pass on to the market; unseasonable weather conditions in various parts 
of the world; changes in energy costs or governmental regulations that would decrease the incentive for customers to update or 

18

improve their building control systems; revisions to energy efficiency or refrigerant legislation; and natural or man-made disasters 
or losses that impact our ability to deliver products and services to our customers.

Risks Relating to Strategic Transactions

We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination between Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tyco 
International plc.

The success of the Merger will depend on, among other things, our ability to combine the legacy businesses of Johnson Controls 
and Tyco in a manner that realizes anticipated synergies and facilitates growth opportunities, and achieves the projected stand-
alone cost savings and revenue growth trends identified by us. We expect to benefit from operational and general and administrative 
cost synergies resulting from the consolidation of capabilities and branch optimization, as well as greater tax efficiencies from 
global management and global cash movement. We may also enjoy revenue synergies, including product and service cross-selling, 
a more diversified and expanded product offering and balance across geographic regions. However, we must successfully combine 
the legacy businesses of Johnson Controls and Tyco in a manner that permits these cost savings and synergies to be realized. In 
addition, we must achieve the anticipated savings and synergies without adversely affecting current revenues and investments in 
future growth. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, we may not realize fully, or at all, the anticipated benefits 
of the Merger, or it may take longer to realize the benefits than expected.

Other factors may prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits of the Merger or impact our future performance. These include, 
among other items, the possibility that the contingent liabilities of either party (including contingent tax liabilities) are larger than 
expected, the existence of unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Merger 
and possible adverse tax consequences pursuant to changes in applicable tax laws, regulations or other administrative guidance. 
In addition, we may be subject to additional restrictions resulting from Tyco’s incurrence of debt in connection with the Merger 
and as a result of the Group's Irish domicile.

We may encounter significant difficulties in combining the legacy Johnson Controls and Tyco businesses.

The combination of two independent businesses is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. As a result, we will be required 
to devote significant management attention and resources to combining the business practices and operations of the legacy Johnson 
Controls and Tyco businesses. This process may disrupt the businesses. The failure to meet the challenges involved in combining 
the two businesses and to realize the anticipated benefits of the transactions could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum 
in, the activities of the combined company and could adversely affect our results of operations. The overall combination of legacy 
Johnson  Controls  and  Tyco  businesses  may  also  result  in  material  unanticipated  problems,  expenses,  liabilities,  competitive 
responses, loss of customer and other business relationships and diversion of management attention. The difficulties of combining 
the operations of the companies include, among others:

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

the diversion of management attention to integration matters;
difficulties in integrating operations and systems; 
challenges in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures and
compensation structures between the two companies; 
difficulties in assimilating employees and in attracting and retaining key personnel; 
challenges in keeping existing customers and obtaining new customers; 
difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from the
combination; 
difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company; 
contingent liabilities (including contingent tax liabilities) that are larger than expected; and 
potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the Merger,
including possible adverse tax consequences to the combined company pursuant to changes in applicable tax laws or
regulations.

Many of these factors are outside of our control, and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreased expected revenues 
and diversion of management time and energy, which could materially impact the business, financial condition and results of 
operations of the combined company. 

19

Divestitures of some of our businesses or product lines may materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of 
operations or cash flows.

We continually evaluate the performance and strategic fit of all of our businesses and may sell businesses or product lines. For 
example, on October 31, 2016, we completed the spin-off of our Automotive Experience business and in the second quarter of 
fiscal 2017 we announced that we had signed a definitive agreement to sell our Scott Safety business, which closed on October 
4, 2017. Divestitures involve risks, including difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products and personnel, the 
diversion of management's attention from other business concerns, the disruption of our business, the potential loss of key employees 
and the retention of uncertain environmental or other contingent liabilities related to the divested business. In addition, divestitures 
may result in significant asset impairment charges, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could 
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that we will be successful 
in managing these or any other significant risks that we encounter in divesting a business or product line, and any divestiture we 
undertake could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and may 
also result in a diversion of management attention, operational difficulties and losses.

The Internal Revenue Service may not agree that we should be treated as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax 
purposes and may not agree that the our U.S. affiliates should not be subject to certain adverse U.S. federal income tax 
rules.

Under current U.S. federal tax law, a corporation is generally considered for U.S. federal tax purposes to be a tax resident in the 
jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation. Because Johnson Controls International plc is an Irish incorporated entity, it would 
generally be classified as a non-U.S. corporation (and, therefore, a non-U.S. tax resident) under these rules. However, Section 
7874 of the Code ("Section 7874") provides an exception to this general rule under which a non-U.S. incorporated entity may, in 
certain circumstances, be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes.

Under Section 7874, if (1) former Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders owned (within the meaning of Section 7874) 80% or more 
(by vote or value) of our ordinary shares after the Merger by reason of holding Johnson Controls, Inc. common stock (the "80% 
ownership test," and such ownership percentage the "Section 7874 ownership percentage"), and (2) our "expanded affiliated group" 
did not have "substantial business activities" in Ireland ("the substantial business activities test"), we will be treated as a U.S. 
corporation  for  U.S.  federal  tax  purposes.  If  the  Section  7874  ownership  percentage  of  the  former  Johnson  Controls,  Inc. 
shareholders after the Merger was less than 80% but at least 60% (the "60% ownership test"), and the substantial business activities 
test was not met, we and our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco) may, in some circumstances, 
be subject to certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules (which, among other things, could limit their ability to utilize certain 
U.S. tax attributes to offset U.S. taxable income or gain resulting from certain transactions).

Based on the terms of the Merger, the rules for determining share ownership under Section 7874 and certain factual assumptions, 
we believe that former Johnson Controls, Inc. shareholders owned (within the meaning of Section 7874) less than 60% (by both 
vote and value) of our ordinary shares after the Merger by reason of holding shares of Johnson Controls, Inc. common stock. 
Therefore, under current law, we believe that we should not be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes and that 
Section 7874 should otherwise not apply to us or our affiliates as a result of the Merger.

However, the rules under Section 7874 are relatively new and complex and there is limited guidance regarding their application. 
In particular, ownership for purposes of Section 7874 is subject to various adjustments under the Code and the Treasury regulations 
promulgated thereunder, and there is limited guidance regarding Section 7874, including with respect to the application of the 
ownership tests described therein. As a result, the determination of the Section 7874 ownership percentage is complex and is 
subject to factual and legal uncertainties. Thus, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with the position that we should 
not be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes or that Section 7874 does not otherwise apply as a result of the 
Merger.

In addition, on January 13, 2017, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS finalized certain Treasury regulations issued under Section 7874  
and revised certain related temporary regulations (the "Section 7874 Regulations"), which, among other things, require certain 
adjustments that generally increase, for purposes of the Section 7874 ownership tests, the percentage of the stock of a foreign 
acquiring  corporation  deemed  owned  (within  the  meaning  of  Section  7874)  by  the  former  shareholders  of  an  acquired  U.S. 
corporation  by  reason  of  holding  stock  in  such  U.S.  corporation.  For  example,  these  regulations  disregard,  for  purposes  of 
determining this ownership percentage, (1) any "non-ordinary course distributions" (within the meaning of the regulations) made 
by the acquired U.S. corporation (such as Johnson Controls, Inc.) during the 36 months preceding the acquisition, including certain 
dividends and share repurchases, (2) potentially any cash consideration received by the shareholders of such U.S. corporation in 
the acquisition to the extent such cash is, directly or indirectly, provided by the U.S. corporation, as well as (3) certain stock of 
the foreign acquiring corporation that was issued as consideration in a prior acquisition of another U.S. corporation (or U.S. 
20

partnership) during the 36 months preceding the signing date of a binding contract for the acquisition being tested. Taking into 
account the effect of these regulations, we believe that the Section 7874 ownership percentage of former Johnson Controls, Inc. 
shareholders in us was less than 60%. However, these regulations are new and complex and there is limited guidance regarding 
their application. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully assert that either the 80% ownership 
test or the 60% ownership test was met after the Merger.

If the 80% ownership test was met after the Merger and we were accordingly treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax 
purposes under Section 7874, we would be subject to substantial additional U.S. tax liability. Additionally, in such case, our non-
U.S. shareholders would be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the gross amount of any dividends we pay to such shareholders 
(subject to an exemption or reduced rate available under an applicable tax treaty). Regardless of any application of Section 7874, 
we are treated as an Irish tax resident for Irish tax purposes. Consequently, if we were to be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. 
federal tax purposes under Section 7874, we could be liable for both U.S. and Irish taxes, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If the 60% ownership test were met, several adverse U.S. federal income tax rules could apply to our U.S. affiliates. In particular, 
in such case, Section 7874 could limit the ability of such U.S. affiliates to utilize certain U.S. tax attributes (including net operating 
losses and certain tax credits) to offset any taxable income or gain resulting from certain transactions, including any transfers or 
licenses of property to a foreign related person during the 10-year period following the Merger. The Section 7874 Regulations 
generally expand the scope of these rules. If the 60% ownership test were met after the Merger, such current and future limitations 
would apply to our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco), and their application could limit their 
ability to utilize such U.S. tax attributes against any income or gain recognized in connection with the Adient spin-off. In such 
case, the application of such rules could result in significant additional U.S. tax liability. In addition, the Section 7874 Regulations 
(and certain related temporary regulations issued under other provisions of the Code) include new rules that would apply if the 
60% ownership test were met, which, in such situation, may limit our ability to restructure or access cash earned by certain of our 
non-U.S. subsidiaries, in each case, without incurring substantial U.S. tax liabilities.

Future potential changes to the tax laws could result in our being treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes 
or in us and our U.S. affiliates (including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco) being subject to certain adverse 
U.S. federal income tax rules. 

As discussed above, under current law, we believe that we should be treated as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes 
and that Section 7874 does not otherwise apply as a result of the Merger. However, changes to Section 7874, or the U.S. Treasury 
regulations promulgated thereunder, could affect our status as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes or could result 
in  the  application  of  certain  adverse  U.S.  federal  income  tax  rules  to  us  and  our  U.S.  affiliates  (including  the  U.S.  affiliates 
historically owned by Tyco). Any such changes could have prospective or retroactive application, and may apply even though the 
Merger has been consummated. If we were to be treated as a U.S. corporation for federal tax purposes or if we or our U.S. affiliates 
(including the U.S. affiliates historically owned by Tyco) were to become subject to such adverse U.S. federal income tax rules, 
we and our U.S. affiliates could be subject to substantially greater U.S. tax liability than currently contemplated.

Certain legislative and other proposals have aimed to expand the scope of U.S. corporate tax residence, including in such a way 
as would cause us to be treated as a U.S. corporation if our place of management and control or the place of management and 
control of our non-U.S. affiliates were determined to be located primarily in the United States. In addition, certain legislative and 
other proposals have aimed to expand the scope of Section 7874, or otherwise address certain perceived issues arising in connection 
with so-called inversion transactions. It is presently uncertain whether any such proposals or other legislative action relating to 
the scope of U.S. tax residence, Section 7874 or so-called inversion transactions and inverted groups will be enacted into law.

Any legislative and/or other proposals could cause us and our affiliates to be subject to certain intercompany financing limitations, 
including with respect to their ability to deduct certain interest expense, could limit or eliminate various other deductions or credits, 
could impose taxes on certain cross-border payments or transfers, could impose taxes on certain earnings of non-U.S. entities on 
a  current  basis,  could  change  the  timing  of  the  recognition  of  income  or  its  character,  could  limit  asset  basis  under  certain 
circumstances, could impose additional corporate taxes under certain circumstances to combat perceived base erosion issues, and 
could limit deductions relating to employee compensation, among other changes that could cause us or our affiliates to be subject 
to additional U.S. federal income taxes. Any such proposals, regulations and any other relevant provisions could change on a 
prospective or retroactive basis and could have a significant adverse effect on us and our affiliates. It is presently uncertain whether 
legislative reform relating to the U.S. federal income taxation of corporations and other business entities, including the reforms 
described above, will be enacted into law and in what form. Any such changes could have a material impact on our future financial 
results. 

We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve from the spin-off of Adient plc
21

On October 31, 2016, we completed the separation of our Automotive Experience business through the spin-off of Adient plc to 
shareholders. Following the spin-off, we are a smaller and less diversified company with a narrower business focus and, as a result, 
we may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions.

Although we believe that the spin-off of Adient plc will provide financial, operational, managerial and other benefits to us and 
shareholders, the spin-off may not provide such results on the scope or scale we anticipate, and we may not realize any or all of 
the intended benefits. In addition, we have and will continue to incur one-time costs and ongoing costs in connection with, or as 
a result of, the spin-off, including costs of operating as independent, publicly-traded companies that the two businesses are no 
longer able to share. Those costs may exceed our estimates or could negate some of the benefits we expect to realize. If we do not 
realize the intended benefits of the spin-off or if our costs exceed our estimates, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Adient may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that we have executed as part of the Adient spin-off.

In connection with the spin-off of Adient, we and Adient have entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various 
other  agreements,  including  a  transition  services  agreement,  a  tax  matters  agreement,  an  employee  matters  agreement  and  a 
transitional trademark license agreement. Certain of these agreements provide for the performance of services by each company 
for the benefit of the other for a period of time after the spin-off. We will rely on Adient to satisfy its performance and payment 
obligations  under  these  agreements.  If  Adient  is  unable  to  satisfy  its  obligations  under  these  agreements,  including  its 
indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties or losses.

Risks Relating to Our Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Legislative action in the U.S. could materially and adversely affect us. 

Legislative action may be taken by the U.S. Congress which, if ultimately enacted, could limit the availability of tax benefits or 
deductions that we currently claim, override tax treaties upon which we rely, affect our status as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. 
federal income tax purposes, impose additional taxes on payments made by our U.S. subsidiaries to non-U.S. affiliates, or otherwise 
affect the taxes that the U.S. imposes on our worldwide operations. Such changes could have retroactive effect and could have a 
material adverse effect on our effective tax rate and/or require us to take further action, at potentially significant expense, to seek 
to preserve our effective tax rate. In addition, if proposals were enacted that had the effect of disregarding or limiting our ability, 
as an Irish company, to take advantage of tax treaties with the U.S., we could incur additional tax expense and/or otherwise incur 
business detriment.

Legislation relating to governmental contracts could materially and adversely affect us.

Various U.S. federal and state legislative proposals that would deny governmental contracts to U.S. companies that have moved 
their corporate location abroad may affect us. We are unable to predict the likelihood that, or final form in which, any such proposed 
legislation might become law, the nature of regulations that may be promulgated under any future legislative enactments, or the 
effect such enactments and increased regulatory scrutiny may have on our business.

Irish law differs from the laws in effect in the U.S. and may afford less protection to holders of our securities.

It may not be possible to enforce court judgments obtained in the U.S. against us in Ireland based on the civil liability provisions 
of the U.S. federal or state securities laws. In addition, there is some uncertainty as to whether the courts of Ireland would recognize 
or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers based on the civil liabilities provisions of the 
U.S. federal or state securities laws or hear actions against us or those persons based on those laws. We have been advised that 
the U.S. currently does not have a treaty with Ireland providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in 
civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any U.S. federal or state court 
based on civil liability, whether or not based solely on U.S. federal or state securities laws, would not automatically be enforceable 
in Ireland.

A judgment obtained against the combined company will be enforced by the courts of Ireland if the following general requirements 
are met:

•  U.S. courts must have had jurisdiction in relation to the particular defendant according to Irish conflict of law rules (the 

submission to jurisdiction by the defendant would satisfy this rule); and 

22

• 

the judgment must be final and conclusive and the decree must be final and unalterable in the court which pronounces 
it. 

A judgment can be final and conclusive even if it is subject to appeal or even if an appeal is pending. But where the effect of 
lodging an appeal under the applicable law is to stay execution of the judgment, it is possible that in the meantime the judgment 
may not be actionable in Ireland. It remains to be determined whether final judgment given in default of appearance is final and 
conclusive. Irish courts may also refuse to enforce a judgment of the U.S. courts which meets the above requirements for one of 
the following reasons:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

the judgment is not for a definite sum of money; 
the judgment was obtained by fraud; 
the enforcement of the judgment in Ireland would be contrary to natural or constitutional justice; 
the judgment is contrary to Irish public policy or involves certain U.S. laws which will not be enforced in Ireland; or 
jurisdiction cannot be obtained by the Irish courts over the judgment debtors in the enforcement proceedings by 
personal service Ireland or outside Ireland under Order 11 of the Irish Superior Courts Rules.

As an Irish company, Johnson Controls is governed by the Irish Companies Acts, which differ in some material respects from laws 
generally applicable to U.S. corporations and shareholders, including, among others, differences relating to interested director and 
officer transactions and shareholder lawsuits. Likewise, the duties of directors and officers of an Irish company generally are owed 
to the company only. Shareholders of Irish companies generally do not have a personal right of action against directors or officers 
of the company and may exercise such rights of action on behalf of the company only in limited circumstances. Accordingly, 
holders of Johnson Controls International plc securities may have more difficulty protecting their interests than would holders of 
securities of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the U.S.

Our effective tax rate may increase.

There is uncertainty regarding the tax policies of the jurisdictions where we operate, including the potential legislative actions 
described in these risk factors, which if enacted could result in an increase in our effective tax rate. Additionally, the tax laws of 
Ireland and other jurisdictions could change in the future, and such changes could cause a material increase in our effective tax 
rate.

Changes to the U.S. model income tax treaty could adversely affect us.

On February 17, 2016, the U.S. Treasury released a revised U.S. model income tax convention (the "new model"), which is the 
baseline text used by the U.S. Treasury to negotiate tax treaties. The new model treaty provisions were preceded by draft versions 
released by the U.S. Treasury on May 20, 2015 (the "May 2015 draft") for public comment. The revisions made to the model 
address certain aspects of the model by modifying existing provisions and introducing entirely new provisions. Specifically, the 
new provisions target (i) permanent establishments subject to little or no foreign tax, (ii) special tax regimes, (iii) expatriated 
entities subject to Section 7874, (iv) the anti-treaty shopping measures of the limitation on benefits article and (v) subsequent 
changes in treaty partners' tax laws.

With respect to new model provisions pertaining to expatriated entities, because we do not believe that the Merger resulted in the 
creation of an expatriated entity as defined in Section 7874, payments of interest, dividends, royalties and certain other items of 
income by or to us and/or our U.S. affiliates to or from non-U.S. persons would not be expected to become subject to full withholding 
tax, even if applicable treaties were subsequently amended to adopt the new model provisions. In response to comments the U.S. 
Treasury received regarding the May 2015 draft, the new model treaty provisions pertaining to expatriated entities fix the definition 
of "expatriated entity" to the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 7874(a)(2)(A) as of the date the relevant bilateral treaty 
is signed. However, as discussed above, the rules under Section 7874 are relatively new, complex and are the subject of current 
and future legislative and regulatory changes. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with the position that 
the Merger did not result in the creation of an expatriated entity (within the meaning of Section 7874) under the law as in effect 
at the time the applicable treaty were to be amended or that such a challenge would not be sustained by a court, or that such position 
would not be affected by future or regulatory action which may apply retroactively to the Merger.

Transfers of Johnson Controls ordinary shares may be subject to Irish stamp duty.

For the majority of transfers of Johnson Controls ordinary shares, there is no Irish stamp duty. However, Irish stamp duty is payable 
in respect of certain share transfers. A transfer of Johnson Controls ordinary shares from a seller who holds shares beneficially 
(i.e. through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC")) to a buyer who holds the acquired shares beneficially is not subject to Irish 
stamp duty (unless the transfer involves a change in the nominee that is the record holder of the transferred shares). A transfer of 
23

Johnson Controls ordinary shares by a seller who holds shares directly (i.e. not through DTC) to any buyer, or by a seller who 
holds the shares beneficially to a buyer who holds the acquired shares directly, may be subject to Irish stamp duty (currently at 
the rate of 1% of the price paid or the market value of the shares acquired, if higher) payable by the buyer. A shareholder who 
directly holds shares may transfer those shares into his or her own broker account to be held through DTC without giving rise to 
Irish stamp duty provided that the shareholder has confirmed to Johnson Controls transfer agent that there is no change in the 
ultimate beneficial ownership of the shares as a result of the transfer and, at the time of the transfer, there is no agreement in place 
for a sale of the shares.

We currently intend to pay, or cause one of our affiliates to pay, stamp duty in connection with share transfers made in the ordinary 
course of trading by a seller who holds shares directly to a buyer who holds the acquired shares beneficially. In other cases Johnson 
Controls may, in its absolute discretion, pay or cause one of its affiliates to pay any stamp duty. Johnson Controls Memorandum 
and Articles of Association provide that, in the event of any such payment, Johnson Controls (i) may seek reimbursement from 
the buyer, (ii) may have a lien against the Johnson Controls ordinary shares acquired by such buyer and any dividends paid on 
such shares and (iii) may set-off the amount of the stamp duty against future dividends on such shares. Parties to a share transfer 
may assume that any stamp duty arising in respect of a transaction in Johnson Controls ordinary shares has been paid unless one 
or both of such parties is otherwise notified by Johnson Controls.

Dividends paid by us may be subject to Irish dividend withholding tax.

In certain circumstances, as an Irish tax resident company, we will be required to deduct Irish dividend withholding tax (currently 
at the rate of 20%) from dividends paid to our shareholders. Shareholders that are resident in the U.S., European Union countries 
(other than Ireland) or other countries with which Ireland has signed a tax treaty (whether the treaty has been ratified or not) 
generally should not be subject to Irish withholding tax so long as the shareholder has provided its broker, for onward transmission 
to our qualifying intermediary or other designated agent (in the case of shares held beneficially), or us or our transfer agent (in 
the case of shares held directly), with all the necessary documentation by the appropriate due date prior to payment of the dividend. 
However, some shareholders may be subject to withholding tax, which could adversely affect the price of our ordinary shares.

Dividends received by you could be subject to Irish income tax.

Dividends paid in respect of Johnson Controls ordinary shares generally are not subject to Irish income tax where the beneficial 
owner of these dividends is exempt from dividend withholding tax, unless the beneficial owner of the dividend has some connection 
with Ireland other than his or her shareholding in Johnson Controls.

Johnson Controls shareholders who receive their dividends subject to Irish dividend withholding tax generally will have no further 
liability to Irish income tax on the dividend unless the beneficial owner of the dividend has some connection with Ireland other 
than his or her shareholding in Johnson Controls.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The following analysis of the consolidated results of operations relates to continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Net Sales

(in millions)

Net sales

Year Ended 
September 30,

2017

2016

Change

$

30,172

$

20,837

45%

The increase in consolidated net sales was due to higher sales in the Building Technologies & Solutions business ($8,647 million)
and Power Solutions business ($667 million), and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($21 million). Increased 
sales resulted from the Tyco Merger, as well as higher volumes in the Global Products segment, the impact of higher lead costs 
on pricing, and favorable pricing and product mix in the Power Solutions business. Excluding the impact of the Tyco Merger and 
foreign currency translation, consolidated net sales increased 4% as compared to the prior year. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" 
section below for a discussion of net sales by segment.

24

Cost of Sales / Gross Profit

(in millions)

Cost of sales

Gross profit

% of sales

Year Ended
September 30,

2017

2016

Change

$

20,833

$

9,339

31.0%

15,183

5,654

27.1%

37%

65%

Cost of sales increased in fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016, with gross profit as a percentage of sales increasing by 390 basis 
points. Gross profit in the Building Technologies & Solutions business included the incremental gross profit related to the Tyco 
Merger, and higher volumes in the Global Products  segment. Gross profit in the Power Solutions business was favorably impacted 
by favorable pricing and product mix net of lead cost increases and higher volumes, partially offset by higher operating costs. Net 
mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans had a net favorable year-over-year impact on cost of sales of 
$169 million ($72 million gain in fiscal 2017 compared to a $97 million charge in fiscal 2016) primarily due to an increase in 
year-over-year discount rates and favorable U.S. investment returns versus expectations in the current year. Foreign currency 
translation had an unfavorable impact on cost of sales of approximately $21 million. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" section 
below for a discussion of segment earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA") by segment.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

(in millions)

2017

2016

Change

Selling, general and administrative expenses

$

6,158

$

4,190

47%

% of sales

20.4%

20.1%

Year Ended
September 30,

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased by $1,968 million year over year, and SG&A as a percentage 
of sales increased by 30 basis points. The Building Technologies & Solutions business SG&A increased primarily due to incremental 
SG&A related to the Tyco Merger, partially offset by productivity savings and cost synergies. Foreign currency translation had an 
unfavorable impact on SG&A of $5 million. The net unfavorable year-over-year impact on SG&A resulting from transaction, 
integration and separation costs was $149 million. The net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and postretirement plans had 
a net favorable year-over-year impact on SG&A of $644 million ($348 million gain in fiscal 2017 compared to a $296 million 
charge in fiscal 2016) primarily  due to an increase in year-over-year discount rates and favorable U.S. investment returns versus 
expectations in the current year. Refer to the "Segment Analysis" section below for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.

Restructuring and Impairment Costs

(in millions)

2017

2016

Change

Restructuring and impairment costs

$

367

$

288

27%

Year Ended
September 30,

Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further 
disclosure related to the Group's restructuring plans.

25

Net Financing Charges

(in millions)

Net financing charges

2017

2016

Change

$

496

$

289

72%

Year Ended
September 30,

Net financing charges increased in fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016 primarily due to higher interest rates, higher average 
borrowing levels as a result of the debt assumed with the Tyco Merger, new debt issuances in the second quarter of fiscal year 
2017 and debt exchange offer fees. 

Equity Income

(in millions)

Equity income

Year Ended
September 30,

2017

2016

Change

$

240

$

174

38%

The increase in equity income was primarily due to higher income at certain partially-owned affiliates of the Power Solutions 
business and the Johnson Controls - Hitachi ("JCH") joint venture in the Building Technologies & Solutions business. Refer to 
the "Segment Analysis" section below for a discussion of segment EBITA by segment.

Income Tax Provision

(in millions)

Income tax provision

Effective tax rate

* Measure not meaningful 

Year Ended
September 30,

2017

2016

Change

$

705

$

28%

197

19%

*

The U.S. federal statutory tax rate is being used as a comparison since the Group was a U.S. domiciled company for 11 months 
of 2016 and due to the Group's current legal entity structure. The effective rate is below the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2017 
primarily due to the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, non-U.S. tax rate differentials, tax audit closures, and 
a tax benefit due to changes in entity tax status, partially offset by the jurisdictional mix of significant restructuring and impairment 
costs, Tyco Merger transaction / integration costs and the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference 
of the Group's investment in certain subsidiaries related to the divestiture of the Scott Safety business. The effective rate is below 
the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2016 primarily due to the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives and foreign tax 
rate differentials, partially offset by the jurisdictional mix of restructuring and impairment costs, and the tax impacts of the merger 
and integration related costs. The fiscal 2017 effective tax rate increased as compared to the fiscal 2016 effective tax rate primarily 
due to the tax effects of transactions ($408 million), and the tax effects of restructuring and impairment costs ($37 million), partially 
offset by the tax effects of reserve and valuation allowance adjustments ($164 million) and tax planning initiatives. The fiscal year 
2017 and 2016 global tax planning initiatives related primarily to foreign tax credit planning, changes in entity tax status, global 
financing structures and alignment of the Group's global business functions in a tax efficient manner. Refer to Note 18, "Income 
Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.

Valuation Allowances

The Group reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical 
and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along 
with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments 
to the Group’s valuation allowances may be necessary.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. 
As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Group determined that it 
26

was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets primarily in Canada, China and Mexico would not be able to be realized, 
and it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets in Germany would be realized. Therefore, the Group recorded $27 
million of net valuation allowances as income tax expense in the three month period ended September 30, 2017.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. 
As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Group determined that no 
other material changes were needed to its valuation allowances.  Therefore, there was no impact to income tax expense due to 
valuation allowance changes in the three month period or year ended September 30, 2016.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The Group is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining its 
worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Group’s business, 
there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group is regularly under audit 
by tax authorities.

During fiscal 2017, the Group settled a significant number of tax examinations impacting fiscal years 2006 to fiscal 2014. In the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, income tax audit resolutions resulted in a net $191 million benefit to income tax expense.

The Group’s federal income tax returns and certain non-U.S. income tax returns for various fiscal years remain under various 
stages  of  audit  by  the  IRS  and  respective  non-U.S.  tax  authorities. Although  the  outcome  of  tax  audits  is  always  uncertain, 
management believes that it has appropriate support for the positions taken on its tax returns and that its annual tax provisions 
included amounts sufficient to pay assessments, if any, which may be proposed by the taxing authorities. At September 30, 2017, 
the Group had recorded a liability for its best estimate of the probable loss on certain of its tax positions, the majority of which is 
included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position. Nonetheless, the amounts ultimately 
paid, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued for each 
year.

Other Tax Matters

During fiscal 2017, the Group recorded $428 million of transaction and integration costs which generated a $69 million tax benefit.

During fiscal 2017, the Group recorded a discrete non-cash tax charge of $490 million related to establishment of a deferred tax 
liability on the outside basis difference of the Group's investment in certain subsidiaries of the Scott Safety business. This business 
is reported as net assets held for sale given the announced sale to 3M Company. Refer to Note 3, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," 
and Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.  

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group recorded a tax charge of $53 million due to a change in the deferred tax liability 
related to the outside basis of certain nonconsolidated subsidiaries.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group recorded a discrete tax benefit of $101 million due to changes in entity tax status.

During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Group incurred significant charges for restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 16, 
"Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. A 
substantial portion of these charges do not generate a tax benefit due to the Group's current tax position in these jurisdictions and 
the underlying tax basis in the impaired assets, resulting in $65 million and $28 million incremental tax expense in fiscal 2017 
and 2016, respectively.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group completed its merger with Tyco. As a result of that transaction, the Group 
incurred incremental tax expense of $137 million. In preparation for the spin-off of the Automotive Experience business in the 
first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group incurred incremental tax expense for continuing operations of $26 million in fiscal 2016.

Impacts of Tax Legislation and Change in Statutory Tax Rates

On October 13, 2016, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS released final and temporary Section 385 regulations. These regulations 
address whether certain instruments between related parties are treated as debt or equity. The Group does not expect that the 
regulations will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

27

The "look-through rule," under subpart F of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, expired for the Group on September 30, 2015. The 
"look-through rule" had provided an exception to the U.S. taxation of certain income generated by foreign subsidiaries. The rule 
was extended in December 2015 retroactive to the beginning of the Group’s 2016 fiscal year. The retroactive extension was signed 
into legislation and was made permanent through the Group's 2020 fiscal year.

During the fiscal years ended 2017 and 2016, other tax legislation was adopted in various jurisdictions. These law changes did 
not have a material impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements. 

U.S. tax reform legislation was enacted on December 22, 2017.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the tax law 
changes and does expect it to have a material  impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

(in millions)

2017

2016

Change

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

$

(34) $

(1,516)

*

Year Ended
September 30,

* Measure not meaningful

Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information.

Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Year Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

2017

2016

Change

Income from continuing operations attributable
   to noncontrolling interests

$

Income from discontinued operations attributable
   to noncontrolling interests

199

$

9

132

84

51%

-89%

The increase in income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2017 was primarily due to 
higher net income related to the JCH joint venture in the Building Technologies & Solutions business.

Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding 
the Group's discontinued operations. 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Johnson Controls

(in millions)

2017

2016

Change

Net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls

$

1,611

$

(868)

*

Year Ended
September 30,

* Measure not meaningful

The increase in net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls was primarily due to incremental operating income as a result 
of the Tyco Merger and a prior year net loss from discontinued operations, partially offset by an increase in the income tax provision 
and higher net financing charges. Fiscal 2017 diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Johnson Controls was $1.71 compared 
to ($1.29) in fiscal 2016.

28

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Johnson Controls 

(in millions)

2017

2016

Change

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to 
   Johnson Controls

$

1,710

$

(964)

*

Year Ended
September 30,

* Measure not meaningful

The increase in comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls was due to higher net income (loss) attributable to 
Johnson Controls ($2,479 million) and an increase in other comprehensive loss attributable to Johnson Controls ($195 million) 
primarily related to favorable foreign currency translation adjustments. These year-over-year favorable foreign currency translation 
adjustments were primarily driven by the strengthening of the euro and British pound currencies against the U.S. dollar, partially 
offset by the weakening of the Japanese yen currency against the U.S. dollar. 

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

Management evaluates the performance of its business units based primarily on segment EBITA, which is defined as income from 
continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset 
amortization, net financing charges, significant restructuring and impairment costs, and net mark-to-market adjustments on pension 
and postretirement plans.

Building Technologies & Solutions

Net Sales
for the Year Ended
September 30,

Segment EBITA
for the Year Ended
September 30,

(in millions)

2017

2016

Change

2017

2016

Change

Building Solutions North America

$

8,341

$

Building Solutions EMEA/LA

Building Solutions Asia Pacific

Global Products

3,595

2,444

8,455

4,687

1,613

1,736

6,148

78% $

1,039

$

*

41%

38%

290

323

1,179

494

74

222

637

$

22,835

$

14,184

61% $

2,831

$

1,427

*

*

45%

85%

98%

 * Measure not meaningful

Net Sales:

The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to incremental sales related to the Tyco Merger including 
current  year  nonrecurring  purchase  accounting  adjustments  ($3,689  million),  the  impact  of  prior  year  nonrecurring 
purchase accounting adjustments ($15 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($5 million), 
partially offset by a prior year business divestiture ($32 million) and lower installation volumes ($23 million).

The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to incremental sales related to the Tyco Merger including current 
year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($1,982 million), higher volumes ($7 million), the impact of prior 
year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($5 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation 
($3 million), partially offset by a business divestiture ($15 million).

The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to incremental sales related to the Tyco Merger including current 
year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($653 million), higher volumes of equipment and control systems 
($41 million), and higher service volumes ($38 million), partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency 
translation ($24 million). The increase in volume was driven by favorable local economic conditions.

• 

• 

• 

29

• 

The increase in Global Products was due to incremental sales related to the Tyco Merger including current year nonrecurring 
purchase accounting adjustments ($2,157 million), higher volumes ($221 million) and the favorable impact of foreign 
currency translation ($20 million), partially offset by lower volumes related to business divestitures and deconsolidation 
($91 million). The increase in volumes was primarily attributable to new product offerings. 

Segment EBITA:

• 

• 

• 

• 

The increase in Building Solutions North America was due to incremental income related to the Tyco Merger ($567 
million),  the  net  impact  of  prior  year  and  current  year  nonrecurring  purchase  accounting  adjustments  ($52  million), 
favorable mix ($9 million), lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($3 million) as a result of productivity 
and synergy savings net of a prior year gain on business divestiture, the favorable impact of foreign currency translation 
($1 million) and prior year transaction costs ($1 million), partially offset by current year integration costs ($42 million), 
higher operating costs as a result of channel investments ($25 million), current year transaction costs ($13 million), lower 
volumes ($6 million) and a prior year business divestiture ($2 million).

The increase in Building Solutions EMEA/LA was due to incremental income related to the Tyco Merger ($221 million), 
the net impact of prior year and current year nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($33 million), lower selling, 
general and administrative expenses as a result of productivity and synergy savings ($23 million), favorable mix ($7 
million), higher volumes ($2 million) and prior year transaction costs ($1 million), partially offset by a current year 
unfavorable arbitration award ($50 million), current year integration costs ($6 million), lower equity income ($6 million), 
current year transaction costs ($5 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation ($3 million) and a prior 
year business divestiture ($1 million).

The increase in Building Solutions Asia Pacific was due to incremental income related to the Tyco Merger ($73 million), 
lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of productivity savings ($24 million), higher volumes ($20 
million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1 million), partially offset by unfavorable mix ($6 
million), current year integration costs ($5 million), higher operating costs ($4 million) and current year transaction costs 
($2 million).

The increase in Global Products was due to incremental income related to the Tyco Merger ($474 million), higher volumes 
($55 million), lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of productivity and synergy savings ($41 
million), higher equity income ($33 million), prior year integration costs ($20 million), prior year transaction costs ($14 
million)  and  lower  operating  costs  ($13  million),  partially  offset  by  the  net  impact  of  prior  year  and  current  year 
nonrecurring purchase accounting adjustments ($42 million), current year integration costs ($25 million), unfavorable 
mix ($16 million), current year transaction costs ($13 million), the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation 
($5 million), a prior year gain on acquisition of partially-owned affiliate ($4 million) and business divestitures ($3 million).

Power Solutions

(in millions)

Net sales

Segment EBITA

Year Ended
September 30,

2017

2016

Change

$

7,337

$

1,427

6,653

1,327

10%

8%

Net sales increased due to the impact of higher lead costs on pricing ($427 million) favorable pricing and product mix 
($154 million), higher sales volumes ($86 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($17 million). 
The increase in volumes was driven by start-stop battery volumes and growth in China. Additionally, higher start-stop 
volumes contributed to favorable product mix. 

Segment EBITA increased due to favorable pricing and product mix net of lead cost increases ($106 million), lower 
selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of productivity savings ($39 million), higher equity income ($28 
million), higher volumes ($27 million), prior year restructuring and impairment costs included in equity income ($7 
million), prior year transaction costs ($1 million) and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation ($1 million), 
partially offset by higher operating costs primarily driven by efforts to satisfy growing customer demand ($108 million) 
and current year transaction costs ($1 million). 

• 

• 

30

GOODWILL, LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Goodwill at September 30, 2017 was $19.7 billion, $1.3 billion lower than the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to 
business divestitures.

Irish company law requires indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill to be amortized. However, amortization of indefinite-
lived assets and goodwill may not give a true and fair view because not all goodwill and intangible assets decline in value. In 
addition, since goodwill that does decline in value rarely does so on a straight-line basis, straight-line amortization of goodwill 
over an arbitrary period may not reflect the economic reality. Therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill and indefinite-
lived intangible assets are not amortized. Rather, the Group assesses the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible 
assets on an annual basis or more frequently if triggering events occur.

Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Group 
reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
the asset might be impaired. The Group performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be 
the Group’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based 
on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that 
would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In 
estimating the fair value, the Group uses multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings 
of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. In certain instances, the Group uses discounted cash 
flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified 
as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is 
then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Group is subject to financial 
statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value.

The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the 
calculations. Other than management's projections of future cash flows, the primary assumptions used in the impairment tests 
were the weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Group's cash flow forecasts are based on 
assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to 
operate the underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a 
reporting unit.

Indefinite-lived other intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. A considerable amount of management 
judgment  and  assumptions  are  required  in  performing  the  impairment  tests.  While  the  Group  believes  the  judgments  and 
assumptions used in the impairment tests are reasonable and no impairments of goodwill or indefinite-lived assets existed during 
fiscal years 2017 and 2016, different assumptions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could 
be required, which could be material to the consolidated financial statements. 

The Group reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets with definite lives, for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The 
Group conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-
Lived Assets" and ASC 985-20, "Costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Group to group 
assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets 
and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows 
do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the 
carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 985-20 requires 
the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The 
amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset 
shall be written off. 

In fiscal 2017, the Group concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets 
in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2017. As a result, the Group reviewed the long-lived assets for 
impairment and recorded $77 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated 
statement of income. Of the total impairment charges, $30 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment, $20 
million related to the Global Products segment, $19 million related to Corporate assets, $7 million related to the Power Solutions 
segment and $1 million related to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and 

31

Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured, 
depending on the asset, under either an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash flows or a market approach utilizing 
an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. These methods are consistent with the methods the Group employed 
in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair 
value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."

In the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2016, the Group concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of 
impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2016. As a result, 
the Group reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $103 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring 
and impairment costs on the consolidated statement of income. Of the total impairment charges, $64 million related to the Power 
Solutions segment, $24 million related to Corporate assets, $8 million related to the Global Products segment, $4 million related 
to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment and $3 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment.  In addition, 
the Group recorded $87 million of asset impairments within discontinued operations related to Adient in fiscal 2016. Refer to Note 
16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. 
The impairments were measured, depending on the asset, under either an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash 
flows or a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. These methods are consistent 
with the methods the Group employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are 
classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."

Investments in partially-owned affiliates ("affiliates") at September 30, 2017 were $1.2 billion, $0.2 billion higher than the prior 
year. The increase was primarily due to equity income from partially-owned affiliates in the Power Solutions business and the  
JCH joint venture.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Working Capital

(in millions)

Current assets

Current liabilities

Less: Cash

Add: Short-term debt

Add: Current portion of long-term debt

Less: Assets held for sale

Add: Liabilities held for sale

Working capital (as defined)

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Accounts payable

* Measure not meaningful

September 30, 
2017

September 30, 
2016

Change

$

$

$

$

12,292
(11,854)
438

(321)
1,214

394
(189)
72

1,608

6,666

3,209

4,271

$

$

17,109
(16,331)
778

(579)
1,078

628
(5,812)
4,276

369

6,394

2,888

4,000

-44%

*

4%

11%

7%

The Group defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash, short-term debt, the current 
portion of long-term debt, and the current portion of assets and liabilities held for sale. Management believes that this 
measure of working capital, which excludes financing-related items and businesses to be divested, provides a more useful 
measurement of the Group’s operating performance.

The increase in working capital at September 30, 2017 as compared to September 30, 2016, was primarily due to current 
year income tax payments related to the Adient-spin off, an increase in inventory to meet anticipated customer demand 
and an increase in accounts receivable due to timing of customer receipts, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable 
due to timing and mix of supplier payments. 

• 

• 

32

• 

• 

• 

The Group’s days sales in accounts receivable at September 30, 2017 were 65, a slight increase from 63 at September 30, 
2016. There has been no significant adverse change in the level of overdue receivables or changes in revenue recognition 
methods. Increased volumes in certain of the segments contributed to the increase.

The  Group’s  inventory  turns  for  the  year  ended  September 30,  2017  were  lower  than  the  comparable  period  ended 
September 30, 2016 primarily due to a build of Power Solutions inventory levels to meet customer demand.

Days  in  accounts  payable  at  September 30,  2017  were  73  days,  higher  than  69  days  at  the  comparable  period  ended 
September 30, 2016.

Cash Flows

(in millions)

Cash provided by operating activities

Cash used by investing activities

Cash provided (used) by financing activities

Capital expenditures

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

12
(1,137)
717
(1,343)

1,895
(887)
(933)
(1,249)

• 

• 

• 

• 

The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher income tax payments related to the 
Adient spin-off ($1.2 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2017) and the movement in trade working capital balances.

The increase in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to cash acquired in the Tyco Merger in the prior year 
and an increase in capital expenditures, partially offset by cash received from business divestitures in the current year.

The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to the net dividend proceeds from the Adient spin-
off, an increase in long-term debt and higher dividends paid to noncontrolling interests related to the JCH joint venture in 
the prior year, partially offset by a net decrease in short-term debt borrowings. 

The increase in capital expenditures in the current year is primarily related to higher capital investments in the current year 
in the Building Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions businesses, partially offset by lower capital investments 
in the Automotive Experience business due to the Adient spin-off.

Capitalization

(in millions)

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt

Total debt

Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary
   shareholders

Total capitalization

September 30,
2017

September 30,
2016

Change

$

$

$

1,214

$

394
11,964

13,572

20,447

34,019

$

$

1,078

628
11,053

12,759

24,118

36,877

6%

-15%
-8%

Total debt as a % of total capitalization

40%

35%

The Group believes the percentage of total debt to total capitalization is useful to understanding the Group’s financial 
condition as it provides a review of the extent to which the Group relies on external debt financing for its funding and is 
a measure of risk to its shareholders.

Shareholders' equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders decreased as a result of the Adient spin-off in 
October 2016. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further 
information.

• 

• 

33

 
In connection with the Tyco Merger, on December 28, 2016, the Parent Company completed its offers to exchange all 
validly tendered and accepted notes of certain series (the existing notes) issued by JCI Inc. or Tyco International Finance 
S.A. ("TIFSA"), as applicable, each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent Company, for new notes (the 
"New Notes") to be issued by the Parent Company, and the related solicitation of consents to amend the indentures governing 
the existing notes (the offers to exchange and the related consent solicitation together the "exchange offers"). Pursuant to 
the exchange offers, the Parent Company exchanged approximately $5.6 billion of $6.0 billion in aggregate principal 
amount of dollar denominated notes and approximately 423 million euro of 500 million euro in aggregate principal amount 
of euro denominated notes. All validly tendered and accepted existing notes have been canceled. Immediately following 
such cancellation, $380.9 million aggregate principal amount of existing notes (not including the TIFSA Euro Notes) 
remained outstanding across seventeen series of dollar-denominated existing notes and 77.4 million euro aggregate principal 
amount of TIFSA Euro Notes remained outstanding across one series. In connection with the settlement of the exchange 
offers, the New Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and their terms are described in the Parent Company's 
Prospectus dated December 19, 2016, as filed with the SEC under Rule 424(b)(3) of the Act on that date. The issuance of 
the New Notes occurred on December 28, 2016. The New Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the 
Parent Company and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Parent Company issued 
from time to time.

In connection with the Tyco Merger on September 2, 2016, JCI Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, replaced its 
$2.5 billion committed five-year credit facility scheduled to mature in August 2018 with a $2.0 billion committed four-
year credit facility scheduled to expire in August 2020. Also, in connection with the Tyco Merger on September 2, 2016, 
Tyco International Holding S.à.r.l ("TSarl"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, entered into a four-year, $1.0 billion 
revolving credit agreement scheduled to expire in August 2020. The facilities are used to support the Group’s outstanding 
commercial paper. There were no draws on either committed credit facility during the fiscal year ended September 30, 
2017.

Simultaneously with the closing of the Tyco Merger on September 2, 2016, TSarl borrowed $4.0 billion under the Term 
Loan Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2016 with a syndicate of lenders, providing for a three and a half year senior 
unsecured term loan facility to finance the cash consideration for, and fees, expenses and costs incurred in connection with 
the Merger. During fiscal 2017, the Group partially repaid $300 million of the $4.0 billion floating rate term loan scheduled 
to expire in March 2020. As of September 30, 2017, the outstanding term loan balance was $3.7 billion. In October 2017, 
the Group completed the previously announced sale of its Scott Safety business to 3M, and net cash proceeds from the 
transaction of $1.9 billion were used to further repay a significant portion of the $4.0 billion term loan.

At September 30, 2017, the Group had committed bilateral U.S. dollar denominated revolving credit facilities totaling 
$550 million, which are scheduled to expire in fiscal 2018. There were no draws on any of these revolving facilities as of 
September 30, 2017. 

In September 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day 150 million euro, floating rate, term loan scheduled to expire in 
September 2018. Proceeds from the loan were used for general corporate purposes.

In September 2017, the Group entered into five-year 35 billion yen syndicated floating rate term loan scheduled to expire 
in September 2022. Proceeds from the loan were used for general corporate purposes.

In July 2017, the Group retired $150 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 7.125% fixed rate notes that 
expired in July 2017.

In July 2017, the Group repurchased, at a discount, 4 million euro of its TIFSA 1.375% fixed rate notes, plus accrued 
interest, scheduled to expire in 2025.

In March 2017, the Group issued one billion euro in principal amount of 1.0% senior unsecured fixed rate notes due in 
fiscal 2023. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay existing debt and for other general corporate purposes.

In March 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day $150 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in 
March 2018. As of September 30, 2017, there were no draws on the facility.

In March 2017, the Group retired $46 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 2.355% fixed rate notes that 
expired in March 2017.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

34

 
In March 2017 and February 2017, the Group repurchased, at a discount, 15 million euro of its TIFSA 1.375% fixed rate 
notes, plus accrued interest, scheduled to expire in February 2025.

In February 2017, the Group issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.5% senior unsecured fixed rate notes 
due in fiscal 2047. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay outstanding commercial paper borrowings and for other 
general corporate purposes.

In February 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day $150 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire 
in February 2018. As of September 30, 2017, there were no draws on the facility.

In January 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day $250 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire 
in January 2018. As of September 30, 2017, there were no draws on the facility.

In December 2016, the Group retired $400 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 2.6% fixed rate notes 
that expired in December 2016.

In December 2016, the Group entered into a 364-day 100 million euro floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in 
December 2017. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes. Principal and accrued interest 
were fully repaid in March 2017.

In December 2016, a $100 million committed revolving credit facility expired. There were no draws on the facility.

In November 2016, the Group fully repaid its 37 billion yen syndicated floating rate term loan, plus accrued interest, 
scheduled to expire in June 2020.

In November 2016, a $35 million committed revolving credit facility expired. There were no draws on the facility.

In October 2016, the Group repaid two ten-month floating rate term loans totaling $325 million, plus accrued interest, 
scheduled to expire in October 2016. 

In October 2016, the Group repaid a nine-month $100 million floating rate term loan, plus accrued interest, scheduled to 
expire in November 2016. 

In October 2016, the Group repaid a nine-month 100 million euro floating rate term loan, plus accrued interest, scheduled 
to expire in October 2016.

The Group also selectively makes use of short-term credit lines other than its revolving credit facilities at the Group and 
TSarl. The Group estimates that, as of September 30, 2017, it could borrow up to $1.4 billion based on average borrowing 
levels during the year on committed credit lines.

The Group believes its capital resources and liquidity position at September 30, 2017 are adequate to meet projected needs. 
The Group believes requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, stock repurchases, minimum pension 
contributions, debt maturities and any potential acquisitions in fiscal 2018 will continue to be funded from operations, 
supplemented by short- and long-term borrowings, if required. The Group currently manages its short-term debt position 
in the U.S. and euro commercial paper markets and bank loan markets. In the event the Group and TSarl are unable to 
issue commercial paper, they would have the ability to draw on their $2.0 billion and $1.0 billion revolving credit facilities, 
respectively.    Both  facilities  mature  in August  2020.  There  were  no  draws  on  the  revolving  credit  facilities  as  of 
September 30, 2017. As such, the Group believes it has sufficient financial resources to fund operations and meet its 
obligations for the foreseeable future.

The Group earns a significant amount of its operating income outside of the parent company. Outside basis differences in 
these subsidiaries are deemed to be permanently reinvested except in limited circumstances. However, in fiscal 2017, the 
Group provided income tax expense related to a change in the Group’s assertion over the outside basis difference of the 
Scott Safety business as a result of the pending divestiture as well as the outside basis of certain nonconsolidated subsidiaries. 
In addition, in fiscal 2016, the Group provided income tax expense related to a change in the Group's assertion over a 
portion of the permanently reinvested earnings as a result of the planned spin-off of the Automotive Experience business. 
The Group currently does not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate undistributed earnings included in the outside basis 
differences other than in tax efficient manners. Except as noted, the Group’s intent is to reduce basis differences only when 
it would be tax efficient. The Group expects existing U.S. cash and liquidity to continue to be sufficient to fund the Group’s 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

35

U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next twelve months 
and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In the U.S.,  should the Group require more capital than is generated by its 
operations, the Group could elect to raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances. The Group has borrowed 
funds in the U.S. and continues to have the ability to borrow funds in the U.S. at reasonable interest rates. In addition, the 
Group expects existing non-U.S. cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash flows from operations to continue 
to be sufficient to fund the Group’s non-U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as 
material capital expenditures, for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. Should the 
Group require more capital at the Luxembourg and Ireland holding and financing entities, other than amounts that can be 
provided in tax efficient methods, the Group could also elect to raise capital through debt or equity issuances. These 
alternatives could result in increased interest expense or other dilution of the Group’s earnings. 

The Group’s debt financial covenant in its revolving credit facility requires a minimum consolidated shareholders’ equity 
attributable to Johnson Controls of at least $3.5 billion at all times. The revolving credit facility also limits the amount of 
debt secured by liens that may be incurred to a maximum aggregated amount of 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity 
attributable  to  Johnson  Controls  for  liens  and  pledges.  For  purposes  of  calculating  these  covenants,  consolidated 
shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls is calculated without giving effect to (i) the application of Accounting 
Standards Codification ("ASC") 715-60, "Defined Benefit Plans - Other Postretirement," or (ii) the cumulative foreign 
currency translation adjustment. TSarl's revolving credit facility contains customary terms and conditions, and a financial 
covenant that limits the ratio of TSarl's debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as adjusted 
for certain items set forth in the agreement to 3.5x. TSarl's revolving credit facility also limits its ability to incur subsidiary 
debt or grant liens on its and its subsidiaries' property. As of September 30, 2017, the Group and TSarl were in compliance 
with all covenants and other requirements set forth in their credit agreements and the indentures, governing their notes, 
and expect to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. None of the Group’s or TSarl's debt agreements limit access 
to stated borrowing levels or require accelerated repayment in the event of a decrease in the respective borrower's credit 
rating.

To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain 
underlying markets, the Group committed to a significant restructuring plan in fiscal 2017 and recorded $367 million of 
restructuring  and  impairment  costs  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  income.  The  restructuring  action  related  to  cost 
reduction initiatives in the Group’s Building Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions businesses and at Corporate. 
The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures and asset impairments. The Group currently estimates 
that upon completion of the restructuring action, the fiscal 2017 restructuring plan will reduce annual operating costs from 
continuing operations by approximately $280 million, which is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and selling, 
general and administrative expenses due to reduced employee-related costs, depreciation and amortization expense. The 
Group expects the annual benefit of these actions will be substantially realized in fiscal 2018. For fiscal 2017, the savings, 
net of execution costs, were approximately 40% of the expected annual operating cost reduction. The restructuring action 
is  expected  to  be  substantially  complete  in  fiscal  2018.  The  restructuring  plan  reserve  balance  of $239 
million at September 30, 2017 is expected to be paid in cash.

To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations to address the 
softness  in  certain  underlying  markets,  the  Group  committed  to  a  significant  restructuring  plan  in  fiscal  2016  and 
recorded $288 million of restructuring and impairment costs in the consolidated statement of income. The restructuring 
action related to cost reduction initiatives in the Group’s Building Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions businesses 
and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, plant closures, asset impairments and change-in-
control  payments. The  Group  currently  estimates  that  upon  completion  of  the  restructuring  action,  the  fiscal  2016 
restructuring plan will reduce annual operating costs from continuing operations by approximately $135 million, which 
is primarily the result of lower cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses due to reduced employee-
related  costs,  depreciation  and  amortization  expense.  The  Group  expects  the  annual  benefit  of  these  actions  will  be 
substantially realized by the end of fiscal 2018. For fiscal 2017, the savings, net of execution costs, were approximately 
35% of the expected annual operating cost reduction. The restructuring action is expected to be substantially complete in 
fiscal 2018. The restructuring plan reserve balance of $92 million at September 30, 2017 is expected to be paid in cash.

• 

• 

• 

36

Contractual Obligations

A summary of the Group’s significant contractual obligations for continuing operations as of September 30, 2017 is as follows 
(in millions):

Contractual Obligations

Long-term debt
(including capital lease obligations)*

Interest on long-term debt
(including capital lease obligations)*

Operating leases

Purchase obligations

Pension and postretirement contributions

Tax indemnification liabilities**

Total

2018

2019-2020

2021-2022

2023
and Beyond

$

12,403

$

394

$

4,228

$

1,305

$

6,476

5,731

954

2,334

447

301

413

315

1,830

64

—

752

397

373

76

—

503

157

125

79

—

4,063

85

6

228

—

Total contractual cash obligations

$

22,170

$

3,016

$

5,826

$

2,169

$

10,858

*  Refer to Note 9, "Debt and Financing Arrangements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information related 
to the Group's long-term debt. 

** As a result of the Tyco Merger in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group recorded as part of the acquired liabilities of Tyco 
$290 million of post sale contingent tax indemnification liabilities which is generally recorded within other noncurrent liabilities 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. The liabilities are recorded at fair value and relate to certain tax related matters 
borne by the buyer of previously divested subsidiaries of Tyco which Tyco has indemnified certain parties and the amounts are 
probable of being paid. Of the $290 million recorded as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, $255 million is related to prior divested 
businesses and the remainder relates to Tyco’s tax sharing agreements from its 2007 and 2012 spin-off transactions.  The payments 
due by period are not presented due to uncertainty as to when these liabilities will be settled or paid. These are certain guarantees 
or indemnifications extended among Tyco, Medtronic, TE Connectivity, ADT and Pentair in accordance with the terms of the 
2007 and 2012 separation and tax sharing agreements. In addition, the Group has recorded $11 million of tax indemnification 
liabilities as of September 30, 2017 related to other divestitures.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES

The Group prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and 
related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following policies are considered by management to be 
the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in the preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements 
and the uncertainties that could impact the Group’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows. These consolidated 
financial statements were prepared in accordance with Irish Company Law, to present to shareholders and file with the Companies 
Registration Office in Ireland. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements include presentation and disclosures required 
by Ireland’s Companies Act 2014 in addition to those disclosures required under U.S. GAAP.

Revenue Recognition

The Building Technologies & Solutions business recognizes revenue from certain long-term contracts over the contractual period 
under the percentage-of-completion ("POC") method of accounting. This method of accounting recognizes sales and gross profit 
as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. Recognized 
revenues that will not be billed under the terms of the contract until a later date are recorded primarily in accounts receivable. 
Likewise, contracts where billings to date have exceeded recognized revenues are recorded primarily in other current liabilities. 
Changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract and such estimates are reviewed monthly. Sales 
and gross profit are adjusted using the cumulative catch-up method for revisions in estimated total contract costs and contract 
values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified. Claims against customers are recognized as revenue upon settlement. The 
use of the POC method of accounting involves considerable use of estimates in determining revenues, costs and profits and in 
assigning the amounts to accounting periods. The periodic reviews have not resulted in adjustments that were significant to the 
Group’s results of operations. The Group continually evaluates all of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties inherent with the 
application of the POC method of accounting.  

37

The Building Technologies & Solutions business enters into extended warranties and long-term service and maintenance agreements 
with certain customers. For these arrangements, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. 

The  Building  Technologies  &  Solutions  business  also  sells  certain  heating,  ventilating  and  air  conditioning  ("HVAC")  and 
refrigeration products and services in bundled arrangements, where multiple products and/or services are involved. Significant 
deliverables within these arrangements include equipment, commissioning, service labor and extended warranties. Approximately 
four to twelve months separate the timing of the first deliverable until the last piece of equipment is delivered, and there may be 
extended warranty arrangements with duration of one to five years commencing upon the end of the standard warranty period. In 
addition,  the  Buildings  business  sells  security  monitoring  systems  that  may  have  multiple  elements,  including  equipment, 
installation, monitoring services and maintenance agreements. Revenues associated with sale of equipment and related installations 
are recognized once delivery, installation and customer acceptance is completed, while the revenue for monitoring and maintenance 
services  are  recognized  as  services  are  rendered.  In  accordance  with ASU  No. 2009-13,  "Revenue  Recognition  (Topic  605): 
Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements - A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force," the Group divides bundled 
arrangements into separate deliverables and revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on the relative selling price method. In 
order  to  estimate  relative  selling  price,  market  data  and  transfer  price  studies  are  utilized.  Revenue  recognized  for  security 
monitoring equipment and installation is limited to the lesser of their allocated amounts under the estimated selling price hierarchy 
or the non-contingent up-front consideration received at the time of installation, since collection of future amounts under the 
arrangement with the customer is contingent upon the delivery of monitoring and maintenance services. For transactions in which 
the Group retains ownership of the subscriber system asset, fees for monitoring and maintenance services are recognized on a 
straight-line basis over the contract term. Non-refundable fees received in connection with the initiation of a monitoring contract, 
along with associated direct and incremental selling costs, are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the customer 
relationship.

In all other cases, the Group recognizes revenue at the time title passes to the customer or as services are performed.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Irish company law requires indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill to be amortized. However, amortization of indefinite-
lived assets and goodwill may not give a true and fair view because not all goodwill and intangible assets decline in value. In 
addition, since goodwill that does decline in value rarely does so on a straight-line basis, straight-line amortization of goodwill 
over an arbitrary period may not reflect the economic reality. Therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill and indefinite-
lived intangible assets are not amortized. Rather, the Group assesses the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible 
assets on an annual basis or more frequently if triggering events occur.

Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Group 
reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
the asset might be impaired. The Group performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be 
the Group’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based 
on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that 
would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In 
estimating the fair value, the Group uses multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings 
of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. In certain instances, the Group uses discounted cash 
flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified 
as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is 
then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Group is subject to financial 
statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Refer to Note 7, "Goodwill and Other 
Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the goodwill impairment testing 
performed in the fourth quarters of fiscal years 2017 and 2016.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist 
of  trademarks  and  tradenames  and  are  tested  for  impairment  using  a  relief-from-royalty  method. A  considerable  amount  of 
management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Group reviews long-lived assets, including tangible assets and other intangible assets with definitive lives, for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Group conducts 
its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" and 
38

ASC 985-20, "Costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Group to group assets and liabilities 
at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and 
evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the 
carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of 
the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 985-20 requires the unamortized 
capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The amount by which 
the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset shall be written off.  
Refer to Note 17, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding 
the impairment testing performed in fiscal years 2017 and 2016.

Employee Benefit Plans

The Group provides a range of benefits to its employees and retired employees, including pensions and postretirement benefits. 
Plan assets and obligations are measured annually, or more frequently if there is a remeasurement event, based on the Group’s 
measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, 
turnover rates and health care cost trend rates as of that date. The Group reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and 
makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate.

The Group utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension and postretirement benefit expenses, including measuring 
the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal 
year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 15, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements 
for disclosure of the Group's pension and postretirement benefit plans.

U.S. GAAP requires that companies recognize in the statement of financial position a liability for defined benefit pension and 
postretirement plans that are underfunded or unfunded, or an asset for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are 
overfunded. U.S. GAAP also requires that companies measure the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets that determine 
a benefit plan’s funded status as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year end.

The Group considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a result, the 
Group uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of participants and the 
expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Group uses a discount rate provided by 
an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For the non-U.S. pension and postretirement 
plans, the Group consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark indices for determining the various discount rates. The 
Group’s discount rate on U.S. pension plans was 3.80% and 3.70% at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Group’s 
discount rate on postretirement plans was 3.70% and 3.30% at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Group’s weighted 
average discount rate on non-U.S. pension plans was 2.40% and 1.90% at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Group considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward-
looking considerations, inflation assumptions and the impact of the active management of the plans’ invested assets. Reflecting 
the relatively long-term nature of the plans’ obligations, approximately 45% of the plans’ assets are invested in equity securities 
and  44%  in  fixed  income  securities,  with  the  remainder  primarily  invested  in  alternative  investments.  For  the  years  ending 
September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group’s expected long-term return on U.S. pension plan assets used to determine net periodic 
benefit cost was 7.50%. The actual rate of return on U.S. pension plans was above 7.50% in both fiscal years 2017 and 2016. For 
the years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group’s weighted average expected long-term return on non-U.S. pension 
plan assets was 4.60% and 4.50%, respectively. The actual rate of return on non-U.S. pension plans was above 4.60% in fiscal 
year 2017 and above 4.50% in fiscal year 2016. For the years ending September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group’s weighted average 
expected  long-term  return  on  postretirement  plan  assets  was  5.60%  and  5.45%,  respectively.  The  actual  rate  of  return  on 
postretirement plan assets was above 5.60% in fiscal year 2017 and above 5.45% in fiscal year 2016.

Beginning in fiscal 2018, the Group believes the long-term rate of return will approximate 7.50%, 5.35% and 5.65% for U.S. 
pension,  non-U.S.  pension  and  postretirement  plans,  respectively. Any  differences  between  actual  investment  results  and  the 
expected long-term asset returns will be reflected in net periodic benefit costs in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or at the 
date of a remeasurement event. If the Group’s actual returns on plan assets are less than the Group’s expectations, additional 
contributions may be required.

In fiscal 2017, total employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans were $342 million, of which $49 million were 
voluntary contributions made by the Group. The Group expects to contribute approximately $100 million in cash to its defined 

39

benefit pension plans in fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2017, total employer contributions to the postretirement plans were $5 million. The 
Group expects to contribute approximately $5 million in cash to its postretirement plans in fiscal 2018.

Based on information provided by its independent actuaries and other relevant sources, the Group believes that the assumptions 
used are reasonable; however, changes in these assumptions could impact the Group’s financial position, results of operations or 
cash flows.

Loss Contingencies

Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other 
claims that arise in the normal course of business. The accruals are based on judgment, the probability of losses and, where 
applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarially determined estimates. Additionally, 
the Group records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.

The Group is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. The Group provides for expenses associated 
with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 22, 
"Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

The  Group  records  liabilities  for  its  workers'  compensation,  product,  general  and  auto  liabilities. The  determination  of  these 
liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported 
are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Group records receivables from third 
party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.

Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables

The Group and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits 
based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Group's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance 
recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Group's historical claim experience, and estimates of the 
number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from  2068 (which is 
the Group's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed 
against Group affiliates). Asbestos related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Group's legal strategy for resolving 
claims also impacts these estimates. The Group considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the 
look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected 
to be made through 2068. Annually, the Group assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and 
defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In 
addition to claims and settlement experience, the Group considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes 
in legislation, the legal environment, and the Group's defense strategy. The Group also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance 
receivable on an annual basis. The Group evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its 
liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.

In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Group records asbestos-related insurance recoveries 
that are probable. The Group's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Group 
for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future 
claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Group considers available insurance, 
allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," 
of the notes to consolidated financial statements for a discussion on management's judgments applied in the recognition and 
measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.

Product Warranties

The Group offers warranties to its customers depending upon the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. 
A typical warranty program requires that the Group replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. 
The Group records an estimate of future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates and other known factors. 
Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the Group’s warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. At September 30, 
2017, the Group had recorded $409 million of warranty reserves for continuing operations, including extended warranties for 
which deferred revenue is recorded. The Group monitors its warranty activity and adjusts its reserve estimates when it is probable 
that future warranty costs will be different than those estimates. Refer to Note 21, "Guarantees," of the notes to consolidated 
financial statements for disclosure of the Group's product warranty liabilities.

40

Income Taxes

The Group accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes." Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized 
for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and 
liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and other loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected 
to be recovered or settled. The Group records a valuation allowance that primarily represents non-U.S. operating and other loss 
carryforwards for which realization is uncertain. Management judgment is required in determining the Group’s provision for 
income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against the Group’s net deferred tax assets. 
In calculating the provision for income taxes on an interim basis, the Group uses an estimate of the annual effective tax rate based 
upon the facts and circumstances known at each interim period. On a quarterly basis, the actual effective tax rate is adjusted as 
appropriate based upon the actual results as compared to those forecasted at the beginning of the fiscal year.

The Group reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical 
and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along 
with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments 
to the Group’s valuation allowances may be necessary. At September 30, 2017, the Group had a valuation allowance of $3.8 billion 
for continuing operations, of which $3.2 billion relates to net operating loss carryforwards primarily in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, 
China, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom for which sustainable taxable income has not been 
demonstrated; and $610 million for other deferred tax assets.

The Group is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining its 
worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Group’s business, 
there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group is regularly under audit 
by tax authorities. At September 30, 2017, the Group had unrecognized tax benefits of $2.2 billion for continuing operations.

The Group does not generally provide additional U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on outside basis differences of consolidated 
subsidiaries included in shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc, except in limited circumstances 
including anticipated taxation on planned divestitures.  The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation 
of these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income.  The Group’s intent is to reduce the outside basis differences 
only when it would be tax efficient.  Refer to "Capitalization" within the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section for discussion 
of U.S. and non-U.S. cash projections.

Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for the Group's income tax disclosures.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Refer  to  the  "New Accounting  Pronouncements"  section  within  Note  1,  "Basis  of  Presentation  and  Summary  of  Significant 
Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.    

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, 
interest rates and stock-based compensation. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined 
policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative purposes. At the inception of the 
hedge, the Group assesses the effectiveness of the hedge instrument and designates the hedge instrument as either (1) a hedge of 
a recognized asset or liability or of a recognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or 
of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to an unrecognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge) or (3) a 
hedge of a net investment in a non-U.S. operation (a net investment hedge). The Group performs hedge effectiveness testing on 
an ongoing basis depending on the type of hedging instrument used. All other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 
under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," are revalued in the consolidated statement of income.

For all foreign currency derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, retrospective effectiveness is tested on a monthly 
basis using a cumulative dollar offset test. The fair value of the hedged exposures and the fair value of the hedge instruments are 
revalued, and the ratio of the cumulative sum of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge instruments to the cumulative sum 
of the periodic changes in the value of the hedge is calculated. The hedge is deemed as highly effective if the ratio is between 80% 
and 125%. For commodity derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges, effectiveness is tested using a regression calculation. 
Ineffectiveness is minimal as the Group aligns most of the critical terms of its derivatives with the supply contracts.
41

For net investment hedges, the Group assesses its net investment positions in the non-U.S. operations and compares it with the 
outstanding net investment hedges on a quarterly basis. The hedge is deemed effective if the aggregate outstanding principal of 
the hedge instruments designated as the net investment hedge in a non-U.S. operation does not exceed the Group’s net investment 
positions in the respective non-U.S. operation.

The Group selectively uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risk associated with changes in interest rates for its fixed-rate 
bonds. At September 30, 2017, the Group did not have any outstanding interest rate swaps.  The Group assesses retrospective and 
prospective effectiveness and records any measured ineffectiveness in the consolidated statement of income on a monthly basis.

Equity swaps and any other derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 require no assessment 
of effectiveness.

A discussion of the Group’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 1, "Basis of Presentation 
and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements, and further disclosure relating 
to derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair 
Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Exchange

The  Group  has  manufacturing,  sales  and  distribution  facilities  around  the  world  and  thus  makes  investments  and  enters  into 
transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In order to maintain strict control and achieve the benefits of the Group’s 
global diversification, foreign exchange exposures for each currency are netted internally so that only its net foreign exchange 
exposures are, as appropriate, hedged with financial instruments.

The Group hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. The Group 
primarily enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings and cash flow impact of the variation of non-
functional currency denominated receivables and payables. Gains and losses resulting from hedging instruments offset the foreign 
exchange gains or losses on the underlying assets and liabilities being hedged. The maturities of the forward exchange contracts 
generally coincide with the settlement dates of the related transactions. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts 
are recognized in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged items. The Group also selectively hedges anticipated transactions 
that are subject to foreign exchange exposure, primarily with foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash 
flow hedges in accordance with ASC 815.

The Group has entered into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in 
non-U.S. subsidiaries. The currency effects of debt obligations are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income 
("AOCI") account within shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and 
losses recorded on the Group’s net investments globally. 

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group estimates that an unfavorable 10% change in the exchange rates would have decreased 
net unrealized gains by approximately $330 million and $297 million, respectively.

Interest Rates

The Group has used interest rate swaps to offset its exposure to interest rate movements. In accordance with ASC 815, these 
outstanding  swaps  qualify  and  are  designated  as  fair  value  hedges.  The  Group  had  no  outstanding  interest  rate  swaps  at 
September 30, 2017 and eight interest rates swaps totaling $850 million outstanding at September 30, 2016. A 10% increase in 
the average cost of the Group’s variable rate debt would have resulted in an unfavorable change in pre-tax interest expense of 
approximately $13 million and $11 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Commodities

The Group uses commodity hedge contracts in the financial derivatives market in cases where commodity price risk cannot be 
naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity risks are systematically managed pursuant to 
policy guidelines. As a cash flow hedge, gains and losses resulting from the hedging instruments offset the gains or losses on 
purchases of the underlying commodities that will be used in the business. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts 
coincide with the expected purchase of the commodities.

42

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS

The Group’s global operations are governed by environmental laws and worker safety laws. Under various circumstances, these 
laws  impose  civil  and  criminal  penalties  and  fines,  as  well  as  injunctive  and  remedial  relief,  for  noncompliance  and  require 
remediation at sites where Group-related substances have been released into the environment.

The Group has expended substantial resources globally, both financial and managerial, to comply with applicable environmental 
laws and worker safety laws and to protect the environment and workers. The Group believes it is in substantial compliance with 
such laws and maintains procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, the Group has been, and in the future 
may become, the subject of formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or 
the remediation of Group-related substances released into the environment. Such matters typically are resolved with regulatory 
authorities through commitments to compliance, abatement or remediation programs and in some cases payment of penalties. 
Historically, neither such commitments nor penalties imposed on the Group have been material.

Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.

ACQUISITION AND CANCELLATION OF OWN SHARES

The Parent Company held 17.1 million and 0.4 million of own shares as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, which
amounted to 1.81% and 0.05% of total shares issued as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Parent Company 
acquires own shares based on capital allocation strategies.

The Parent Company's own shares activity for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was as follows 
(in millions):

Year Ended September 30, 2017

Year Ended September 30, 2016

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

0.4

$

15.7

1.0

17.1

$

18

651

41

710

0.1

—

0.3

0.4

$

$

3

—

15

18

Balance at beginning of period

Payments to acquire own shares

Other

Balance at end of period

DIVIDENDS

The authority to declare and pay dividends is vested in the Board of Directors. The timing, declaration and payment of future 
dividends to holders of the Parent Company's ordinary shares will be determined by the Parent Company's Board of Directors and 
will depend upon many factors, including the Group's financial condition and results of operations, the capital requirements of the 
Group's businesses, industry practice and any other relevant factors. 

Under Irish law, dividends may only be paid (and share repurchases and redemptions must generally be funded) out of “distributable 
reserves.” The creation of distributable reserves was accomplished by way of a capital reduction, which the Irish High Court 
approved on December 18, 2014 and was acquired in conjunction with the Tyco Merger. As of September 30, 2017, the Parent 
Company's distributable reserve balance was approximately $10.4 billion.

During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Parent Company declared four quarterly dividends totaling $1.00 and $1.05, respectively, per 
ordinary share. Dividends of $702 million and $446 million were paid by the Parent Company to shareholders during fiscal years 
2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there were $232 million of outstanding dividends declared. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The directors do not anticipate any significant changes in the Group's activities following the date of this report.

43

ACCOUNTING RECORDS

The measures that the directors have taken to secure compliance with the requirements of Sections 281 to 285 of the Companies 
Act 2014 with regards to the keeping of accounting records, are the employment of appropriately qualified accounting personnel 
and the maintenance of computerized accounting systems.  In accordance with Section 283 of the Companies Act 2014, sufficient 
books of account are maintained in the Group’s registered office in One Albert Quay, Cork, Ireland and at the Group's office at 
5757 N Green Bay Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209, USA to disclose, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the Group at 
intervals not exceeding six months.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE YEAR END

Subsequent events have been evaluated through January 9, 2018, the date this report was approved by the Audit Committee of the 
Board of Directors and the Board of Directors. Refer to Note 3 "Acquisitions and Divestitures," Note 9 "Debt and Financing 
Arrangements" and Note 22 "Commitments and Contingencies" of the notes to consolidated financial statements for details of 
subsequent events. Additionally, on December 7, 2017, the Board of Directors has approved an incremental $1 billion increase to 
its share repurchase authorization.

DIRECTORS

As of September 30, 2017, the Directors of Johnson Controls Ireland were George R. Oliver, David P. Abney, Natalie A. Black, 
Michael E. Daniels, Juan Pablo del Valle Perochena, Roy Dunbar, Brian Duperreault, Jürgen Tinggren,  Mark P. Vergnano and R. 
David Yost. On September 1, 2017, Alex A. Molinaroli ceased to serve as a member of the board of directors of Johnson Controls 
Ireland.  On August 16, 2017, Jeffrey A. Joerres resigned from the board of directors of Johnson Controls Ireland. On June 14, 
2017, Roy Dunbar was appointed as a director of Johnson Controls Ireland. 

On December 6, 2017, David P. Abney notified the board of directors of Johnson Controls Ireland that he will not stand for re-
election as a director at the end of his current term and will retire from the board of directors of Johnson Controls Ireland effective 
as of the conclusion of the Group's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

On December 7, 2017, the board of directors of Johnson Controls Ireland appointed John D. Young to serve as a member of the  
board of directors of Johnson Controls Ireland with a term expiring at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the 
Group, where he is expected to stand for re-election. 

44

DIRECTORS' AND CORPORATE SECRETARY INTERESTS IN SHARES

The interests in the ordinary shares of the Parent Company of the directors and corporate secretary of Johnson Controls Ireland 
holding office at the end of the fiscal year 2017 and at either the beginning of the fiscal year or date of appointment if later, were 
as follows:

Directors
George R. Oliver(1)
David Abney

Natalie A. Black

Michael E. Daniels

Juan Pablo del Valle Perochena

Roy Dunbar

Brian Duperreault

Jürgen Tinggren

Mark P. Vergnano

R. David Yost

Corporate Secretary
Matthew Heiman(2)

September 30,

September 30,

2017

2016

Ordinary
Shares

Restricted
Share Units/
Options

Ordinary
Shares

Restricted
Share Units/
Options

467,900

2,144,298

384,412

2,505,753

5,661

—

60,976

—

—

24,977

5,760

11,584

42,921

3,842

3,842

3,842

3,842

2,793

3,842

3,842

3,842

3,842

5,661

—

58,802

—

—

32,179

3,822

11,584

40,747

—

—

3,831

—

—

3,831

3,831

—

3,831

5,616

55,522

3,604

39,132

(1) Number of restricted share units/options held includes 1,898,108 and 2,300,926 options as of September 30, 2017 and September 
30, 2016, respectively.
(2) Number of restricted share units/options held includes 41,528 and 27,225 options as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 
2016, respectively.

POLITICAL DONATIONS

No political donations that require disclosure under Irish law were made during fiscal 2017.

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES AND UNDERTAKINGS

Refer to Note 30, "Subsidiary Undertakings," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding subsidiary 
undertakings, unconsolidated subsidiaries and branches.

GOING CONCERN

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and Johnson Controls Ireland have adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable future.  Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

An Audit Committee as required by the Companies Act 2014, Section 167, has been in place for the fiscal years ended September 30, 
2017 and 2016.

STATUTORY AUDITORS

The statutory auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, have indicated their willingness to continue in office, and a resolution that they 
be re-appointed will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

45

The directors in office at the date of this report have each confirmed that:

•  As far as he/she is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s statutory auditors are unaware; and
•  He/she has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself/herself aware of any 

relevant audit information and to establish that the Group’s statutory auditors is aware of that information.

On behalf of the Directors

/s/ George R. Oliver 
George R. Oliver   
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

/s/ Jürgen Tinggren
Jürgen Tinggren

              Director

January 9, 2018

46

                             
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Johnson Controls International plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Opinion

In our opinion: 

• 

• 

• 

Johnson Controls International plc’s group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial 
statements”) give a true and fair view of the group’s and the parent company’s assets, liabilities and financial position as at 
September 30, 2017 and of the group’s profit and cash flows for the year then ended;

the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America (“US GAAP”), as defined in Section 279 of the Companies Act 2014, to the extent that the 
use of those principles in the preparation of the group financial statements does not contravene any provision of the 
Companies Act 2014 or of any regulations made thereunder;

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice in Ireland (accounting standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council of the UK, including Financial 
Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and 
promulgated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and Irish law); and

• 

the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2014.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report (the “Annual Report”), which comprise: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of September 30, 2017;

the Parent Company Balance Sheet as at September 30, 2017

the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the year then ended;

the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year then ended;

the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended;

the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls Ordinary Shareholders for the year 
then ended;

the Company Statement of Changes in Equity; and

the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the Company Financial Statements, which include a 
description of the significant accounting policies.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) (“ISAs (Ireland)”) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under ISAs (Ireland) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our 
opinion.

Independence

We remained independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in Ireland, which includes the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA’s) Ethical Standard as 
applicable to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

47

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Our audit approach

Overview

Materiality

Overall group materiality: $130 million (2016: $140 million) which
represents circa. 5% of income from continuing operations before income
taxes, adjusted for discrete items, primarily the group’s net actuarial gain
(2016: loss) for the year and separation costs of the Automotive
Experience business.

Company materiality: $555 million (2016: $495 million) which represents
1% of total assets. For financial statement line items that do not eliminate
on consolidation, they have been audited to the overall group materiality
levels.

Audit Scope

The group’s five reportable segments are presented in the context of its two
primary businesses - Building Technology & Solutions (“BT&S”) and
Power Solutions.

We conducted work on 15 reporting components. We paid particular
attention to these components due to their size or characteristics and to
ensure appropriate audit coverage. Full scope audits were performed on 9
components and specified procedures were performed on the further 6
components.

Taken together, the territories and functions where we performed our audit
accounted for 73% of group revenues, 69% of income before income taxes,
excluding the company’s net actuarial gain for the year and 74% of group
total assets.

Key Audit Matters

Goodwill impairment assessment

Uncertain tax positions

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

The scope of our audit

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 
In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting 
estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits we 
also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the 
directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the 
financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not 
due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of 
resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of 
our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

48

  
Key audit matter
Goodwill impairment assessment
Refer to note 1 "basis of presentation and summary of 
significant accounting policies", note 3 "acquisitions and 
divestitures" and note 7 "goodwill and other intangible assets".

The group has goodwill of $19,688 million at September 30, 
2017 representing approximately 38% of the group’s total assets 
at year-end. The group also changed the reportable segments 
within its BT&S business from five to four reportable segments, 
effective July 1, 2017, to align with its new management 
structure and business activities. This change arose primarily 
due to the acquisition of Tyco International plc ("Tyco") as at 
September 2, 2016 and divestiture of the group's Automotive 
Experience business as at October 31, 2016.

Our audit was focused in this area due to quantitative size of the 
goodwill balances and the implications arising from the BT&S 
reportable segment changes on management’s impairment 
analysis.

Additionally, as set out in the accounting policy, there are 
judgements and estimates used by the directors of Johnson 
Controls International plc ("JCI plc") when performing their 
annual impairment assessment of goodwill, including:

the use of historical published multiples of earnings of
comparable entities with similar operations and
economic characteristics including the selection of
appropriate entities; and

where a discounted cash flow analysis is performed
there are a number of judgements and estimates
involved in the calculation, including the forecasting of
merger synergies in the estimated cash flow projection
period. These were determined in our professional
judgement to be a significant risk due to the uncertainty
of timing and realisability of merger synergies.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We evaluated the timing of the reportable segment change based 
on the period in which the business was operated in the new 
structure.  This also included evaluating the information 
regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to 
assess performance and allocate JCI plc resources and 
information regularly reviewed by segment leaders to assess 
performance of their segments. 

We performed a tie out of the retrospectively presented 
reportable segment results to determine if the mapping of the 
historical information was consistent with JCI plc’s definition of 
the new operating segments. 

We evaluated the allocation of Tyco goodwill to JCI plc's new 
reportable segments by reference to the third party valuation 
report which had calculated the goodwill for the new reportable 
segment structure based on an assumed purchase price method. 

We evaluated the allocation of legacy JCI goodwill to JCI plc’s 
new reportable segments based on the relative fair value 
allocation, utilising historical EBITDA multiples that 
management had performed. 

In order to determine if a change in reportable segments altered 
an existing impairment, we assessed the reportable segments by 
reference to the results of the prior year impairment assessment 
and considered whether any triggering events occurred during 
fiscal 2017.

For the EBITDA multiple utilised by management to establish 
an estimate of fair value, we recalculated the average market 
multiple based on the multiples of comparable entities. We 
checked the mathematical accuracy of the calculation.

For two reporting units where a discounted cashflow analysis 
was performed to further support the fair value estimates, we 
undertook the following in relation to the key assumptions:

We specifically focused on management’s forecasted 
merger synergies including targeted evaluations of 
significant synergies expected to be realised. In this 
regard, we considered synergies forecasted for fiscal 
2017 as compared to those actually achieved.

We also considered the directors’ analysis including the 
discount rate, terminal growth rate and revenue and cost 
assumptions by comparing the assumptions to historical 
and projected growth rates and assumptions used by 
market participants. This work included utilising our 
own internal valuation experts.

49

Uncertain tax positions
Refer to note 1 "basis of presentation and summary of significant 
accounting policies" and note 18 "income taxes”.

We tested JCI plc’s key internal controls over financial reporting 
related to the identification, valuation and recognition of UTPs. 

The group has an Uncertain Tax Positions ("UTPs") reserve of 
$2,173 million as at 30 September 2017.

JCI plc is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous 
foreign jurisdictions. Judgement is required in determining JCI 
plc’s worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the 
related income tax assets and liabilities.  In the ordinary course 
of business, there are many transactions and calculations where 
the ultimate tax determination is a result of highly subjective 
management judgements and estimates. 

Based on our professional judgement UTPs were a focus of our 
audit due to the quantitative significance of the total UTP reserve 
and the judgements used by the directors when determining the 
appropriateness of uncertain tax positions.

We evaluated the directors' analysis of each position by obtaining 
and evaluating supporting documentation, relevant tax law and 
the assumptions utilised to form the tax position. 

We also considered contrary evidence arising as part of our audit, 
if any, for each position selected for evaluation. 

We assessed the completeness of the UTPs based on our 
knowledge of potential exposures arising from fiscal 2017 
ordinary business activities and prior periods, significant 
transactions, changes in tax law and the current status of U.S. and 
foreign tax examinations. We specifically focused on 
understanding and evaluating the directors’ judgements and 
estimates involved when determining the valuation of the reserve 
for each UTP. 

We assessed the reasonableness of estimated interest and 
penalties recorded to income tax expense related to JCI plc’s 
UTPs by reviewing local country tax laws as well as the impact 
from net operating loss carryovers. 

We considered the current year movement in UTPs based on our 
understanding and reconciled UTP disclosures to supporting 
calculations.

50

 
How we tailored the audit scope

The group is structured along two primary businesses, Building Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions.  The consolidated 
financial statements are a consolidation of five reportable segments and over 900 legal entities.  Reporting components are structured 
by individual plants, grouping of plants or on a country basis depending on their management team and structure. The majority of the 
group’s components are supported by shared service centres across five different territories; Slovakia, Mexico, China, the United 
Kingdom and the United States. 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements 
as a whole, taking into account the structure of the group, the accounting processes and controls, including those performed at the 
group’s shared service centres and the industry in which the group operates.

In determining our audit scope we first focused on individual reporting components and determined the type of work that needed to be 
performed at the reporting components by us, as the Irish group engagement team, PwC US as the global engagement team, or other 
component auditors within other PwC network firms. Where the work was performed by PwC US and component auditors, we 
determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the audit work of those reporting components to be able to conclude 
whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole.

Overall through the use of full scope audits, specified procedures audits and substantive analytical procedures we obtained coverage of 
73% of group revenues, 69% of income before income taxes, excluding the group’s net actuarial (gain) loss for the year and 74% of 
group total assets. We allocated materiality levels and issued instructions to each component auditor. In addition to the audit report 
from each of the component auditors, we received detailed memoranda of examinations on work performed and relevant findings 
which supplemented our understanding of the component, its results and the audit findings and we participated in a number of local 
audit closing meetings. Included in the above coverage were other reporting components where specific audit procedures on certain 
balances were performed. This, together with additional procedures performed at group level, gave us the evidence we needed for our 
opinion on the financial statements as a whole.

Materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, 
together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both 
individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall materiality
How we determined it

Rationale for benchmark
applied

Group financial statements
$130 million (2016: $140 million)
Circa. 5% of income before income taxes from
continuing operations, adjusted for discrete
items, primarily the group’s net actuarial gain
(2016: loss) for the year and separation costs of
the Automotive Experience business

We deem income from continuing operations
before income taxes, adjusted for discrete
items, primarily the group’s net actuarial gain
(2016: loss) for the year and separation costs
of the Automotive Experience business to be
the most appropriate for a profit focused
entity.

Company financial statements
$555 million (2016: $495 million)
1% of total assets

As the company is a holding company it is deemed
that total assets are the most appropriate benchmark
to calculate materiality.  For financial statement line
items that do not eliminate on consolidation, they
have been audited to the overall group materiality
levels.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above $13 million 
(group audit) (2016: $14 million) as well as misstatements below that amount which, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative 
reasons.  For the company audit our misstatement threshold was $55.5 million (2016: $49.5 million) as well as misstatements below 
that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

51

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which ISAs (Ireland) require us to report to you where:

• 

• 

the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; 
or
the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt about the group’s or the company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of 
at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the group’s or the 
company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reporting on other information

The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ 
report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the 
other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this 
report, any form of assurance thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are 
required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of 
this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the Companies Act 2014 have been 
included.

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, ISAs (Ireland) and the Companies 
Act 2014 require us to also report certain opinions and matters as described below.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Directors’ Report for the year 
ended 30 September 2017 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with the applicable legal 
requirements.

Based on our knowledge and understanding of the group and company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we 
have not identified any material misstatements in the Directors’ Report.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on pages 3 and 4, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view.

The directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless 
the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high 
level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (Ireland) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated 
financial statements.

52

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Irish Auditing and Accounting 
Supervisory Authority website at: https://www.iaasa.ie/getmedia/b2389013-1cf6-458b-9b8f-a98202dc9c3a/
Description_of_auditors_responsibilities_for_audit.pdf This description forms part of our auditors’ report.

Use of this report

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s members as a body in accordance with section 
391 of the Companies Act 2014 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for 
any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed 
by our prior consent in writing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other required reporting
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Companies Act 2014 opinions on other matters

•  We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit.
• 

In our opinion the accounting records of the company were sufficient to permit the company financial statements to be 
readily and properly audited.
The company balance sheet is in agreement with the accounting records.

• 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Companies Act 2014 exception reporting

Directors’ remuneration and transactions

Under the Companies Act 2014 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of directors’ remuneration and 
transactions specified by sections 305 to 312 of that Act have not been made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this 
responsibility.

Anthony Reidy
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm
Cork
9 January 2018

The maintenance and integrity of the Johnson Controls International plc website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried 
out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes 
that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

Legislation in the Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions. 

• 

• 

53

Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statement of Income

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

(in millions, except per share data)
Net sales

Products and systems*
Services*

Cost of sales

Products and systems*
Services*

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring and impairment costs
Net financing charges
Equity income

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax provision

Income from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 4)

Net income (loss)

Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls

Amounts attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders:

Income from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

        Net income (loss)

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Johnson Controls

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations
        Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Johnson Controls

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

        Net income (loss)**

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

24,099
6,073
30,172

17,220
3,613
20,833

9,339

(6,158)
(367)
(496)
240

2,558

705

1,853

(34)

1,819

199
9

18,084
2,753
20,837

13,323
1,860
15,183

5,654

(4,190)
(288)
(289)
174

1,061

197

864

(1,516)

(652)

132
84

1,611

$

(868)

1,654

$

(43)

1,611

$

1.77

(0.05)
1.72

$

$

1.75

$

(0.05)

1.71

$

732

(1,600)

(868)

1.10

(2.40)
(1.30)

1.09

(2.38)

(1.29)

 *

Products and systems consist of Building Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions products and systems. Services are
Building Technologies & Solutions technical services.

** Certain items do not sum due to rounding.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

54

 
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in millions)

Net income (loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

Pension and postretirement plans

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

1,819

$

(652)

103
(14)
5

—

94

1,913

203

(94)
9
(1)
(1)

(87)

(739)

225

(964)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls

$

1,710

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

55

Johnson Controls International plc

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

September 30,

2017

2016

$

321

$

(in millions, except par value and share data)

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
 accounts of $182 and $173, respectively

Inventories

Assets held for sale

Other current assets

Current assets

Property, plant and equipment - net

Goodwill

Other intangible assets - net

Investments in partially-owned affiliates

Noncurrent assets held for sale

Other noncurrent assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Equity

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and benefits

Deferred revenue

Liabilities held for sale

Other current liabilities

Current liabilities

Long-term debt

Pension and postretirement benefits

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale

Other noncurrent liabilities

Long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

Ordinary shares - par value $0.01, $0.01; 2.0 billion, 2.0 billion shares
   authorized; 945,055,276, 936,247,911 shares issued, respectively
Ordinary A shares - par value €1.00; 40,000 shares authorized, none outstanding as of 
   September 30, 2017 and 2016
Preferred shares - par value $0.01; 200,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding as of 
   September 30, 2017 and 2016
Ordinary shares held in treasury, at cost (2017 - 17,080,302; 2016 - 452,083 shares)

Capital in excess of par value

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Shareholders’ equity attributable to Johnson Controls

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Approved by the Board of Directors on January 9, 2018 and signed on its behalf by:

/s/ George R. Oliver 
George R. Oliver  
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer                   

/s/ Jürgen Tinggren
Jürgen Tinggren
Director

56

$

$

6,666

3,209

189

1,907

12,292

6,121

19,688

6,741

1,191

1,920

3,931

51,884

$

1,214

$

394

4,271

1,071

1,279

72

3,553

11,854

11,964

947

173

5,368

18,452

211

9

—

—

(710)

16,390

5,231

(473)

20,447

920

21,367

$

51,884

$

579

6,394

2,888

5,812

1,436

17,109

5,632

21,024

7,540

990

7,374

3,510

63,179

1,078

628

4,000

1,333

1,228

4,276

3,788

16,331

11,053

1,550

3,888

5,033

21,524

234

9

—

—

(20)

16,105

9,177

(1,153)

24,118

972

25,090

63,179

 
                           
 
 
 
 
 
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in millions)

Operating Activities

Net income (loss) attributable to Johnson Controls
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization
Pension and postretirement benefit expense (income)
Pension and postretirement contributions
Equity in earnings of partially-owned affiliates, net of dividends received
Deferred income taxes
Non-cash restructuring and impairment charges
Gain on divestitures - net
Fair value adjustment of equity investment
Equity-based compensation
Other
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and divestitures:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other assets
Restructuring reserves
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accrued income taxes

Cash provided by operating activities

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures
Sale of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Business divestitures, net of cash divested
Changes in long-term investments
Other

Cash used by investing activities

Financing Activities
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt - net
Increase in long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Debt financing costs
Stock repurchases
Payment of cash dividends
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
Change in noncontrolling interest share
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
Dividends from Adient spin-off
Cash transferred to Adient related to spin-off
Cash paid to prior acquisitions
Other

Cash provided (used) by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Change in cash held for sale
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

1,611
199
9
1,819

1,188
(568)
(347)
(181)
1,125
78
(9)
—
147
(3)

(520)
(398)
(480)
89
217
(2,145)
12

(1,343)
33
(6)
220
(41)
—
(1,137)

145
1,865
(1,297)
(18)
(651)
(702)
157
8
(88)
2,050
(665)
(75)
(12)
717
54
96
(258)
579
321

$

$

(868)
132
84
(652)

953
460
(137)
(250)
(1,241)
221
(26)
(4)
142
5

(344)
1
148
141
398
2,080
1,895

(1,249)
32
353
32
(48)
(7)
(887)

556
1,501
(1,299)
(45)
(501)
(915)
70
(2)
(306)
—
—
—
8
(933)
12
(61)
26
553
579

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

57

 
Johnson Controls International plc
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Johnson Controls Ordinary 
Shareholders

Ordinary
Shares

$

Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
3,740
$
—

Retained
Earnings
10,797
$
(868)

Treasury
Stock,
at Cost

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

$

(3,152) $
—

(in millions, except per share data)
At September 30, 2015
Comprehensive loss
Result of contribution of Johnson Controls, 
   Inc. to Johnson Controls International plc

Cash dividends
      Common ($1.16 per share)

Repurchases of common stock
Other, including options exercised
At September 30, 2016
Comprehensive income
Cash dividends
      Ordinary ($1.00 per share)

Repurchases of ordinary shares
Spin-off of Adient
Other, including options exercised
At September 30, 2017

Total
$ 10,335
(964)

15,808

(752)
(501)
192
24,118
1,710

(938)
(651)
(4,038)
246
$ 20,447

$

7
—

2

—
—
—
9
—

—
—
—
—
9

12,157

—
—
208
16,105
—

—
—
—
285
$ 16,390

$

—

3,649

(752)
—
—
9,177
1,611

(938)
—
(4,619)
—
5,231

$

—
(501)
(16)
(20)
—

—
(651)
—
(39)
(710) $

(1,057)
(96)

—

—
—
—
(1,153)
99

—
—
581
—
(473)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

58

Johnson Controls International plc
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The directors have elected to prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with Section 279 (1) of the Companies 
Act 2014, which provides that a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss may be given by preparing the financial 
statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP), as defined 
in Section 279 of the Companies Act 2014, to the extent that the use of those principles in the preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements does not contravene any provision of the Companies Act or of any regulations made thereunder. The directors 
have elected to apply the amendments to Schedule III Part II of Companies Act 2014, introduced by the Companies (Accounting) 
Act 2017, which allows the directors to adopt a balance sheet and profit and loss format in a different way than the formats as 
prescribed by Section B, provided that the information given is at least equivalent to that which would have been required by the 
use of such format.  To ensure comparability, corresponding amounts have been disclosed in the same format.

Consolidated financial statements and notes prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP were included in the Group's Annual Report 
on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  September 30,  2017,  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (SEC).  These 
consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with Irish Company Law, to present to shareholders and file with 
the  Companies  Registration  Office  in  Ireland. Accordingly,  these  consolidated  financial  statements  include  presentation  and 
disclosures required by Ireland’s Companies Act 2014 in addition to those disclosures required under U.S. GAAP.

On  September 2,  2016,  Johnson  Controls, Inc.  ("JCI  Inc.")  and Tyco  International  plc  (“Tyco”)  completed  their  combination 
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of January 24, 2016, as amended by Amendment 
No. 1, dated as of July 1, 2016, by and among JCI Inc., Tyco and certain other parties named therein, including Jagara Merger Sub 
LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Tyco (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on September 2, 
2016, Merger Sub merged with and into JCI Inc., with JCI Inc. being the surviving corporation in the merger and a wholly owned, 
indirect subsidiary of Tyco (the “Merger”). Following the Merger, Tyco changed its name to “Johnson Controls International plc.” 
Johnson Controls International plc is registered at One Albert Quay, Cork, domiciled in Ireland, and incorporated under the laws 
of Ireland. The Merger changed the jurisdiction of organization from the United States to Ireland. The domicile to Ireland became 
effective on September 2, 2016. 

The merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting 
Standards  Codification  ("ASC")  805,  "Business  Combinations."  JCI  Inc.  was  the  accounting  acquirer  for  financial  reporting 
purposes. Accordingly, the historical consolidated financial statements of JCI Inc. for periods prior to this transaction are considered 
to be the historic financial statements of the Group. Refer to Note 2, "Merger Transaction," of the notes to consolidated financial 
statements for further information.

On October 31, 2016, the Group completed the spin-off of its Automotive Experience business by way of the transfer of the 
Automotive Experience Business from Johnson Controls International plc to Adient plc and the issuance of ordinary shares of 
Adient directly to holders of Johnson Controls International plc ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. Prior to the open of business 
on October 31, 2016, each of the Group's shareholders received one ordinary share of Adient plc for every ten ordinary shares of 
Johnson Controls International plc held as of the close of business on October 19, 2016, the record date for the distribution. Group 
shareholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares of Adient, if any. Following the separation and distribution, Adient plc is 
now an independent public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "ADNT". The Group 
did not retain any equity interest in Adient plc. Adient’s historical financial results are reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements as a discontinued operation. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements 
for further information.

Principles of Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  consolidated  accounts  of  Johnson  Controls  International plc,  a  corporation 
organized under the laws of Ireland, and its subsidiaries (Johnson Controls International plc and all its subsidiaries, hereinafter 
collectively referred to as the "Group" or "Johnson Controls"). The financial statements have been prepared in United States dollars 
("USD") and in accordance with U.S. GAAP as defined in Section 279 (1) of the Companies Act 2014. All significant intercompany 

59

transactions have been eliminated. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated 
financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal. Investments in partially-owned affiliates 
are accounted for by the equity method when the Group’s interest exceeds 20% and the Group does not have a controlling interest. 

Under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 810, "Consolidation," the Group 
may  consolidate  a  partially-owned  affiliate.  To  determine  whether  to  consolidate  a  partially-owned  affiliate,  the  Group  first 
determines if the entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE"). An entity is considered to be a VIE if it has one of the following 
characteristics: 1) the entity is thinly capitalized; 2) residual equity holders do not control the entity; 3) equity holders are shielded 
from economic losses or do not participate fully in the entity’s residual economics; or 4) the entity was established with non-
substantive voting. If the entity meets one of these characteristics, the Group then determines if it is the primary beneficiary of the 
VIE. The party with the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and 
the potential to absorb benefits or losses that could be significant to the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates 
the VIE. If the entity is not considered a VIE, then the Group applies the voting interest model to determine whether or not the 
Group shall consolidate the partially-owned affiliate.

Consolidated VIEs

Based upon the criteria set forth in ASC 810, the Group has determined that it was the primary beneficiary in one VIE for the 
reporting period ended September 30, 2017 and three VIEs for the reporting period ended September 30, 2016, as the Group 
absorbs significant economics of the entities and has the power to direct the activities that are considered most significant to the 
entities.

Two of the VIEs manufacture products in North America for the automotive industry. The Group funded the entities’ short-term 
liquidity needs through revolving credit facilities and had the power to direct the activities that were considered most significant 
to the entities through its key customer supply relationships. These VIEs were divested as a result of the Adient spin-off in the first 
quarter of fiscal 2017.

In fiscal 2012, a pre-existing VIE accounted for under the equity method was reorganized into three separate investments as a 
result of the counterparty exercising its option to put its interest to the Group. The Group acquired additional interests in two of 
the reorganized group entities. The reorganized group entities are considered to be VIEs as the other owner party has been provided 
decision making rights but does not have equity at risk. The Group is considered the primary beneficiary of one of the entities due 
to the Group’s power pertaining to decisions over significant activities of the entity. As such, this VIE has been consolidated within 
the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position. The impact of consolidation of the entity on the Group’s consolidated 
statement of income for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was not material. The VIE is named as a co-obligor under 
a third party debt agreement of $164 million, maturing in fiscal 2020, under which it could become subject to paying more than 
its allocated share of the third party debt in the event of bankruptcy of one or more of the other co-obligors. The other co-obligors, 
all related parties in which the Group is an equity investor, consist of the remaining group entities involved in the reorganization. 
As part of the overall reorganization transaction, the Group has also provided financial support to the group entities in the form 
of loans totaling $37 million, which are subordinate to the third party debt agreement. The Group is a significant customer of 
certain co-obligors, resulting in a remote possibility of loss. Additionally, the Group is subject to a floor guaranty expiring in fiscal 
2022; in the event that the other owner party no longer owns any part of the group entities due to sale or transfer, the Group has 
guaranteed that the proceeds received from the sale or transfer will not be less than $25 million. The Group has partnered with the 
group entities to design and manufacture battery components for the Power Solutions business.

60

The carrying amounts and classification of assets (none of which are restricted) and liabilities included in the Group’s consolidated 
statement of financial position for the consolidated VIEs are as follows (in millions):

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

Total liabilities

September 30,

2017

2016

2

53

55

6

42

48

$

$

$

$

284

98

382

230

29

259

$

$

$

$

The Group did not have a significant variable interest in any other consolidated VIEs for the presented reporting periods.

Nonconsolidated VIEs

As mentioned previously within the "Consolidated VIEs" section above, in fiscal 2012, a pre-existing VIE was reorganized into 
three separate investments as a result of the counterparty exercising its option to put its interest to the Group. The reorganized 
group entities are considered to be VIEs as the other owner party has been provided decision making rights but does not have 
equity at risk. The Group is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of two of the entities as the Group cannot make key 
operating decisions considered to be most significant to the VIEs. Therefore, the entities are accounted for under the equity method 
of accounting as the Group’s interest exceeds 20% and the Group does not have a controlling interest. The Group’s maximum 
exposure to loss includes the partially-owned affiliate investment balance of $65 million and $59 million at September 30, 2017 
and 2016, respectively, as well as the subordinated loan from the Group, third party debt agreement and floor guaranty mentioned 
previously within the "Consolidated VIEs" section above. Current liabilities due to the VIEs are not material and represent normal 
course of business trade payables for all presented periods.

The Group did not have a significant variable interest in any other nonconsolidated VIEs for the presented reporting periods.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date 
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could 
differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying 
values. See Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to 
consolidated financial statements for fair value of financial instruments, including derivative instruments, hedging activities and 
long-term debt.

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale

The Group classifies assets and liabilities (disposal groups) to be sold as held for sale in the period in which all of the following 
criteria are met: management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group; the disposal 
group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such 
disposal groups; an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the disposal group have 
been initiated; the sale of the disposal group is probable, and transfer of the disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition 
as a completed sale within one year, except if events or circumstances beyond the Group's control extend the period of time required 
to sell the disposal group beyond one year; the disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in 
relation to its current fair value; and actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the 
plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. 

61

 
 
In addition, the Group classifies disposal groups to be disposed of other than by sale (e.g. spin-off) as held for sale in the period 
the disposal occurs. 

The Group initially measures a disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less 
any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. 
Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a disposal group until the date of sale. The Group assesses the fair value of a 
disposal group, less any costs to sell, each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and reports any subsequent changes 
as an adjustment to the carrying value of the disposal group, as long as the new carrying value does not exceed the carrying value 
of the disposal group at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. 

Upon determining that a disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Group reports the assets and liabilities 
of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale in the consolidated statement of 
financial  position.  Refer  to  Note  4,  "Discontinued  Operations,"  of  the  notes  to  consolidated  financial  statements  for  further 
information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Group considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash 
equivalents.

Restricted Cash

At September 30, 2017, the Group held restricted cash of approximately $31 million, of which $22 million was recorded within 
other current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position and $9 million was recorded within other noncurrent assets 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. These amounts were primarily related to cash restricted for payment of asbestos 
liabilities. At September 30, 2016, the Group held restricted cash of approximately $88 million, of which $79 million was recorded 
within other current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position and $9 million was recorded within other noncurrent 
assets in the consolidated statement of financial position. These amounts were primarily related to cash held in escrow from business 
divestitures and cash restricted for payment of asbestos liabilities. 

Receivables

Receivables consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers and unbilled costs and accrued profits related to revenues 
on long-term contracts that have been recognized for accounting purposes but not yet billed to customers. The Group extends 
credit to customers in the normal course of business and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts resulting from the inability 
or unwillingness of customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience, 
existing economic conditions and any specific customer collection issues the Group has identified. The Group enters into supply 
chain financing programs to sell certain accounts receivable without recourse to third-party financial institutions. Sales of accounts 
receivable are reflected as a reduction of accounts receivable on the consolidated statement of financial position and the proceeds 
are included in cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.  

Payables

Trade and other creditors are payable at various dates within a year after the end of the fiscal year in accordance with the 
creditors usual and customary credit terms. 

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Finished goods and work-in-
process inventories include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets 
using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The estimated 
useful lives generally range from 3 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, subscriber systems up to 15 years, and from 3 to 
15 years for machinery and equipment. The Group capitalizes interest on borrowings during the active construction period of major 
capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the useful lives of the assets.

62

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Irish company law requires indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill to be amortized. However, amortization of indefinite-
lived assets and goodwill may not give a true and fair view because not all goodwill and intangible assets decline in value. In 
addition, since goodwill that does decline in value rarely does so on a straight-line basis, straight-line amortization of goodwill 
over an arbitrary period may not reflect the economic reality. Therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, goodwill and indefinite-
lived intangible assets are not amortized. Rather, the Group assesses the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible 
assets on an annual basis or more frequently if triggering events occur.

Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. The Group 
reviews goodwill for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
the asset might be impaired. The Group performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be 
the Group’s reportable segments or one level below the reportable segments in certain instances, using a fair value method based 
on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that 
would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In 
estimating the fair value, the Group uses multiples of earnings based on the average of historical, published multiples of earnings 
of comparable entities with similar operations and economic characteristics. In certain instances, the Group uses discounted cash 
flow analyses or estimated sales price to further support the fair value estimates. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified 
as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." The estimated fair value is 
then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Group is subject to financial 
statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Refer to Note 7, "Goodwill and Other 
Intangible Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the goodwill impairment testing 
performed in the fourth quarters of fiscal years 2017 and 2016.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily 
consist of trademarks and tradenames and are tested for impairment using a relief-from-royalty method. A considerable amount 
of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Group reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets with definite lives, for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The 
Group conducts its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-
Lived Assets" and ASC 985-20, "Costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Group to group 
assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets 
and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows 
do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the 
carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 985-20 requires 
the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The 
amount by which the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset 
shall be written off.  Refer to Note 17, "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for 
information regarding the impairment testing performed in fiscal years 2017 and 2016.

Revenue Recognition

The Building Technologies & Solutions business records certain long-term contracts under the percentage-of-completion ("POC") 
method of accounting. Under this method, sales and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based on the relationship 
between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion. The Group records costs and earnings in excess of billings 
on uncompleted contracts primarily within accounts receivable and billings in excess of costs and earnings on uncompleted contracts 
primarily within deferred revenue in the consolidated statement of financial position. Costs and earnings in excess of billings 
related to these contracts were $908 million and $841 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Billings in excess of 
costs and earnings related to these contracts were $451 million and $431 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
Changes to the original estimates may be required during the life of the contract and such estimates are reviewed monthly. Sales 
and gross profit are adjusted using the cumulative catch-up method for revisions in estimated total contract costs and contract 
values. Estimated losses are recorded when identified. Claims against customers are recognized as revenue upon settlement. The 
use of the POC method of accounting involves considerable use of estimates in determining revenues, costs and profits and in 
assigning the amounts to accounting periods. The periodic reviews have not resulted in adjustments that were significant to the 
Group’s results of operations. The Group continually evaluates all of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties inherent with the 
application of the POC method of accounting.  
63

The Building Technologies & Solutions business enters into extended warranties and long-term service and maintenance agreements 
with certain customers. For these arrangements, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. 

The  Building  Technologies  &  Solutions  business  also  sells  certain  heating,  ventilating  and  air  conditioning  ("HVAC")  and 
refrigeration products and services in bundled arrangements, where multiple products and/or services are involved. Significant 
deliverables within these arrangements include equipment, commissioning, service labor and extended warranties. Approximately 
four to twelve months separate the timing of the first deliverable until the last piece of equipment is delivered, and there may be 
extended warranty arrangements with duration of one to five years commencing upon the end of the standard warranty period. In 
addition, the Building Technologies & Solutions business sells security monitoring systems that may have multiple elements, 
including equipment, installation, monitoring services and maintenance agreements. Revenues associated with sale of equipment 
and related installations are recognized once delivery, installation and customer acceptance is completed, while the revenue for 
monitoring and maintenance services are recognized as services are rendered. In accordance with Accounting Standards Update 
("ASU") No. 2009-13, "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements - A Consensus of the 
FASB Emerging Issues Task Force," the Group divides bundled arrangements into separate deliverables and revenue is allocated 
to each deliverable based on the relative selling price method. In order to estimate relative selling price, market data and transfer 
price studies are utilized. Revenue recognized for security monitoring equipment and installation is limited to the lesser of their 
allocated amounts under the estimated selling price hierarchy or the non-contingent up-front consideration received at the time of 
installation,  since  collection  of  future  amounts  under  the  arrangement  with  the  customer  is  contingent  upon  the  delivery  of 
monitoring and maintenance services. For transactions in which the Group retains ownership of the subscriber system asset, fees 
for monitoring and maintenance services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Non-refundable fees received 
in connection with the initiation of a monitoring contract, along with associated direct and incremental selling costs, are deferred 
and amortized over the estimated life of the customer relationship.

In all other cases, the Group recognizes revenue at the time title passes to the customer or as services are performed.

Subscriber System Assets, Dealer Intangibles and Related Deferred Revenue Accounts

The Building Technologies & Solutions business considers assets related to the acquisition of new customers in its electronic 
security business in three asset categories: internally generated residential subscriber systems outside of North America, internally 
generated commercial subscriber systems (collectively referred to as subscriber system assets) and customer accounts acquired 
through the ADT dealer program, primarily outside of North America (referred to as dealer intangibles). Subscriber system assets 
include installed property, plant and equipment for which the Group retains ownership and deferred costs directly related to the 
customer acquisition and system installation. Subscriber system assets represent capitalized equipment (e.g. security control panels, 
touchpad,  motion  detectors,  window  sensors,  and  other  equipment)  and  installation  costs  associated  with  electronic  security 
monitoring arrangements under which the Group retains ownership of the security system assets in a customer's place of business, 
or outside of North America, residence. Installation costs represent costs incurred to prepare the asset for its intended use. The 
Group pays property taxes on the subscriber system assets and upon customer termination, may retrieve such assets. These assets 
embody a probable future economic benefit as they generate future monitoring revenue for the Group.

Costs related to the subscriber system equipment and installation are categorized as property, plant and equipment rather than 
deferred costs. Deferred costs associated with subscriber system assets represent direct and incremental selling expenses (such 
as commissions) related to acquiring the customer. Commissions related to up-front consideration paid by customers in connection 
with the establishment of the monitoring arrangement are determined based on a percentage of the up-front fees and do not exceed 
deferred revenue. Such deferred costs are recorded as other current and noncurrent assets within the consolidated statement of 
financial position.

Subscriber system assets and any deferred revenue resulting from the customer acquisition are accounted for over the expected 
life of the subscriber. In certain geographical areas where the Group has a large number of customers that behave in a similar 
manner over time, the Group accounts for subscriber system assets and related deferred revenue using pools, with separate pools 
for the components of subscriber system assets and any related deferred revenue based on the same month and year of acquisition. 
The Group depreciates its pooled subscriber system assets and related deferred revenue using a straight-line method with lives up 
to 12 years and considering customer attrition. The Group uses a straight-line method with a 15-year life for non-pooled subscriber 
system assets (primarily in Europe, Latin America and Asia) and related deferred revenue, with remaining balances written off 
upon customer termination.

Certain  contracts  and  related  customer  relationships  result  from  purchasing  residential  security  monitoring  contracts  from  an 
external network of independent dealers who operate under the ADT dealer program, primarily outside of North America. Acquired 
contracts and related customer relationships are recorded at their contractually determined purchase price.
64

During the first 6 months (12 months in certain circumstances) after the purchase of the customer contract, any cancellation of 
monitoring service, including those that result from customer payment delinquencies, results in a chargeback by the Group to the 
dealer for the full amount of the contract purchase price. The Group records the amount charged back to the dealer as a reduction 
of the previously recorded intangible asset.

Intangible assets arising from the ADT dealer program described above are amortized in pools determined by the same month and 
year of contract acquisition on a straight-line basis over the period of the customer relationship. The estimated useful life of dealer 
intangibles ranges from 12 to 15 years. 

Research and Development Costs

Expenditures for research activities relating to product development and improvement are charged against income as incurred and 
included within selling, general and administrative expenses for continuing operations in the consolidated statement of income. 
Such expenditures for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $360 million and $158 million, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

The Group presents both basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income 
attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. 
Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of common 
shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the reporting period that are calculated using the treasury stock method 
for stock options, unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards. See Note 13, "Earnings per Share," of the 
notes to consolidated financial statements for the calculation of earnings per share.

Foreign Currency Translation

Substantially all of the Group’s international operations use the respective local currency as the functional currency. Assets and 
liabilities of international entities have been translated at period-end exchange rates, and income and expenses have been translated 
using average exchange rates for the period. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies are adjusted 
to reflect period-end exchange rates. The aggregate transaction gains (losses), net of the impact of foreign currency hedges, included 
in net income for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $94 million and $(95) million, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Group has written policies and procedures that place all financial instruments under the direction of Corporate treasury and 
restrict all derivative transactions to those intended for hedging purposes. The use of financial instruments for speculative purposes 
is strictly prohibited. The Group selectively uses financial instruments to manage the market risk from changes in foreign exchange 
rates, commodity prices, stock-based compensation liabilities and interest rates.

The fair values of all derivatives are recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position. The change in a derivative’s fair 
value is recorded each period in current earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), depending on whether 
the  derivative  is  designated  as  part  of  a  hedge  transaction  and  if  so,  the  type  of  hedge  transaction.  See  Note  10,  "Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements 
for disclosure of the Group’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Investments

The Group invests in debt and equity securities which are classified as available for sale and are marked to market at the end of 
each accounting period. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities, other than the deferred compensation plan assets, are 
recognized in AOCI within the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity unless an unrealized loss is deemed to be other than 
temporary, in which case such loss is charged to earnings. The deferred compensation plan assets are marked to market at the end 
of each accounting period and all unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of income.  

65

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Group utilizes a mark-to-market approach for recognizing pension and postretirement benefit expenses, including measuring 
the market related value of plan assets at fair value and recognizing actuarial gains and losses in the fourth quarter of each fiscal 
year or at the date of a remeasurement event. Refer to Note 15, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements 
for disclosure of the Group's pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Loss Contingencies

Accruals are recorded for various contingencies including legal proceedings, environmental matters, self-insurance and other 
claims  that  arise  in  the  normal  course  of  business. The  accruals  are  based  on  judgment,  the  probability  of  losses  and,  where 
applicable, the consideration of opinions of internal and/or external legal counsel and actuarially determined estimates. Additionally, 
the Group records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable.

The Group is subject to laws and regulations relating to protecting the environment. The Group provides for expenses associated 
with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Refer to Note 22, 
"Commitments and Contingencies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

The  Group  records  liabilities  for  its  workers'  compensation,  product,  general  and  auto  liabilities. The  determination  of  these 
liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported 
are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. The Group records receivables from third 
party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The Group maintains captive insurance companies to manage 
certain of its insurable liabilities. 

Asbestos-Related Contingencies and Insurance Receivables

The Group and certain of its subsidiaries along with numerous other companies are named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits 
based on alleged exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The Group's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance 
recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is based on the Group's historical claim experience, and estimates of the 
number and resolution cost of potential future claims that may be filed and is discounted to present value from  2068 (which is 
the Group's reasonable best estimate of the actuarially determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed 
against Group affiliates). Asbestos related defense costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Group's legal strategy for resolving 
claims also impacts these estimates. The Group considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the 
look-back period) over which historical claim and settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected 
to be made through 2068. Annually, the Group assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and 
defense costs by evaluating actual experience regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In 
addition to claims and settlement experience, the Group considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes 
in legislation, the legal environment, and the Group's defense strategy. The Group also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance 
receivable on an annual basis. The Group evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its 
liability for pending and future claims and defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.

In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Group records asbestos-related insurance recoveries 
that are probable. The Group's estimate of asbestos-related insurance recoveries represents estimated amounts due to the Group 
for previously paid and settled claims and the probable reimbursements relating to its estimated liability for pending and future 
claims discounted to present value. In determining the amount of insurance recoverable, the Group considers available insurance, 
allocation methodologies, solvency and creditworthiness of the insurers. Refer to Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies," of 
the  notes  to  consolidated  financial  statements  for  a  discussion  on  management's  judgments  applied  in  the  recognition  and 
measurement of asbestos-related assets and liabilities.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in 
the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the book 
and tax basis of particular assets and liabilities and operating loss carryforwards, using tax rates in effect for the years in which 
the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets if, based upon the available 
evidence, including consideration of tax planning strategies, it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets 
will not be realized. Refer to Note 18, "Income Taxes," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

66

Retrospective Changes

Certain amounts as of September 30, 2016 have been revised to conform to the current year's presentation. 

Effective July 1, 2017, the Group reorganized the reportable segments within its Building Technologies & Solutions business to 
align with its new management reporting structure and business activities. Prior to this reorganization, Building Technologies & 
Solutions was comprised of five reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Systems and Service North America, Products 
North America, Asia, Rest of World and Tyco. As a result of this change, Building Technologies & Solutions is now comprised of 
four reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, 
Building Solutions Asia Pacific and Global Products. Refer to Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and Note 19, 
“Segment Information,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information. The net sales and cost of sales 
split of products and systems versus services on the consolidated statement of income has also been revised for the Building 
Technologies & Solutions reorganization.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group determined that its Automotive Experience business ("Adient") met the criteria 
to  be  classified  as  a  discontinued  operation,  which  required  retrospective  application  to  financial  information  for  all  periods 
presented. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information 
regarding the Group's discontinued operations.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group began evaluating the performance of its business segments primarily on segment 
earnings before interest, taxes and amortization ("EBITA"), which represents income from continuing operations before income 
taxes and noncontrolling interests, excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, 
significant restructuring and impairment costs, and the net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans. 
Historical information has been revised to present the comparable periods on a consistent basis.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 
835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU No. 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a 
recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. 
During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Group adopted ASU No. 2015-03 and applied the change retrospectively to all 
periods presented. This change did not have an impact to any period presented on the consolidated statement of income. The 
financial statement impact of this change for the period ending September 30, 2016 was a decrease to noncurrent assets held for 
sale of $44 million, a decrease to noncurrent liabilities held for sale of $44 million, a decrease to other noncurrent assets of $30 
million and a decrease to long-term debt of $30 million. 

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value 
per  Share  (or  Its  Equivalent)." ASU  No.  2015-07  removes  the  requirement  to  categorize  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy  all 
investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Such investments should be 
disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. ASU No. 2015-07 was effective retrospectively for the Group for the quarter 
ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements, 
but did impact pension asset disclosures.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, "Consolidations (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties that are 
under Common Control." The ASU changes how a single decision maker of a variable interest entity ("VIE") that holds indirect 
interest in the entity through related parties that are under common control determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of the 
VIE. The new guidance amends ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" issued 
in February 2015. ASU No. 2016-17 was effective for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this 
guidance did not have an impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying 
the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting." ASU No. 2016-07 eliminates the requirement for an investment that qualifies 
for the use of the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence to adjust 
the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retrospectively. During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Group 
early adopted ASU No. 2016-07 and applied it prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Group's 
consolidated financial statements.  

67

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value 
per  Share  (or  Its  Equivalent)." ASU  No.  2015-07  removes  the  requirement  to  categorize  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy  all 
investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. Such investments should be 
disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. ASU No. 2015-07 was effective retrospectively for the Group for the quarter 
ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements, 
but did impact pension asset disclosures. Refer to Note 15, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements 
for further information. 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." 
ASU No. 2015-02 amends the analysis performed to determine whether a reporting entity should consolidate certain types of legal 
entities. ASU No. 2015-02 was effective retrospectively for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2016. The adoption 
of this guidance did not have an impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.  

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting 
for Hedging Activities." The ASU more closely aligns the results of hedge accounting with risk management activities through 
amendments to the designation and measurement guidance to better reflect a Group's hedging strategy and effectiveness. ASU 
2017-12 is effective for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2019. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. 
The Group is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, "Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification 
Accounting." The ASU provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require 
a reporting entity to apply modification accounting. ASU No. 2017-09 will be effective prospectively for the Group for the quarter 
ending December 31, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The impact of this guidance for the Group is dependent on any future 
share-based payment award changes, should they occur.  

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation 
of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." The ASU requires the service cost component of net 
periodic benefit cost to be presented with other compensation costs. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required 
to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, 
if one is presented. The ASU also allows only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. 
The guidance will be effective for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted as of the 
beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for 
issuance. The guidance will be effective retrospectively except for the capitalization of the service cost component which should 
be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's consolidated 
financial statements. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for 
Goodwill Impairment," which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill 
impairment charge (Step 2) from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an impairment charge will equal the amount by which a 
reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The 
guidance will be effective prospectively for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2020, with early adoption permitted 
after January 1, 2017. The impact of this guidance for the Group will depend on the outcomes of future goodwill impairment tests. 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of 
the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)." The ASU requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash 
equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts 
shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be effective for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2018, 
with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this update should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The 
impact of this guidance for the Group will depend on the levels of restricted cash balances in the periods presented. 

68

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other 
than Inventory." The ASU requires the tax effects of all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory to be recognized in the 
period in which the transaction occurs. The guidance will be effective for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2018, 
with early adoption permitted but only in the first interim period of a fiscal year. The changes are required to be applied by means 
of a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Group is 
currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.  

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts 
and Cash Payments." ASU No. 2016-15 provides clarification guidance on eight specific cash flow presentation issues in order to 
reduce the diversity in practice. ASU No. 2016-15 will be effective for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2018, with 
early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, unless deem impracticable, in 
which case prospective application is permitted. The Group is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have 
on its consolidated financial statements.   

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit 
Losses on Financial Instruments." ASU No. 2016-13 changes the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized 
cost, requiring presentation at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based upon 
historical  experience,  current  conditions,  and  reasonable  and  supportable  forecasts.  Available-for-sale  debt  securities  with 
unrealized losses will now be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. ASU No. 2016-13 will be effective for the Group 
for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, with early adoption permitted for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The adoption 
of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.  

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee 
Share-Based  Payment  Accounting."  ASU  No.  2016-09  impacts  certain  aspects  of  the  accounting  for  share-based  payment 
transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the 
statements of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-09 will be effective for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2017, with early 
adoption permitted. The Group is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial 
statements.  

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." ASU No. 2016-02 requires recognition of operating 
leases as lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. ASU No. 
2016-02 will be effective retrospectively for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2019, with early adoption permitted. 
The Group is currently assessing the impact adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.  The 
Group has started the assessment process by evaluating the population of leases under the revised definition of what qualifies as 
a leased asset. The Group is the lessee under various agreements for facilities and equipment that are currently accounted for as 
operating leases. The new guidance will require the Group to record operating leases on the balance sheet with a right-of-use asset 
and corresponding liability for future payment obligations. The Group expects the new guidance will have a material impact on 
its consolidated statement of financial position for the addition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, but the Group does not 
expect it to have a material impact on its consolidated statement of income. 

In  January  2016,  the  FASB  issued ASU  No.  2016-01,  "Financial  Instruments  -  Overall  (Subtopic  825-10): Recognition  and 
Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU No. 2016-01 amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, 
presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including marketable securities. ASU No. 2016-01 will be effective for the 
Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2018, and early adoption is not permitted, with certain exceptions. The changes are 
required to be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment on the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of 
adoption. The impact of this guidance for the Group will depend on the magnitude of the unrealized gains and losses on the Group's 
marketable securities investments.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." ASU No. 2015-11 requires inventory 
that is recorded using the first-in, first-out method to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU No. 2015-11 
will be effective prospectively for the Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The adoption 
of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.  

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." ASU No. 2014-09 
clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue when an entity either enters into a contract with customers to transfer goods or 
services or enters into a contract for the transfer of non-financial assets. The original standard was effective retrospectively for the 
Group for the quarter ending December 31, 2017; however in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, "Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date," which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by 
one-year for all entities. The new standard will become effective retrospectively for the Group for the quarter ending December 
69

31, 2018, with early adoption permitted, but not before the original effective date. Additionally, in March 2016, the FASB issued 
ASU  No.  2016-08,  "Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  (Topic  606):  Principal  versus Agent  Considerations  (Reporting 
Revenue Gross versus Net)," in April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 
606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing," in May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, "Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients," and in December 2016, the FASB 
issued ASU No. 2016-20, "Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers," all 
of which provide additional clarification on certain topics addressed in ASU No. 2014-09. ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, 
ASU No. 2016-12 and ASU No. 2016-20 follow the same implementation guidelines as ASU No. 2014-09 and ASU No. 2015-14. 
The Group has elected to adopt the new revenue guidance as of October 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. In 
preparation for adoption of the new guidance, the Group has reviewed representative samples of contracts and other forms of 
agreements with customers globally and is in the process of evaluating the impact of the new revenue standard. Based on its 
procedures to date, the Group is not in a position today to quantify the potential impact the new revenue standard will have on its 
consolidated financial statements.       

2. 

MERGER TRANSACTION

As discussed in Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated 
financial statements, JCI Inc. and Tyco completed the Merger on September 2, 2016. The Merger was accounted for as a reverse 
acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations." Based on the 
structure of the Merger and other activities contemplated by the Merger Agreement, relative outstanding share ownership, the 
composition of the Group's board of directors and the designation of certain senior management positions of the Group, JCI Inc. 
was the accounting acquirer for financial reporting purposes. 

Immediately prior to the Merger and in connection therewith, Tyco shareholders received 0.955 ordinary shares of Tyco (which 
shares are now referred to as shares of the Group, or “Group ordinary shares”) for each Tyco ordinary share they held by virtue 
of a 0.955-for-one share consolidation. In the Merger, each outstanding share of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of JCI 
Inc. (“JCI Inc. common stock”) (other than shares held by JCI Inc., Tyco and certain of their subsidiaries) was converted into the 
right to receive either the cash consideration or the share consideration (each as described below), at the election of the holder, 
subject to proration procedures described in the Merger Agreement and applicable withholding taxes.  The election to receive the 
cash consideration was undersubscribed. As a result, holders of shares of JCI Inc. common stock that elected to receive the share 
consideration and holders of shares of JCI Inc. common stock that made no election (or failed to properly make an election) became 
entitled to receive, for each such share of JCI Inc. common stock, $5.7293 in cash, without interest, and 0.8357 Group ordinary 
shares,  subject  to  applicable  withholding  taxes. Holders  of  shares  of  JCI  Inc.  common  stock  that  elected  to  receive  the  cash 
consideration became entitled to receive, for each such share of JCI Inc. common stock, $34.88 in cash, without interest, subject 
to applicable withholding taxes.  In the Merger, JCI Inc. shareholders received, in the aggregate, approximately $3.864 billion in 
cash. Immediately after the closing of, and giving effect to, the Merger, former JCI Inc. shareholders owned approximately 56% 
of the issued and outstanding Group ordinary shares and former Tyco stockholders owned approximately 44% of the issued and 
outstanding Group ordinary shares.

Tyco is a leading global provider of security products and services, fire detection and suppression products and services, and life 
safety products. The acquisition of Tyco brings together best-in-class product, technology and service capabilities across controls, 
fire, security, HVAC, power solutions and energy storage, to serve various end-markets including large institutions, commercial 
buildings, retail, industrial, small business and residential.  The combination of the Tyco and JCI Inc. buildings platforms creates 
immediate opportunities for near-term growth through cross-selling, complementary branch and channel networks, and expanded 
global reach for established businesses. The new Group also benefits by combining innovation capabilities and pipelines involving 
new products, advanced solutions for smart buildings and cities, value-added services driven by advanced data and analytics and 
connectivity between buildings and energy storage through infrastructure integration. 

Fair Value of Consideration Transferred

The total fair value of consideration transferred was approximately $19.7 billion. Total consideration is comprised of the equity 
value of the Tyco shares that were outstanding as of September 2, 2016 and the portion of Tyco's share awards and share options 
earned as of September 2, 2016 ($224 million). Share awards and share options not earned ($101 million) as of September 2, 2016 
will be expensed over the remaining future vesting period.

70

The following table summarizes the total fair value of consideration transferred:

(in millions, except for share consolidation ratio and share data)

Number of Tyco shares outstanding at September 2, 2016

Tyco share consolidation ratio

Tyco ordinary shares outstanding following the share consolidation
     and immediately prior to the Merger

JCI Inc. converted share price (1)

Fair value of equity portion of the Merger consideration

Fair value of Tyco equity awards
   Total fair value of consideration transferred

$

$

$

427,181,743

0.955

407,958,565

47.67

19,447

224
19,671

(1) 

Amount equals JCI Inc. closing share price and market capitalization at September 2, 2016 ($45.45 and $29,012 million, 
respectively) adjusted for the Tyco $3,864 million cash contribution used to purchase 110.8 million shares of JCI Inc. 
common stock for $34.88 per share.

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The Group accounted for the Merger with Tyco as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date.  Fair value estimates are 
based on a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. The 
judgments used to determine the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as 
asset lives, can materially impact the Group's results of operations.

The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Other current assets

Property, plant, and equipment - net

Goodwill

Intangible assets - net

Other noncurrent assets

   Total assets acquired

Short-term debt
Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and benefits

Other current liabilities

Long-term debt

Long-term deferred tax liabilities

Long-term pension and postretirement benefits

Other noncurrent liabilities

   Total liabilities acquired
Noncontrolling interests

Net assets acquired

Cash consideration paid to JCI Inc. shareholders
   Total fair value of consideration transferred

71

$

$

$

$

$

$

489

2,034

807

617

1,216

16,105

6,384

536

28,188

462
725

312

1,481

6,416

718

774

1,456

12,344

37

15,807

3,864

19,671

In connection with the Merger, the Group recorded goodwill of $16.1 billion, which is attributable primarily to expected synergies, 
expanded market opportunities, and other benefits that the Group believes will result from combining its operations with the 
operations of Tyco. Goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units within Building Technologies & Solutions business based 
on the expected benefits from the Merger. The Group recorded a net reduction in goodwill of $258 million in fiscal 2017 related 
to purchase price allocations. The goodwill created in the Merger is not deductible for tax purposes. 

The purchase price allocation to identifiable intangible assets acquired are as follows:

Customer relationships

Completed technology

Other definite-lived intangibles

Indefinite-lived trademarks

Other indefinite-lived intangibles

In-process research and development

Total identifiable intangible assets

Actual and Pro Forma Impact

Fair Value (in millions)

Weighted Average Life
(in years)

$

$

2,280

1,650

214

2,080

90

70

6,384

12

11

7

The Group's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 include Tyco's results of operations 
from the acquisition date of September 2, 2016 through September 30, 2016. Net sales and net income (loss) from continuing 
operations attributable to Tyco during this period and included in the Group's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2016 total $808 million and ($48) million, respectively.

The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2014, and had been included 
in the Group's consolidated statement of income for fiscal year 2016.

(in millions)

Year Ended September 30,

2016

Pro forma net sales

$

Pro forma net income from continuing operations

29,647

1,143

In  order  to  reflect  the  occurrence  of  the  acquisition  on  October  1,  2014  as  required,  the  unaudited  pro  forma  results  include 
adjustments to reflect, among other things, the amortization of the inventory step-up, the incremental intangible asset amortization 
to be incurred based on the preliminary values of each identifiable intangible asset,  the change in timing of defined benefit plans' 
mark-to-market gain or loss recognition, the change in timing of transaction and restructuring costs, and interest expense from 
debt financing obtained to fund the cash consideration paid to JCI Inc. shareholders. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily 
indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the period presented 
or that may occur in the future, and does not reflect future synergies, integration costs, or other such costs or savings. Additional 
information regarding fiscal 2016 pro forma information can be found in the Form 8-K filed by the Group with the SEC on 
November 8, 2016 under Item 7.01, “Regulation FD Disclosure.”

3. 

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

Fiscal Year 2017 

During fiscal 2017, the Group completed three acquisitions for a combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $9 million, $6 
million of which was paid as of September 30, 2017. The acquisitions in the aggregate were not material to the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements. In connection with the acquisitions, the Group recorded goodwill of $2 million.

72

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group completed two divestitures for a combined selling price, net of cash divested, of 
$44 million, of which $40 million was received as of September 30, 2017. The divestitures were not material to the Group's 
consolidated financial statements. In connection with the divestitures, the Group recorded a gain of $9 million within selling, 
general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income and reduced goodwill by $19 million and $2 million 
in the Global Products segment and in the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment, respectively.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group signed a definitive agreement to sell its Scott Safety business to 3M Company for 
approximately $2.0 billion. The transaction closed on October 4, 2017. Net cash proceeds from the transaction of approximately 
$1.9 billion were used to repay a significant portion of the Tyco International Holding S.a.r.L.'s ("TSarl") $4.0 billion of merger-
related debt. Scott Safety is a leader in high performance respiratory protection, gas and flame detection, thermal imaging and 
other critical products. The Scott Safety business is included in the Global Products segment and is reported within assets and 
liabilities held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position as of September 30, 2017. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued 
Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further disclosure related to the Group's net assets held for sale.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group completed the sale of its ADT security business in South Africa within the Building 
Solutions  EMEA/LA  segment.  The  selling  price,  net  of  cash  divested,  was $129  million,  all  of  which  was  received  as  of 
September 30, 2017. In connection with the sale, the Group reduced goodwill in assets held for sale by $92 million. The divestiture 
was not material to the Group's consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group completed one additional divestiture for a sales price of $4 million, all of which was 
received as of September 30, 2017. The divestiture decreased the Group's ownership from a controlling to noncontrolling interest, 
and as a result, the Group deconsolidated cash of $5 million. The divestiture was not material to the Group's consolidated financial 
statements.

During fiscal 2017, the Group received $52 million in net cash proceeds related to prior year business divestitures.

Fiscal Year 2016 

On October 1, 2015, the Group formed a joint venture with Hitachi to expand its Building Technologies & Solutions product 
offerings. The Group acquired a 60% ownership interest in the new entity for approximately $208 million ($638 million purchase 
price less cash acquired of $430 million), $133 million of which was paid as of September 30, 2016 and $75 million was paid as 
of September 30, 2017. In connection with the acquisition, the Group recorded goodwill of $253 million related to purchase price 
allocations.

Also during fiscal 2016, the Group completed two additional acquisitions for a combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, of 
$6 million, $3 million of which was paid as of September 30, 2016. The acquisitions in aggregate were not material to the Group's 
consolidated financial statements. In connection with the acquisitions, the Group recorded goodwill of $6 million. One of the 
acquisitions increased the Group's ownership from a noncontrolling to controlling interest. As a result, the Group recorded a non-
cash gain of $4 million in equity income for the Global Products segment to adjust the Group's existing equity investment in the 
partially-owned affiliate to fair value. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group completed two divestitures for a combined sales price of $39 million, net of cash 
divested of $13 million. None of the sales proceeds were received as of September 30, 2016. The divestitures were not material 
to the Group's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the divestitures, the Group recorded a gain of $12 million 
within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income and reduced goodwill by $16 million 
in the Global Products segment.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group completed a divestiture for a sales price of $16 million, all of which was received as 
of September 30, 2016. The divestiture was not material to the Group's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the 
divestiture, the Group recorded a gain of $14 million within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated 
statement of income and reduced goodwill by $3 million in the Building Solutions North America segment. 

During fiscal 2016, the Group received $29 million in net cash proceeds related to prior year business divestitures.

73

 
 
4. 

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

Adient

As discussed in Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated 
financial statements, on October 31, 2016, the Group completed the spin-off of its Automotive Experience business by way of the 
transfer of the Automotive Experience Business from Johnson Controls to Adient plc. The Group did not retain any equity interest 
in Adient  plc.  During  the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  2017,  the  Group  determined  that Adient  met  the  criteria  to  be  classified  as  a 
discontinued operation and, as a result, Adient’s historical financial results are reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements as a discontinued operation, and assets and liabilities are classified as assets and liabilities held for sale. The Group did 
not allocate any general corporate overhead to discontinued operations.

The  following  table  summarizes  the  results  of  Adient,  reclassified  as  discontinued  operations  for  the  fiscal  years  ended 
September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions). As the Adient spin-off occurred on October 31, 2016, there is only one month of Adient 
results included in the year ended September 30, 2017.

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring and impairment costs
Net financing charges
Equity income

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes

Income tax provision on discontinued operations

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests,
net of tax

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

1,434

$

16,837

1,293

141

(162)
—
(9)
31

1

35

(34)

9

15,177

1,660

(1,135)
(332)
(25)
357

525

2,041

(1,516)

84

Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Johnson Controls
ordinary shareholders

$

(43) $

(1,600)

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the income from discontinued operations before income taxes included separation 
costs of $79 million. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the income from discontinued operations before income taxes 
included separation costs ($418 million), significant restructuring and impairment costs ($332 million), and net mark-to market 
losses on pension and postretirement plans ($110 million). 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily 
due to the tax impacts of separation costs and Adient spin-off related tax expense, partially offset by non-U.S. tax rate differentials.

In  preparation  for  the  spin-off  of  the Automotive  Experience  business  in  the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  2017,  the  Group  incurred 
incremental tax expense of $95  million in  fiscal 2016. The Group  also completed substantial business  reorganizations which 
resulted in total tax charges of $1,891 million in fiscal 2016. Included in this amount is the tax charge provided for in the third 
quarter of fiscal 2016 of $85 million for changes in entity tax status and the charge provided for in the second quarter of fiscal 
2016 of $780 million for income tax expense on foreign undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries. 

In fiscal 2016, the Group did provide U.S. income tax expense related to the restructuring and repatriation of cash for certain non-
U.S. subsidiaries in connection with the Automotive Experience planned spin-off. At September 30, 2016 the Group needed to 

74

 
complete the final steps of Automotive Experience restructuring and, as a result, the Group provided deferred taxes of $24 million 
for the U.S. income tax expense on outside basis differences that reversed upon the completion of the restructuring.

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale

During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group signed a definitive agreement to sell its Scott Safety business of the Global 
Products segment to 3M Company. The transaction closed on October 4, 2017. The assets and liabilities of this business are 
presented as held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position as of September 30, 2017. The business did not meet 
the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation as the divestiture of the Scott Safety business will not have a major effect 
on the Group’s operations and financial results.

The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Scott Safety assets and liabilities held for sale at September 30, 2017 
(in millions):

Cash

Accounts receivable - net

Inventories

Other current assets

Assets held for sale

Property, plant and equipment - net

Goodwill

Other intangible assets - net

Other noncurrent assets

Noncurrent assets held for sale

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and benefits

Other current liabilities

Liabilities held for sale

Other noncurrent liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale

September 30, 2017

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

9

100

75

5

189

79

1,248

592

1

1,920

37

10

25

72

173

173

75

The following table summarizes the carrying value of Adient, classified as assets and liabilities held for sale at September 30, 2016 
(in millions):

September 30, 2016

Cash

Cash in escrow related to Adient debt

Accounts receivable - net

Inventories

Other current assets

   Assets held for sale

Property, plant and equipment - net

Goodwill

Other intangible assets - net

Investments in partially-owned affiliates

Other noncurrent assets
   Noncurrent assets held for sale

Short-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation and benefits

Other current liabilities

   Liabilities held for sale

Long-term debt

Pension and postretirement benefits

Other noncurrent liabilities

   Noncurrent liabilities held for sale

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

105

2,034

2,071

672

756

5,638

2,240

2,385

113

1,745

891
7,374

41

38

2,764

430

975

4,248

3,441

188

259

3,888

The following table summarizes depreciation and amortization, capital expenditures, and significant operating and investing non-
cash items related to Adient for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

Year Ended September 30,
2016
2017

$

Depreciation and amortization
Pension and postretirement benefit expense
Equity in earnings of partially-owned affiliates
Deferred income taxes
Non-cash restructuring and impairment costs
Equity-based compensation
Accrued income taxes
Other
Capital expenditures

$

29
—
(31)
562
—
1
(808)
—
(91)

331
113
(357)
(476)
87
16
—
(2)
(395)

During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group completed the divestiture of its ADT security business in South Africa within 
the  Building  Solutions  EMEA/LA  segment. The  assets  and  liabilities  of  this  business  were  presented  as  held  for  sale  in  the 
consolidated statement of financial position as of September 30, 2016. The business did not meet the criteria to be classified as a 
discontinued operation. 

76

 
The following table summarizes the carrying value of  ADT security business in South Africa assets and liabilities at  September 30, 
2016 (in millions):

September 30, 2016

Accounts receivable - net

Inventories

Other current assets

Property, plant and equipment - net

Goodwill

Other intangible assets - net

Other noncurrent assets

Assets held for sale

Accounts payable

Other current liabilities

Liabilities held for sale

$

$

$

$

9

7

3

15

89

30

4

157

9

19

28

At September 30, 2016, $17 million of certain Corporate assets were classified as held for sale. The assets were sold during the 
second quarter of fiscal 2017.

5.  

INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following (in millions):

Raw materials and supplies

Work-in-process

Finished goods

Inventories

September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

$

919

567

1,723

3,209

$

852

503

1,533

2,888

77

 
 
6.  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The changes in property, plant and equipment by type for fiscal 2017 are as follows (in millions):

Cost:
At September 30, 2016
Capital expenditures and acquisitions
Disposals and divestitures
Impairments
Currency translation and other
At September 30, 2017

Accumulated depreciation:
At September 30, 2016
Depreciation expense
Disposals and divestitures
Impairments
Currency translation and other
At September 30, 2017

Net book value:
At September 30, 2016
At September 30, 2017

Land

Buildings

Subscriber
Systems

Machinery 
and 
Equipment

Construction
in Progress

Total

$

$

$

$

$
$

367
11
(2)
—
(3)
373

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
— $

2,107
365
(36)
—
9
2,445

$

$

(748) $
(123)
22
—
(10)
(859) $

448
130
(2)
—
(5)
571

$

$

5,137
552
(145)
—
28
5,572

$

$

990
308
(17)
(44)
15
1,252

$

$

(10) $
(96)
—
—
(1)
(107) $

(2,659) $
(451)
81
(2)
(95)
(3,126) $

— $
—
—
—
—
— $

9,049
1,366
(202)
(44)
44
10,213

(3,417)
(670)
103
(2)
(106)
(4,092)

367
373

$
$

1,359
1,586

$
$

438
464

$
$

2,478
2,446

$
$

990
1,252

$
$

5,632
6,121

Interest costs capitalized during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $27 million, $19 million and $25 
million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation related to capital leases at September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $13 million and $16 
million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, no property, plant and equipment assets were pledged as collateral for a loan. 

78

7.  

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Effective July 1, 2017, the Group reorganized the reportable segments within its Building Technologies & Solutions business to 
align with its new management reporting structure and business activities. Historical information has been revised to reflect the 
new Building Technologies & Solutions reportable segments. Refer to Note 19, "Segment Information," of the notes to consolidated 
financial statements for further information. 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of the Group’s reportable segments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 
2017 was as follows (in millions):

Building Technologies & Solutions

     Building Solutions North America

     Building Solutions EMEA/LA

     Building Solutions Asia Pacific

     Global Products

Power Solutions

Total

September 30, 
2016

Business
Acquisitions

Business
Divestitures

Currency
Translation 
and Other

September 30, 
2017

$

9,734

$

(147) $

— $

1,981

1,260

6,963

1,086

(37)

(14)

(58)

—

—

(2)

(1,267)

—

$

50

68

11

49

11

9,637

2,012

1,255

5,687

1,097

$

21,024

$

(256) $

(1,269) $

189

$

19,688

In connection with the Tyco Merger, the Group recorded goodwill of $16,105 million based on the final purchase price allocation. 
Refer to Note 2, "Merger Transaction," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.

The fiscal 2017 Global Products business divestiture amount includes $1,248 million of goodwill transferred to noncurrent assets 
held  for  sale  on  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  for  the  sale  of  the  Scott  Safety  business. Refer  to  Note  4, 
"Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Group's assets 
and liabilities held for sale. 

At September 30, 2015, accumulated goodwill impairment charges included $47 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/
LA - Latin America reporting unit. 

At July 1, 2017, the Group assessed goodwill for impairment in the Building Technologies & Solutions business due to the change 
in reportable segments as described in Note 19, "Segment Information," of the notes to consolidated financial statements. The 
Group  determined  that  the  estimated  fair  value  of  each  reporting  unit  exceeded  its  corresponding  carrying  amount  including 
recorded goodwill, and as such, no impairment existed at July 1, 2017. 

There were no goodwill impairments resulting from fiscal 2017 and 2016 annual impairment tests. With the exception of a Building 
Solutions North America reporting unit that has goodwill as a result of a recent acquisition and is recorded at fair value, no reporting 
unit was determined to be at risk of failing step one of the goodwill impairment test. The Group continuously monitors for events 
and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value, including long-term revenue growth 
projections, profitability, discount rates, recent market valuations from transactions by comparable companies, volatility in the 
Group's market capitalization, and general industry, market and macro-economic conditions. It is possible that future changes in 
such circumstances, or in the variables associated with the judgments, assumptions and estimates used in assessing the fair value 
of the reporting unit, would require the Group to record a non-cash impairment charge. 

The assumptions included in the impairment tests require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the 
calculations. Other than management's projections of future cash flows, the primary assumptions used in the impairment tests were 
the weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates. Although the Group's cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions 
that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the 
underlying businesses, there are significant judgments in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to a reporting 
unit.

79

 
Other Intangible Assets

The Group’s other intangible assets, primarily from business acquisitions valued based on independent appraisals, consisted of 
(in millions):

Cost:
At September 30, 2016

Acquisitions and additions
Divestitures and disposals
Currency translation and other
At September 30, 2017
Accumulated amortization:
At September 30, 2016
Amortization expense

Divestitures and disposals
Impairments
Currency translation and other
At September 30, 2017
Net book value:
At September 30, 2016
At September 30, 2017

Amortizable

Non-Amortizable

Technology

relationships Miscellaneous

Customer

Trademarks
and trade
names

Miscellaneous

Total

$

$

$

$

$
$

1,528
126
(353)
27
1,328

(24)
(127)
12
—
2
(137)

1,504
1,191

$

$

$

$

$
$

3,168
10
(63)
53
3,168

(226)
(224)
1
—
(37)
(486)

2,942
2,682

$

$

$

$

$
$

519
28
(154)
(4)
389

$

$

(130) $
(138)
138
(20)
3
(147) $

389
242

$
$

2,555
60
(153)
21
2,483

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
— $

2,555
2,483

$
$

150
10
(20)
3
143

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
— $

150
143

$
$

7,920
234
(743)
100
7,511

(380)

(489)
151
(20)
(32)
(770)

7,540
6,741

Refer to Note 2, "Merger Transaction," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information of intangibles 
recorded as a result of the Tyco merger. Given the recent acquisition, the September 30, 2017 carrying amount of the indefinite-
lived intangible assets recorded as a result of the Tyco Merger approximate fair value.

Amortization of other intangible assets included within continuing operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 
2016 was $489 million and $116 million, respectively. Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Group anticipates 
amortization for fiscal 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be approximately $375 million, $375 million, $372 million, $369 
million and $360 million, respectively. There were no indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments resulting from fiscal 2017 and 
2016 annual impairment tests.

8. 

LEASES

Certain administrative and production facilities and equipment are leased under long-term agreements. Most leases contain renewal 
options for varying periods, and certain leases include options to purchase the leased property during or at the end of the lease 
term. Leases generally require the Group to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance of the property. Leased capital assets included 
in net property, plant and equipment, primarily buildings and improvements, were $17 million and $23 million at September 30, 
2017 and 2016, respectively.

Other facilities and equipment are leased under arrangements that are accounted for as operating leases. Total rental expense for 
continuing and discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $502 million and $402 million, 
respectively.

80

Future minimum capital and operating lease payments and the related present value of capital lease payments at September 30, 
2017 were as follows (in millions):

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

After 2022

Total minimum lease payments

Interest

Present value of net minimum lease payments

9.  

DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Short-term debt consisted of the following (in millions):

Capital
Leases

Operating
Leases

315

237

160

96

61

85

954

$

$

4

3

3

2

2

9

23
(4)
19

$

$

Bank borrowings and commercial paper

$

1,214

$

Weighted average interest rate on short-term debt outstanding

1.6%

1,078

1.1%

September 30,

2017

2016

In connection with the Tyco Merger, JCI Inc. replaced its $2.5 billion committed five-year credit facility scheduled to mature in 
August 2018 with a $2.0 billion committed four-year credit facility scheduled to mature in August 2020. Additionally, TSarl, a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls, entered into a $1.0 billion committed four-year credit facility scheduled to mature 
in August 2020. The facilities are used to support the Group's outstanding commercial paper. There were no draws on either 
committed  credit  facilities  during  the  fiscal  years  ended  September 30,  2017  and  2016.  Commercial  paper  outstanding  as  of 
September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $954 million and $440 million, respectively. 

In September 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day 150 million euro, floating rate, term loan scheduled to expire in September 
2018. Proceeds from the loan were used for general corporate purposes.

In March 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day $150 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in March 
2018. As of September 30, 2017, there were no draws on the facility.

In February 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day $150 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in February 
2018. As of September 30, 2017, there were no draws on the facility.

In January 2017, the Group entered into a 364-day $250 million committed revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in January 
2018. As of September 30, 2017, there were no draws on the facility.

In December 2016, the Group entered into a 364-day 100 million euro floating rate term loan scheduled to mature in December 
2017. Proceeds from the term loan were used for general corporate purposes. Principal and accrued interest were fully repaid in 
March 2017.

In December 2016, a $100 million committed revolving credit facility expired. There were no draws on the facility.

In November 2016, a $35 million committed revolving credit facility expired. There were no draws on the facility.

In October 2016, the Group repaid two ten-month floating rate term loans totaling $325 million, plus accrued interest, scheduled 
to expire in October 2016.

81

 
 
In October 2016, the Group repaid a nine-month $100 million floating rate term loan, plus accrued interest, scheduled to expire 
in November 2016.

In October 2016, the Group repaid a nine-month 100 million euro floating rate term loan, plus accrued interest, scheduled to expire 
in October 2016.

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in millions; due dates by fiscal year):

Unsecured notes

JCI Inc. - 7.125% due in 2017 ($150 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 2.6% due in 2017 ($400 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 2.355% due in 2017 ($46 million par value)

JCI plc - 1.4% due in 2018 ($259 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 1.4% due in 2018 ($41 million par value in 2017; $300 million par value in 2016)
JCI plc - 3.75% due in 2018 ($49 million par value)

Tyco International Finance S.A. ("TIFSA") - 3.75% due in 2018 ($18 million par value in
2017; $67 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 5.00% due in 2020 ($453 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 5.00% due in 2020 ($47 million par value in 2017; $500 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 4.25% due in 2021 ($447 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 4.25% due in 2021 ($53 million par value in 2017;  $500 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 3.75% due in 2022 ($428 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 3.75% due in 2022 ($22 million par value in 2017; $450 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 4.625% due in 2023 ($35 million par value)

TIFSA - 4.625% due in 2023 ($7 million par value in 2017; $42 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 1.00% due in 2023 (€1,000 million par value)

JCI plc - 3.625% due in 2024 ($468 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 3.625% due in 2024 ($31 million par value in 2017; $500 million par value in 2016)

Adient - 3.5% due in 2024 (€1,000 million par value)

JCI plc - 1.375% due in 2025 (€423 million par value)

TIFSA - 1.375% due in 2025 (€58 million par value in 2017; €500 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 3.90% due in 2026 ($698 million par value)

TIFSA - 3.90% due in 2026 ($51 million par value in 2017; $750 million par value in 2016)

Adient - 4.875% due in 2026 ($900 million par value)

JCI plc - 6.00% due in 2036 ($392 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 6.00% due in 2036 ($8 million par value in 2017; $400 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 5.70% due in 2041 ($270 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 5.70% due in 2041 ($30 million par value in 2017; $300 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 5.25% due in 2042 ($242 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 5.25% due in 2042 ($8 million par value in 2017; $250 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 4.625% due in 2044 ($445 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 4.625% due in 2044 ($6 million par value in 2017; $450 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 5.125% due in 2045 ($727 million par value)

TIFSA - 5.125% due in 2045 ($23 million par value in 2017; $750 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 6.95% due in 2046 ($121 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 6.95% due in 2046 ($4 million par value in 2017; $125 million par value in 2016)

JCI plc - 4.50% due in 2047 ($500 million par value)

82

September 30,

2017

2016

$

— $

—

—

259

42

49

18

452

47

446

53

427

22

38

8

1,171

468

31

—

510

70

763

53

—

388

8

269

30

242

8

441

6

872

23

121

4

495

149

404

46

—

301

—

69

—

499

—

498

—

448

—

46

—

—

500

1,119

—

571

—

824

900

—

396

—

299

—

250
—

447

—

903

—

125

—

 
 
JCI plc - 4.95% due in 2064 ($435 million par value)

JCI Inc. - 4.95% due in 2064 ($15 million par value in 2017; $450 million par value in 2016)

TSarl - Term Loan A - LIBOR plus 1.50% due in 2020

Adient - Term Loan A - LIBOR plus 1.005% due in 2021
Capital lease obligations

Other foreign-denominated debt

Euro

Japanese Yen

Other

Gross long-term debt

Less: current portion

Less: debt issuance costs

Less: current portion - liabilities held for sale

Less: long-term debt - noncurrent liabilities held for sale

Net long-term debt

434

15

3,700

—

19

43

311

47

12,403

394

45

—

—

$

11,964

$

—

449

4,000

1,500

24

61

367

39

15,234

628

74

38

3,441

11,053

At September 30, 2017, the Group’s other foreign-denominated long-term debt was at fixed and floating rates with a weighted-
average interest rate of 1.2%. At September 30, 2016, the Group’s other foreign-denominated long-term debt was at fixed and 
floating rates with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.3%.

The installments of long-term debt maturing in subsequent fiscal years are: 2018 - $394 million; 2019 - $27 million; 2020 - $4,201 
million; 2021 - $501 million; 2022 - $804 million; 2023 and thereafter - $6,476 million. The Group’s long-term debt includes 
various financial covenants, none of which are expected to restrict future operations.

Total interest paid on both short and long-term debt for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $448 million and 
$319 million, respectively. The Group uses financial instruments to manage its interest rate exposure (see Note 10, "Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities," and Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements). 
These instruments affect the weighted average interest rate of the Group’s debt and interest expense.

Financing Arrangements

Debt Exchange

In connection with the Tyco Merger, on December 28, 2016, the Parent Company completed its offer to exchange all validly 
tendered and accepted notes of certain series (the “existing notes”) issued by JCI Inc. or TIFSA, as applicable, each of which is a 
wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, for new notes (the "New Notes") to be issued by the Parent Company, and the related 
solicitation  of  consents  to  amend  the  indentures  governing  the  existing  notes  (the  offers  to  exchange  and  the  related  consent 
solicitation together the “exchange offers”). Pursuant to the exchange offers, the Parent Company exchanged approximately $5.6 
billion of $6.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of dollar denominated notes and approximately 423 million euro of 500 million 
euro in aggregate principal amount of euro denominated notes. All validly tendered and accepted existing notes have been canceled. 
Immediately following such cancellation, $380.9 million aggregate principal amount of existing notes (not including the TIFSA 
Euro Notes) remained outstanding across seventeen series of dollar-denominated existing notes and 77.4 million euro aggregate 
principal amount of TIFSA Euro Notes remained outstanding across one series. In connection with the settlement of the exchange 
offers, the New Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and their terms are described in the Parent Company’s 
Prospectus dated December 19, 2016, as filed with the SEC under Rule 424(b)(3) of the Act on that date. The issuance of the New 
Notes occurred on December 28, 2016. The new notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Parent Company and 
rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Parent Company issued from time to time.

Financing in connection with Tyco Merger 

Simultaneously with the closing of the Tyco Merger on September 2, 2016, TSarl borrowed $4.0 billion under the Term Loan 
Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2016 with a syndicate of lenders, providing for a three and a half year senior unsecured 
term loan facility to finance the cash consideration for, and fees, expenses and costs incurred in connection with the Merger. During 
fiscal 2017, the Group partially repaid $300 million of the $4.0 billion floating rate term loan scheduled to expire in March 2020. 

83

As of September 30, 2017, the outstanding term loan balance was $3.7 billion. In October 2017, the Group completed the previously 
announced sale of its Scott Safety business to 3M, and net cash proceeds from the transaction of $1.9 billion were used to further 
repay a significant portion of the $4.0 billion term loan.

Financing in connection with Adient spin-off 

In August 2016, Adient Global Holdings, Ltd. ("AGH"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, issued a one billion euro, 3.5% 
fixed rate, 8-year senior unsecured note scheduled to mature in August 2024. AGH also issued a $900 million, 4.875%, 10-year 
senior unsecured note scheduled to mature in August 2026. The proceeds from the notes were deposited into escrow and released 
in connection with the spin-off. The notes were not guaranteed by the Group or any of its subsidiaries that are not subsidiaries of 
Adient following the spin-off. Approximately $1.5 billion of the proceeds were distributed to the Group in connection with the 
spin-off and approximately $500 million of the proceeds were used for Adient's general corporate purposes.

In July 2016, AGH entered into a 5-year, $1.5 billion Term A loan facility and a 5-year, $1.5 billion revolving credit facility 
scheduled to mature in July 2021. The term loan was fully drawn in August 2016. As of September 30, 2016, there were no draws 
on the revolving credit facility. Upon completion of the spin-off of Adient, AGH became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adient. 
On the date of the spin-off, Adient and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries guaranteed the debt, and the guarantees of the 
Group  were  automatically  released.  The  Group  used  the  proceeds  of  the  term  loan  to  early  repay  its  four  tranches  of  euro-
denominated floating rate credit facilities, totaling 390 million euro, that were outstanding as of September 30, 2016; three term 
loans of $500 million, $200 million and $125 million that were entered into during fiscal 2016, plus accrued interest, and a $90 
million outstanding credit facility.  The remainder of the proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

Other financing arrangements

In September 2017, the Group entered into a five-year 35 billion yen syndicated floating rate term loan scheduled to expire in 
September 2022. Proceeds from the loan were used for general corporate purposes.

In July 2017, the Group retired $150 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 7.125% fixed rate notes that expired 
in July 2017.

In July 2017, the Group repurchased, at a discount, 4 million euro of its TIFSA 1.375% fixed rate notes, plus accrued interest, 
scheduled to mature in 2025. 

In March 2017, the Group issued one billion euro in principal amount of 1.0% senior unsecured fixed rate notes due in fiscal 2023. 
Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay existing debt and for other general corporate purposes. 

In March 2017, the Group retired $46 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 2.355% fixed rate notes that expired 
in March 2017.

In March and February 2017, the Group repurchased, at a discount, 15 million euro of its TIFSA 1.375% fixed rate notes, plus 
accrued interest, scheduled to expire in 2025. 

In February 2017, the Group issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.5% senior unsecured fixed rate notes due in 
fiscal  2047.  Proceeds  from  the  issuance  were  used  to  repay  outstanding  commercial  paper  borrowings  and  for  other  general 
corporate purposes.

In December 2016, the Group retired $400 million in principal amount, plus accrued interest, of its 2.6% fixed rate notes that 
expired in December 2016. 

In November 2016, the Group fully repaid its 37 billion yen syndicated floating rate term loan, plus accrued interest scheduled to 
expire in June 2020.

84

Net Financing Charges

The Group's net financing charges line item in the consolidated statement of income for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 
2016 contained the following components (in millions):

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest costs

Banking fees and bond cost amortization

Interest income

Net foreign exchange results for financing activities

Net financing charges

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

466

$

67
(19)
(18)
496

$

293

30
(12)
(22)
289

Interest expense for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is comprised of ($ in millions):

Interest on debt payable within five years
Interest on debt payable beyond five years

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

261
205
466

$

$

136
157
293

10. 

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Group selectively uses derivative instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency, commodities, 
stock-based compensation liabilities and interest rates. Under Group policy, the use of derivatives is restricted to those intended 
for hedging purposes; the use of any derivative instrument for speculative purposes is strictly prohibited. A description of each 
type of derivative utilized by the Group to manage risk is included in the following paragraphs. In addition, refer to Note 11, "Fair 
Value Measurements," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information related to the fair value measurements and 
valuation methods utilized by the Group for each derivative type.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Group has global operations and participates in the foreign exchange markets to minimize its risk of loss from fluctuations 
in foreign currency exchange rates. The Group selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange 
rate risk primarily using foreign currency exchange hedge contracts. The Group hedges 70% to 90% of the nominal amount of 
each of its known foreign exchange transactional exposures. As cash flow hedges under ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," 
the effective portion of the hedge gains or losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of AOCI and 
are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transactions occur and affect earnings. Any ineffective portion of the 
hedge is reflected in the consolidated statement of income. These contracts were highly effective in hedging the variability in 
future cash flows attributable to changes in currency exchange rates at September 30, 2017 and 2016. 

The Group selectively hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to commodity price risk, primarily using commodity hedge 
contracts, to minimize overall price risk associated with the Group’s purchases of lead, copper, tin, aluminum and polypropylene 
in cases where commodity price risk cannot be naturally offset or hedged through supply base fixed price contracts. Commodity 
risks are systematically managed pursuant to policy guidelines. As cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the hedge gains or 
losses due to changes in fair value are initially recorded as a component of AOCI and are subsequently reclassified into earnings 
when the hedged transactions, typically sales, occur and affect earnings. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is reflected in the 
consolidated statement of income. The maturities of the commodity hedge contracts coincide with the expected purchase of the 
commodities. These  contracts  were  highly  effective  in  hedging  the  variability  in  future  cash  flows  attributable  to  changes  in 
commodity prices at September 30, 2017 and 2016.

The Group had the following outstanding contracts to hedge forecasted commodity purchases:

85

Commodity

Units

September 30, 2017

September 30, 2016

Volume Outstanding as of

Copper

Polypropylene

Lead

Aluminum

Tin

Metric Tons

Metric Tons

Metric Tons

Metric Tons

Metric Tons

Fair Value Hedges

1,962

19,563

24,705

2,169

1,715

2,653

—

5,185

2,620

185

The Group selectively uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risk associated with changes in interest rates for its fixed-rate 
bonds. As fair value hedges, the interest rate swaps and related debt balances are valued under a market approach using publicized 
swap curves. Changes in the fair value of the swap and hedged portion of the debt are recorded in the consolidated statement of 
income. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Group entered into four fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $400 million 
to hedge the coupon of its 2.6% notes that matured in December 2016, three fixed to floating interest rate swaps totaling $300 
million to hedge the coupon of its 1.4% notes maturing November 2017 and one fixed to floating interest rate swap totaling $150 
million to hedge the coupon of its 7.125% notes maturing in July 2017. In December 31, 2016, the remaining four outstanding 
interest rate swaps were terminated. The Group had no interest rate swaps outstanding at September 30, 2017. There were eight 
interest rate swaps outstanding as of September 30, 2016.

Net Investment Hedges

The Group enters into foreign currency denominated debt obligations to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in non-
U.S.  subsidiaries. The  currency  effects  of  the  debt  obligations  are  reflected  in  the AOCI  account  within  shareholders’  equity 
attributable to Johnson Controls ordinary shareholders where they offset gains and losses recorded on the Group’s net investments 
globally. At September 30, 2017, the Group had one billion euro, 423 million euro and 58 million euro bonds designated as net 
investment hedges in the Group's net investment in Europe and 35 billion yen of foreign denominated debt designated as net 
investment  hedge  in  the  Group's  net  investment  in  Japan. At  September 30,  2016,  the  Group  had  37  billion  yen  of  foreign 
denominated debt designated as net investment hedge in the Group's net investment in Japan and one billion euro and 500 million 
euro bonds designated as net investment hedges in the Group's net investment in Europe.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Group selectively uses equity swaps to reduce market risk associated with certain of its stock-based compensation plans, such 
as its deferred compensation plans. These equity compensation liabilities increase as the Group’s stock price increases and decrease 
as the Group’s stock price decreases. In contrast, the value of the swap agreement moves in the opposite direction of these liabilities, 
allowing the Group to fix a portion of the liabilities at a stated amount. As of September 30, 2017, the Group hedged approximately 
1.4 million of its ordinary shares, which have a cost basis of $58 million. As of September 30, 2016 the Group had no equity swaps 
outstanding. 

The Group also holds certain foreign currency forward contracts which do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The change 
in fair value of foreign currency exchange derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 are recorded in the 
consolidated statement of income.

86

 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the location and fair values of derivative instruments and hedging activities included in the Group’s 
consolidated statement of financial position (in millions):

$

$

$

Other current assets

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Commodity derivatives

Other noncurrent assets

Interest rate swaps

Equity swap

Total assets

Other current liabilities

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Commodity derivatives

Liabilities held for sale

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Current portion of long-term debt

Fixed rate debt swapped to floating

Long-term debt

Foreign currency denominated debt

Fixed rate debt swapped to floating

Noncurrent liabilities held for sale

Foreign currency denominated debt

Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Designated as Hedging Instruments
under ASC 815

Derivatives and Hedging Activities Not
Designated as Hedging Instruments
under ASC 815

September 30, 
2017

September 30, 
2016

September 30, 
2017

September 30, 
2016

27

$

41

$

— $

9

—

—

36

$

21

$

1

—

—

2,058

—

—

$

$

4

1

—

46

48

—

—

551

938

301

1,119

2,957

$

—

—

55

55

25

—

—

—

—

—

—

25

$

$

$

49

—

—

—

49

18

—

5

—

—

—

—

23

Total liabilities

$

2,080

$

Counterparty Credit Risk

The use of derivative financial instruments exposes the Group to counterparty credit risk. The Group has established policies and 
procedures to limit the potential for counterparty credit risk, including establishing limits for credit exposure and continually 
assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties. As a matter of practice, the Group deals with major banks worldwide having 
strong investment grade long-term credit ratings. To further reduce the risk of loss, the Group generally enters into International 
Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") master netting agreements with substantially all of its counterparties. The Group's 
derivative contracts do not contain any credit risk related contingent features and do not require collateral or other security to be 
furnished by the Group or the counterparties. The Group's exposure to credit risk associated with its derivative instruments is 
measured on an individual counterparty basis, as well as by groups of counterparties that share similar attributes. The Group does 
not anticipate any non-performance by any of its counterparties, and the concentration of risk with financial institutions does not 
present significant credit risk to the Group.

The Group enters into ISDA master netting agreements with counterparties that permit the net settlement of amounts owed under 
the derivative contracts. The master netting agreements generally provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with a 
counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. The Group has not elected to offset the fair value positions 
of the derivative contracts recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position. Collateral is generally not required of the 
Group or the counterparties under the master netting agreements. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, no cash collateral was 
received or pledged under the master netting agreements. 

87

 
 
The gross and net amounts of derivative assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):

Fair Value of Assets

Fair Value of Liabilities

September 30, 
2017

September 30, 
2016

September 30, 
2017

September 30, 
2016

Gross amount recognized

Gross amount eligible for offsetting

Net amount

$

$

91

(16)

75

$

$

95

(21)

74

$

$

2,105

(16)

2,089

$

$

2,980

(21)

2,959

Derivatives Impact on the Statement of Income and Statement of Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the effective portion of pre-tax gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) related 
to cash flow hedges for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

2017

2016

Year Ended September 30,

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Commodity derivatives

Total

$

$

(1) $

14

13

$

(18)

3

(15)

The  following  table  presents  the  location  and  amount  of  the  effective  portion  of  pre-tax  gains  (losses)  on  cash  flow  hedges 
reclassified from AOCI into the Group’s consolidated statement of income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 
(in millions):

Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Cost of sales

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

Commodity derivatives

Forward treasury locks

Total

Cost of sales

Net financing charges

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

$

25

—

8

— $

33

$

9

(30)

(12)

1

(32)

The following table presents the location and amount of pre-tax gains (losses) on fair value hedges recognized in the Group’s 
consolidated statement of income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

Derivatives in ASC 815 Fair Value
Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative

Interest rate swap

Net financing charges

Fixed rate debt swapped to floating

Net financing charges

Total

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

(1) $

2

1

$

(5)

5

—

The following table presents the location and amount of pre-tax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 
recognized in the Group’s consolidated statement of income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
Instruments under ASC 815

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Cost of sales

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Net financing charges

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Income tax provision

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

Equity swap

Total

Selling, general and administrative

$

$

(1) $

44

(3)

5

(3)

42

$

(20)

21

4

(30)

14

(11)

The  effective  portion  of  pre-tax  gains  (losses)  recorded  in  foreign  currency  translation  adjustment  ("CTA")  within  other 
comprehensive  income  (loss)  related  to  net  investment  hedges  were  $(138)  million  and  $(82)  million  for  the  years  ended 
September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, no gains or losses were reclassified 

88

 
 
from CTA into income for the Group’s outstanding net investment hedges, and no gains or losses were recognized in income for 
the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges.

11. 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement," defines fair value 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. ASC 820 also establishes a three-level fair 
value hierarchy that prioritizes information used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability as follows:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities 
in markets that are not active, or inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or 
indirectly; and

Level 3: Unobservable inputs where there is little or no market data, which requires the reporting entity to develop its own 
assumptions.

ASC 820 requires the use of observable market data, when available, in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to 
measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is 
based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present the Group’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 
2017 and 2016 (in millions):

Fair Value Measurements Using:
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total as of
September 30, 2017

Other current assets

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

$

27

$

— $

27

$

Commodity derivatives
Exchange traded funds (fixed income)1

Other noncurrent assets

Investments in marketable common stock

Deferred compensation plan assets
Exchange traded funds (fixed income)1
Exchange traded funds (equity)1
Equity swap

Total assets

Other current liabilities

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Commodity derivatives

Total liabilities

9

14

10

92

155

100

55

—

14

10

92

155

100

—

$

$

$

462

$

371

$

46

$

1

47

$

— $

—

— $

9

—

—

—

—

—

55

91

$

46

$

1

47

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

89

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total as of
September 30, 2016

Other current assets

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

$

90

$

— $

90

$

Commodity derivatives
Exchange traded funds (fixed income)1

Other noncurrent assets
Interest rate swaps

Investments in marketable common stock

Deferred compensation plan assets
Exchange traded funds (fixed income)1
Exchange traded funds (equity)1

Total assets

Other current liabilities

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Liabilities held for sale

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Current portion of long-term debt

Fixed rate debt swapped to floating

Long-term debt

Fixed rate debt swapped to floating

Total liabilities

$

$

$

4

15

1

3

81

163

86

443

66

5

551

301

923

$

$

$

—

15

—

3

81

163

86

348

$

— $

—

—

—

— $

4

—

1

—

—

—

—

95

66

5

551

301

923

$

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

 1Classified as restricted investments for payment of asbestos liabilities. See Note 22, "Commitments and Contingencies" of the notes to 
consolidated financial statements for further details.

Valuation Methods

Foreign currency exchange derivatives: The foreign currency exchange derivatives are valued under a market approach using 
publicized spot and forward prices. 

Commodity derivatives: The commodity derivatives are valued under a market approach using publicized prices, where available, 
or dealer quotes. 

Interest rate swaps and related debt: The interest rate swaps and related debt balances are valued under a market approach using 
publicized swap curves. 

Equity swaps: The equity swaps are valued under a market approach as the fair value of the swaps is equal to the Group’s stock 
price at the reporting period date.

Deferred compensation plan assets: Assets held in the deferred compensation plans will be used to pay benefits under certain of 
the Group's non-qualified deferred compensation plans. The investments primarily consist of mutual funds which are publicly 
traded on stock exchanges and are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices.

Investments in marketable common stock and exchange traded funds: Investments in marketable common stock and exchange 
traded funds are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes of 
identical or comparable instruments. There was an unrealized gain recorded on these investments of $5 million for the year ended 
September 30, 2017 within AOCI in the consolidated statement of financial position. There was an unrealized loss recorded on 
these investments of $1 million for the year ended September 30, 2016 within AOCI in the consolidated statement of financial 
position.
90

 
 
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying 
values. The fair value of long-term debt was $12.7 billion and $15.7 billion at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 
fair value of public debt was $8.6 billion and $9.7 billion at September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively, which was 
determined primarily using market quotes classified as Level 1 inputs within the ASC 820 fair value hierarchy. The fair value of 
other long-term debt was $4.1 billion and $6.0 billion at September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively, which was 
determined based on quoted market prices for similar instruments classified as Level 2 inputs within the ASC 820 fair value 
hierarchy.

12. 

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On September 2, 2016, the shareholders of the Group approved the Johnson Controls International plc 2012 Share and Incentive 
Plan  (the  "Plan").  The  original  effective  date  of  this  Plan  was  October 1,  2012.  The  Plan  was  amended  and  restated  as  of 
November 17, 2014 and was amended and restated again in connection with the Merger that was consummated on September 2, 
2016 (the “Amendment Effective Date”). The amendment and restatement is intended to reflect the assumption into this Plan of 
the remaining share reserves under the Johnson Controls, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Johnson Controls, Inc. 2003 
Stock Plan for Outside Directors (the “Legacy Johnson Controls Plans”) as of the Amendment Effective Date. Following the 
Amendment Effective Date, no further awards may be  made under the Legacy Johnson Controls Plans. The types of awards 
authorized by the Plan comprise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance units and other stock-
based awards. The Compensation Committee of the Group's Board of Directors will determine the types of awards to be granted 
to individual participants and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Plan provides that 76 million shares of the Group's 
common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan, and 41 million shares remain available for issuance at September 30, 
2017.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, outstanding stock options held by Tyco employees on September 2, 2016 (the “Merger Date”) 
were converted into options to acquire the Group's shares using a 0.955-for-one share consolidation ratio in a manner designed to 
preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. In addition, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, nonvested restricted stock held by 
Tyco employees on the Merger Date were converted into nonvested restricted stock of the Group using the 0.955-for-one share 
consolidation ratio in a manner designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. Outstanding performance share awards 
held by Tyco employees on the Merger Date were converted to nonvested restricted stock of the Group at the target performance 
level, and adjusted to reflect the 0.955-for-one consolidation ratio. Except for the conversion of stock options, nonvested restricted 
stock and performance share awards discussed herein, the material terms of the awards remained unchanged. The modifications 
made to the awards upon the Merger Date constituted modifications under the authoritative guidance for accounting for stock 
compensation. This guidance requires the Group to revalue the awards upon the Merger close and allocate the revised fair value 
between purchase consideration and continuing expense based on the ratio of service performed through the Merger Date over the 
total service period of the awards. The revised fair value allocated to post-merger services resulted in incremental expense which 
is recognized over the remaining service period of the awards. The portion of Tyco awards earned as of the Merger Date included 
as purchase consideration was $224 million. The total value of Tyco awards not earned as of the Merger Date was $101 million, 
which will be expensed over the remaining future vesting period.  Refer to Note 2, “Merger Transaction,” of the notes to consolidated 
financial statements for further information regarding the Merger.  

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, outstanding stock options held by JCI Inc. employees on the Merger Date were converted one-
for-one into options to acquire the Group's shares in a manner designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. In addition, 
pursuant to the Merger Agreement, nonvested restricted stock held by JCI Inc. employees on the Merger Date was converted one-
for-one into nonvested restricted stock of the Group in a manner designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. Outstanding 
performance share awards held by JCI Inc. employees on the Merger Date were converted to nonvested restricted stock of the 
Group based on certain performance factors. Except for the conversion of stock options, nonvested restricted stock and performance 
share awards discussed herein, the material terms of the awards remained unchanged, and no incremental fair value resulted from 
the conversion. References to the Group’s stock throughout Note 12 refer to stock of JCI Inc. prior to the Merger Date and to stock 
of the Group subsequent to the Merger Date.      

In connection with the Adient spin-off, pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement between the Group and Adient, outstanding 
stock options and SARs held on October 31, 2016 (the “Spin Date”) by employees remaining with the Group were converted into 
options and SARs of the Group using a 1.085317-for-one share ratio, which is based on the pre-spin and post-spin closing prices 
of the Group’s ordinary shares. The exercise prices for options and SARs were converted using the inverse ratio in a manner 
designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. In addition, pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, nonvested 
restricted stock held on the Spin Date by employees remaining with the Group were converted into nonvested restricted stock of 
the Group using the 1.085317-for-one share ratio in a manner designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. There were 
no performance share awards outstanding as of the Spin Date. Employees remaining with the Group did not receive stock-based 
91

compensation awards of Adient as a result of the spin-off. Except for the conversion of awards and related exercise prices discussed 
herein, the material terms of the awards remained unchanged. No incremental fair value resulted from the conversion of the awards; 
therefore, no additional compensation expense was recorded related to the award modification.    

Also in connection with the spin-off transaction, pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, employees of Adient were entitled 
to receive stock-based compensation awards of the Group and Adient in replacement of previously outstanding awards of the 
Group granted prior to the Spin Date. These awards include stock options, SARs and nonvested restricted stock. Upon the Spin 
Date, the existing awards held by Adient employees were converted into new awards of the Group and Adient on a pro rata basis 
and further adjusted based on a formula designed to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards. Additional compensation expense, 
if any, resulting from the modification of awards held by Adient employees is to be recorded by Adient.

The Group has four share-based compensation plans, which are described below. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, 
compensation cost charged against income for continuing operations, excluding the offsetting impact of outstanding equity swaps, 
for those plans was approximately $134 million, all of which was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.  For 
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, compensation cost charged against income for continuing operations, excluding the 
offsetting impact of outstanding equity swaps, for those plans was approximately $160 million, of which $121 million was recorded 
in selling, general and administrative expenses and $39 million was recorded in restructuring and impairment costs. The total 
income tax benefit recognized for continuing operations in the consolidated statement of income for share-based compensation 
arrangements was approximately $53 million and $56 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
The Group applies a non-substantive vesting period approach whereby expense is accelerated for those employees that receive 
awards and are eligible to retire prior to the award vesting.

Stock Options

Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Group’s stock at the date of grant. Stock option 
awards typically vest between two and three years after the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date.

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions 
noted in the following table. The expected life of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be 
outstanding, assessed separately for executives and non-executives. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the contractual 
life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. For fiscal 2017, expected volatility is 
based on historical volatility of certain peer companies over the most recent period corresponding to the expected life as of the 
grant date. For fiscal 2016, expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Group's stock and other factors. The 
expected dividend yield is based on the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the market value of the Group’s ordinary 
shares as of the grant date. The Group uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the 
valuation model.

Expected life of option (years)

Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility of the Group’s stock

Expected dividend yield on the Group’s stock

Year Ended September 30,

2017

4.75 & 6.5

2016

6.4

1.23% - 1.93%
24.60%

1.64% - 1.70%
36.00%

2.21%

2.11%

92

 
 
A summary of stock option activity at September 30, 2017, and changes for the year then ended, is presented below:

Outstanding, September 30, 2016

Spin conversion

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or expired

Outstanding, September 30, 2017

Exercisable, September 30, 2017

Weighted
Average
Option Price

Shares
Subject to
Option

$

$

$

32.07

31.02

41.73

28.33

42.33

32.76

33.16

22,332,233

1,547,096

2,841,686
(5,919,790)
(1,070,782)
19,730,443

15,054,034

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)

4.9

4.0

$

$

187

180

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 
$7.81 and $13.14, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $81 
million and $39 million, respectively.

In conjunction with the exercise of stock options granted, the Group received cash payments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 
2017 and 2016 of approximately $157 million and $70 million, respectively.

The Group has elected to utilize the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of stock-based compensation. The 
alternative transition method includes computational guidance to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital 
pool ("APIC Pool") related to the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation, and a simplified method to determine the 
subsequent impact on the APIC Pool for employee stock-based compensation awards that are vested and outstanding upon adoption 
of ASC 718, "Compensation - Stock Compensation." The tax benefit from the exercise of stock options, which is recorded in 
capital in excess of par value, was $4 million and $11 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
The Group does not settle stock options granted under share-based payment arrangements for cash.

At September 30, 2017, the Group had approximately $21 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested 
stock options granted for continuing operations. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 
years.

Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs") 

SARs vest under the same terms and conditions as stock option awards; however, they are settled in cash for the difference between 
the market price on the date of exercise and the exercise price. As a result, SARs are recorded in the Group’s consolidated statement 
of financial position as a liability until the date of exercise.

The fair value of each SAR award is estimated using a similar method described for stock options. The fair value of each SAR 
award is recalculated at the end of each reporting period and the liability and expense are adjusted based on the new fair value.

The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the SAR awards at September 30, 2017 were as follows:

Expected life of SAR (years)

Risk-free interest rate

Expected volatility of the Group’s stock

Expected dividend yield on the Group’s stock

0.5 - 5.5

1.06% - 1.98%

24.60%

2.21%

93

A summary of SAR activity at September 30, 2017, and changes for the year then ended, is presented below:

Outstanding, September 30, 2016

Spin conversion

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or expired

Outstanding, September 30, 2017

Exercisable, September 30, 2017

Weighted
Average
SAR Price

Shares
Subject to
SAR

$

$

$

30.49

28.06

41.73

29.62

39.17

27.02

26.40

1,201,165

29,241

15,693
(290,378)
(62,410)
893,311

853,260

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)

3.8

3.5

$

$

12

12

In conjunction with the exercise of SARs granted, the Group made payments of $4 million and $8 million during the fiscal years 
ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Restricted (Nonvested) Stock

The Plan provides for the award of restricted stock or restricted stock units to certain employees. These awards are typically share 
settled unless the employee is a non-U.S. employee or elects to defer settlement until retirement at which point the award would 
be settled in cash. Restricted awards typically vest after three years from the grant date. The Plan allows for different vesting terms 
on specific grants with approval by the Board of Directors. The value of restricted awards is based on the closing market value of 
the Group’s ordinary shares on the date of grant.

A summary of the status of the Group’s nonvested restricted stock awards at September 30, 2017, and changes for the fiscal year 
then ended, is presented below:

Nonvested, September 30, 2016

Spin conversion

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Nonvested, September 30, 2017

Weighted
Average
Price

Shares/Units
Subject to
Restriction

$

$

47.27

43.88

41.66

40.83

44.53

44.48

9,566,044

482,312

1,773,465
(3,045,375)
(1,814,740)
6,961,706

At September 30, 2017, the Group had approximately $101 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested 
restricted stock arrangements granted for continuing operations. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average 
period of 1.7 years.

Performance Share Awards

The Plan permits the grant of performance-based share unit ("PSU") awards. The PSUs are generally contingent on the achievement 
of pre-determined performance goals over a three-year performance period as well as on the award holder's continuous employment 
until the vesting date. The PSUs are also indexed to the achievement of specified levels of total shareholder return versus a peer 
group over the performance period. Each PSU that is earned will be settled with shares of the Group's ordinary shares following 
the completion of the performance period, unless the award holder elected to defer a portion or all of the award until retirement 
which would then be settled in cash.

94

The fair value of each PSU is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation that uses the assumptions noted in 
the following table. The risk-free interest rate for periods during the contractual life of the PSU is based on the U.S. Treasury yield 
curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of certain peer companies over the most 
recent three-year period as of the grant date.

Risk-free interest rate

Expected volatility of the Group's stock

1.40%

21.00%

Year Ended September 30, 2017

A summary of the status of the Group’s nonvested PSUs at September 30, 2017, and changes for the fiscal year then ended, is 
presented below:

Nonvested, September 30, 2016

Granted

Forfeited

Nonvested, September 30, 2017

13. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Weighted
Average
Price

Shares/Units
Subject to
PSU

$

$

—

43.43

44.98

43.24

—

1,259,342
(139,954)
1,119,388

The Group presents both basic and diluted EPS amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Johnson 
Controls by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is calculated 
by dividing net income attributable to Johnson Controls by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary equivalent 
shares outstanding during the reporting period that are calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options, unvested 
restricted stock and unvested performance share awards. The treasury stock method assumes that the Group uses the proceeds 
from the exercise of stock option awards to repurchase ordinary shares at the average market price during the period. The assumed 
proceeds under the treasury stock method include the purchase price that the grantee will pay in the future, compensation cost for 
future service that the Group has not yet recognized and any windfall tax benefits that would be credited to capital in excess of 
par value when the award generates a tax deduction. If there would be a shortfall resulting in a charge to capital in excess of par 
value, such an amount would be a reduction of the proceeds. For unvested restricted stock and unvested performance share awards, 
assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method would include unamortized compensation cost and windfall tax benefits or 
shortfalls.

The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions):

Income (Loss) Available to Ordinary Shareholders
Income from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Basic and diluted income (loss) available to shareholders

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

Effect of dilutive securities:

Stock options, unvested restricted stock and unvested
     performance share awards

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

Antidilutive Securities

Options to purchase common shares

95

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

1,654
(43)
1,611

$

$

732
(1,600)
(868)

935.3

667.4

9.3

944.6

5.2

672.6

0.2

—

 
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group declared a dividend of $0.25 and $0.29, respectively, per 
share. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group declared four quarterly dividends totaling $1.00 
and $1.16, respectively, per share. 

14. 

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Authorized Share Capital

As of September 30, 2017, the Group's authorized share capital amounted to $22 million and 40,000 euro, divided into 2 billion 
ordinary shares with a par value of $0.01 per share, 200 million preferred shares with a par value of $0.01 per share and 40,000 
ordinary A shares with a par value of 1.00 euro per share. The authorized share capital includes 40,000 ordinary A shares with a 
par value of 1.00 euro per share in order to satisfy statutory requirements for the incorporation of all Irish public limited companies. 
Johnson Controls International plc Parent Company may issue shares subject to the maximum prescribed by its authorized share 
capital contained in its memorandum of association. In connection with the re-domicile, the Group canceled all the outstanding 
treasury shares of JCI Inc., including shares held by subsidiaries, with an offsetting reduction in the share premium account.

Called-up Share Capital

In September 2016, as a result of the Tyco Merger and further discussed within Note 2, "Merger Transaction," of the notes to 
consolidated financial statements, each outstanding share of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of JCI Inc. common stock 
(other than shares held by JCI Inc., Tyco and certain of their subsidiaries) was converted into the right to receive either a cash 
consideration or a share consideration.  

The shares outstanding as of the Merger date were calculated as follows (in millions, except share consolidation ratio and per share 
data):

Pre-merger Tyco shares outstanding

Share consolidation ratio

Post-share consolidation Tyco shares

Johnson Controls Inc. shares outstanding

Cash contributed by Tyco used to purchase shares of Johnson Controls Inc.

Johnson Controls Inc. per share consideration

Reduction in shares due to cash consideration paid by Tyco

Adjusted Johnson Controls Inc. shares outstanding (1:1 exchange ratio)

Shares outstanding at September 2, 2016

Par value

427.2

0.955

408.0

638.3

3,864

34.88

(110.8)

527.5

935.5

9

$

$

$

All  ordinary  shares  issued  at  the  effective  time  of  the  re-domicile  were  issued  as  fully  paid-up  and  non-assessable. As  of 
September 30, 2017, the Group's called-up share capital amounted to $9 million, which is recorded in ordinary shares within the 
consolidated statement of financial position, comprised of 945,055,276  ordinary shares with a par value of $0.01 per share. As of 
September 30, 2016, the Group's called-up share capital amounted to $9 million, comprised of 936,247,911 ordinary shares with 
a par value of $0.01 per share. There were no preferred shares or ordinary A shares issued as of September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Share Premium Account

The share premium account reflects the fair value of consideration received in excess of the par value of shares issued for stock 
option exercises, vesting of restricted stock units and other issuances of shares and is recorded in the capital in excess of par value 
within the consolidated statement of financial position. Fiscal year 2016 share premium account also reflects the issuance of shares 
in relation to the Tyco Merger. The share premium account was $16.4 billion and $16.1 billion as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, 
respectively.

96

Dividends

The authority to declare and pay dividends is vested in the Board of Directors. The timing, declaration and payment of future 
dividends to holders of the Group's ordinary shares will be determined by the Group's Board of Directors and will depend upon 
many factors, including the Group's financial condition and results of operations, the capital requirements of the Group's businesses, 
industry practice and any other relevant factors. 

Under Irish law, dividends may only be paid (and share repurchases and redemptions must generally be funded) out of "distributable 
reserves." The creation of distributable reserves was accomplished by way of a capital reduction, which the Irish High Court 
approved on December 18, 2014 and as acquired in conjunction with the Tyco Merger. 

Share Repurchase Program 

Following the Tyco Merger, the Group adopted, subject to the ongoing existence of sufficient distributable reserves, the existing 
Tyco International plc $1 billion share repurchase program in September 2016. The share repurchase program does not have an 
expiration date and may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. During fiscal year 
2017, the Group repurchased approximately $651 million of its shares. As of September 30, 2017, approximately $349 million 
remains available under the share repurchase program. On December 7, 2017, the Board of Directors has approved an incremental $1 
billion increase to its share repurchase authorization.

There were no shares repurchased between the closing of the Merger and September 30, 2016. Prior to the Merger, during fiscal 
year 2016, the Group repurchased approximately $501 million of its shares under JCI Inc.'s $3.65 billion share repurchase program. 

As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group held approximately 17.1 million and 0.4 million own shares, respectively.  

Profit and Loss Account

The profit and loss account refers to the portion of net income which is retained by the Group rather than being distributed to 
shareholders as dividends, which is  recorded in the retained earnings within the consolidated statement of financial position. 
Treasury shares are also included in this account, which is recorded in the ordinary shares held in treasury, at cost  within the 
consolidated statement of financial position. The profit and loss account for September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $4.5 billion and 
$9.2 billion, respectively.

97

Other comprehensive income includes activity relating to discontinued operations. The following schedules present changes in 
consolidated equity attributable to Johnson Controls and noncontrolling interests (in millions, net of tax):

Equity Attributable to 
Johnson Controls
International plc

Equity Attributable to
Noncontrolling
Interests

Total Equity

$

10,335

$

163

$

10,498

At September 30, 2015
Total comprehensive income (loss):

Net income (loss)

Foreign currency translation adjustments
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
Unrealized losses on marketable securities
Pension and postretirement plans

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss)

Other changes in equity:

Result of contribution of Johnson Controls, Inc. to
   Johnson Controls International plc
Cash dividends - common stock ($1.16 per share)
Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests
Repurchases of common stock
Change in noncontrolling interest share
Other, including options exercised

At September 30, 2016
Total comprehensive income (loss):

Net income

Foreign currency translation adjustments
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
Realized and unrealized gains on marketable securities

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income

Other changes in equity:

Cash dividends - ordinary shares ($1.00 per share)
Dividends attributable to noncontrolling interests
Repurchases of ordinary shares
Change in noncontrolling interest share
Spin-off of Adient
Other, including options exercised

At September 30, 2017

$

(868)
(105)
11
(1)
(1)
(96)
(964)

15,808
(752)
—
(501)
—
192
24,118

1,611
108
(14)
5
99
1,710

(938)
—
(651)
—
(4,038)
246
20,447

$

168
9
(1)
—
—
8
176

—
—
(93)
—
726
—
972

164
(18)
1
—
(17)
147

—
(56)
—
(5)
(138)
—
920

$

(700)
(96)
10
(1)
(1)
(88)
(788)

15,808
(752)
(93)
(501)
726
192
25,090

1,775
90
(13)
5
82
1,857

(938)
(56)
(651)
(5)
(4,176)
246
21,367

The equity attributable to Johnson Controls International plc increased by $15.8 billion as a result of the Tyco Merger in fiscal 
2016.  The increase is primarily due to an increase to equity of $19.7 billion resulting from the total fair value of consideration 
transferred, partially offset by a decrease of $3.9 billion resulting from cash contributed by Tyco used to purchase shares of Johnson 
Controls Inc.

As previously disclosed, on October 31, 2016, the Group completed the Adient spin-off. As a result of the spin-off, the Group 
divested net assets of approximately $4.0 billion. 

As previously disclosed, on October 1, 2015, the Group formed a joint venture with Hitachi. In connection with the acquisition, 
the Group recorded equity attributable to noncontrolling interests of $679 million. Also, in connection with the Tyco merger, the 
Group recorded equity attributable to noncontrolling interests of $34 million.

98

 
The Group consolidates certain subsidiaries in which the noncontrolling interest party has within their control the right to require 
the Group to redeem all or a portion of its interest in the subsidiary. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported at their 
estimated redemption value. Any adjustment to the redemption value impacts retained earnings but does not impact net income. 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests which are redeemable only upon future events, the occurrence of which is not currently 
probable, are recorded at carrying value.

The following schedules present changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interests (in millions):

Beginning balance, September 30

Net income

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives

Dividends

Spin-off of Adient

Ending balance, September 30

Year Ended
September 30, 2017

Year Ended
September 30, 2016

$

$

234

$

44

13
(1)
(43)
(36)
211

$

212

48

2
(1)
(27)
—

234

The following schedules present changes in AOCI attributable to Johnson Controls (in millions, net of tax):

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Balance at beginning of period

Aggregate adjustment for the period (net of tax effect of $1 and $(43))

Adient spin-off impact (net of tax effect of $0)

Balance at end of period

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives

Balance at beginning of period

Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $4 and $(5))

Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $(10) and $11) *

Adient spin-off impact (net of tax effect of $6)

Balance at end of period

Realize and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities

Balance at beginning of period

Current period changes in fair value (net of tax effect of $1 and $0)

Balance at end of period

Pension and postretirement plans

Balance at beginning of period

Reclassification to income (net of tax effect of $0) **

Adient spin-off impact (net of tax effect of $0)

Balance at end of period

Year Ended
September 30,
2017

Year Ended
September 30,
2016

$

(1,152) $

(1,047)

108

563

(481)

4

9

(23)

16

6

(1)

5

4

(4)

—

2

(2)

(105)

—

(1,152)

(7)

(10)

21

—

4

—

(1)

(1)

(3)

(1)

—

(4)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period

$

(473) $

(1,153)

*   Refer to Note 10, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure 
of the line items on the consolidated statement of income affected by reclassifications from AOCI into income related to derivatives.

99

**   Refer to Note 15, "Retirement Plans," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for disclosure of the components of 
the Group's net periodic benefit costs associated with its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. For the year ended 
September 30, 2016, the amounts reclassified from AOCI into income for pension and postretirement plans were primarily recorded 
in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income. 

15. 

RETIREMENT PLANS

Pension Benefits

The Group has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The benefits provided 
are primarily based on years of service and average compensation or a monthly retirement benefit amount. Certain of the Group’s 
U.S. pension plans have been amended to prohibit new participants from entering the plans and no longer accrue benefits. Funding 
for U.S. pension plans equals or exceeds the minimum requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. 
Funding for non-U.S. plans observes the local legal and regulatory limits. Also, the Group makes contributions to union-trusteed 
pension funds for construction and service personnel.

For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations ("ABO") that exceed plan assets, the projected benefit obligation ("PBO"), 
ABO and fair value of plan assets of those plans were $5,564 million, $5,465 million and $4,715 million, respectively, as of 
September 30, 2017 and $7,124 million, $6,966 million and $5,234 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2016.

In fiscal 2017, total employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans were $342 million, of which $49 million were 
voluntary contributions made by the Group. The Group expects to contribute approximately $100 million in cash to its defined 
benefit pension plans in fiscal 2018. Projected benefit payments from the plans as of September 30, 2017 are estimated as follows 
(in millions):

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023-2027

$

332
329
329
330
338
1,737

Postretirement Benefits

The Group provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees and their dependents primarily in the U.S., 
Canada and Brazil. Most non-U.S. employees are covered by government sponsored programs, and the cost to the Group is not 
significant.

Eligibility for coverage is based on meeting certain years of service and retirement age qualifications. These benefits may be 
subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations, and the Group has reserved the right to modify these benefits. 
Effective January 31, 1994, the Group modified certain U.S. salaried plans to place a limit on the Group’s cost of future annual 
retiree medical benefits at no more than 150% of the 1993 cost.

The health care cost trend assumption does not have a significant effect on the amounts reported.

100

In  fiscal  2017,  total  employer  contributions  to  the  postretirement  plans  were  $5  million.  The  Group  expects  to  contribute 
approximately  $5  million  in  cash  to  its  postretirement  plans  in  fiscal  2018.  Projected  benefit  payments  from  the  plans  as  of 
September 30, 2017 are estimated as follows (in millions):

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023-2027

$

19
19
19
19
18
76

In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 
("Act") for employers sponsoring postretirement care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. The Act introduces a prescription 
drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans providing a benefit that is 
at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.1. Under the Act, the Medicare subsidy amount is received directly by the plan 
sponsor and not the related plan. Further, the plan sponsor is not required to use the subsidy amount to fund postretirement benefits 
and may use the subsidy for any valid business purpose. Projected subsidy receipts are estimated to be approximately $2 million 
per year over the next ten years.

Savings and Investment Plans

The Group sponsors various defined contribution savings plans that allow employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax and/
or after-tax income in accordance with plan specified guidelines. Under specified conditions, the Group will contribute to certain 
savings plans based on the employees’ eligible pay and/or will match a percentage of the employee contributions up to certain 
limits. Matching contributions charged to expense for continuing and discontinued operations amounted to $138 million and $128 
million for the fiscal years ended 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Multiemployer Benefit Plans

The Group contributes to multiemployer benefit plans based on obligations arising from collective bargaining agreements related 
to certain of its hourly employees in the U.S. These plans provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to 
contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. The trustees typically are responsible for 
determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the 
administration of the plans.

The risks of participating in these multiemployer benefit plans are different from single-employer benefit plans in the following 
aspects:

•  Assets contributed to the multiemployer benefit plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of 

other participating employers.

• 

• 

If a participating employer stops contributing to the multiemployer benefit plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may 
be borne by the remaining participating employers.

If the Group stops participating in some of its multiemployer benefit plans, the Group may be required to pay those plans 
an amount based on its allocable share of the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The  Group  participates  in  approximately  289  multiemployer  benefit  plans,  primarily  related  to  its  Building  Technologies  & 
Solutions business in the U.S., none of which are individually significant to the Group. The number of employees covered by the 
Group’s multiemployer benefit plans has remained consistent over the past two years, and there have been no significant changes 
that affect the comparability of fiscal 2017 and 2016 contributions. The Group recognizes expense for the contractually-required 
contribution for each period. The Group contributed $67 million and $46 million to multiemployer benefit plans in fiscal 2017 
and 2016, respectively.

Based on the most recent information available, the Group believes that the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities in certain 
of these multiemployer benefit plans may exceed the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits. Currently, the Group is not 
aware of any significant multiemployer benefits plans for which it is probable or reasonably possible that the Group will be obligated 

101

to make up any shortfall in funds. Moreover, if the Group were to exit certain markets or otherwise cease making contributions to 
these funds, the Group could trigger a withdrawal liability. Currently, the Group is not aware of any multiemployer benefit plans 
for which it is probable or reasonably possible that the Group will have a significant withdrawal liability. Any accrual for a shortfall 
or withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and it can be reasonably estimated.

Plan Assets

The Group’s investment policies employ an approach whereby a mix of equities, fixed income and alternative investments are 
used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. The investment portfolio primarily contains a 
diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments. Equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as 
well as growth, value and small to large capitalizations. Fixed income investments include corporate and government issues, with 
short-, mid- and long-term maturities, with a focus on investment grade when purchased and a target duration close to that of the 
plan liability. Investment and market risks are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through regular investment portfolio 
reviews, annual liability measurements and periodic asset/liability studies. The majority of the real estate component of the portfolio 
is invested in a diversified portfolio of high-quality, operating properties with cash yields greater than the targeted appreciation. 
Investments in other alternative asset classes, including hedge funds and commodities, diversify the expected investment returns 
relative  to  the  equity  and  fixed  income  investments.  As  a  result  of  our  diversification  strategies,  there  are  no  significant 
concentrations of risk within the portfolio of investments.

The Group’s actual asset allocations are in line with target allocations. The Group rebalances asset allocations as appropriate, in 
order to stay within a range of allocation for each asset category.

The expected return on plan assets is based on the Group’s expectation of the long-term average rate of return of the capital markets 
in which the plans invest. The average market returns are adjusted, where appropriate, for active asset management returns. The 
expected return reflects the investment policy target asset mix and considers the historical returns earned for each asset category.

The Group’s plan assets at September 30, 2017 and 2016, by asset category, are as follows (in millions):

Asset Category

U.S. Pension

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total as of
September 30, 2017

Cash and Cash Equivalents

$

70

$

2

$

68

$

Equity Securities

Large-Cap

Small-Cap
International - Developed
International - Emerging

Fixed Income Securities

Government

Corporate/Other

652

281
649
51

270

917

375

281
569
24

243

851

277

—
80
27

27

66

Total Investments in the Fair Value Hierarchy

2,890

$

2,345

$

545

$

Investments Measured at Net Asset Value, as Practical Expedient:

Real Estate Investments Measured at Net Asset Value*

Total Plan Assets

Non-U.S. Pension

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Equity Securities

Large-Cap
Mid-Cap
International - Developed
International - Emerging

102

$

$

275

3,165

55

$

45

$

10

$

242
2
517
13

18
2
58
—

224
—
459
13

—

—

—
—
—

—

—

—

—

—
—
—
—

 
Fixed Income Securities

Government

Corporate/Other

Hedge Fund

Real Estate

618

569

112

24

74

292

—

24

544

277

112

—

Total Investments in the Fair Value Hierarchy

2,152

$

513

$

1,639

$

Investments Measured at Net Asset Value, as Practical Expedient:

Real Estate Investments Measured at Net Asset Value*

Total Plan Assets

Postretirement

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Equity Securities

Large-Cap
Small-Cap
International - Developed
International - Emerging

Fixed Income Securities
Government
Corporate/Other

Commodities

Real Estate

Total Plan Assets

$

$

29

2,181

3

$

— $

3

$

28
9
21
11

21
59

15

10

—
—
—
—

—
—

—

—

28
9
21
11

21
59

15

10

$

177

$

— $

177

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—
—
—

—
—

—

—

—

103

Asset Category

U.S. Pension

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total as of
September 30, 2016

Cash and Cash Equivalents

$

38

$

38

$

— $

Equity Securities

Large-Cap

Small-Cap

International - Developed

Fixed Income Securities

Government

Corporate/Other

692

267

655

345

950

499

252

566

280

633

193

15

89

65

317

Total Investments in the Fair Value Hierarchy

2,947

$

2,268

$

679

$

Investments Measured at Net Asset Value, as Practical Expedient:

Real Estate Investments Measured at Net Asset Value*

Total Plan Assets

Non-U.S. Pension

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Equity Securities

Large-Cap

International - Developed

International - Emerging

Fixed Income Securities

Government

Corporate/Other

Hedge Fund

Real Estate

Total Investments in the Fair Value Hierarchy

Investments Measured at Net Asset Value, as Practical Expedient:

Real Estate Investments Measured at Net Asset Value*

Total Plan Assets

Postretirement

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Equity Securities

Large-Cap

Small-Cap

International - Developed

International - Emerging

Fixed Income Securities

Government

Corporate/Other

Commodities

Real Estate

Total Plan Assets

104

$

$

$

$

346

3,293

90

$

59

$

31

$

317

453

19

864

561

169

11

22

52

—

164

300

—

11

295

401

19

700

261

169

—

2,484

$

608

$

1,876

$

52

2,536

7

$

— $

7

$

31

10

23

12

23

65

12

13

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

31

10

23

12

23

65

12

13

$

196

$

— $

196

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

 
* The fair value of certain investments in real estate do not have a readily determinable fair value and requires the fund managers 
to independently arrive at fair value by calculating net asset value ("NAV") per share. In order to calculate NAV per share, the 
fund managers value the real estate investments using any one, or a combination of, the following methods: independent third 
party appraisals, discounted cash flow analysis of net cash flows projected to be generated by the investment and recent sales of 
comparable  investments. Assumptions  used  to  revalue  the  properties  are  updated  every  quarter.  Due  to  the  fact  that  the  fund 
managers calculate NAV per share, the Group utilizes a practical expedient for measuring the fair value of its real-estate investments, 
as provided for under ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement." In applying the practical expedient, the Group is not required to further 
adjust the NAV provided by the fund manager in order to determine the fair value of its investment as the NAV per share is calculated 
in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of ASC 946, "Financial Services - Investment Companies," and as of the 
Group's measurement date. The Group believes this is an appropriate methodology to obtain the fair value of these assets. For the 
component of the real estate portfolio under development, the investments are carried at cost until they are completed and valued 
by a third party appraiser. In accordance with ASU No. 2015-07, "Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate 
Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)," investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share 
practical expedient should be disclosed separate from the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are 
intended to permit reconciliation of total plan assets to the amounts presented in the notes to consolidated financial statements. 

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value.  Certain assets are held within 
commingled funds which are valued at the unitized NAV or percentage of the net asset value as determined by the manager of the 
fund. These values are based on the fair value of the underlying net assets owned by the fund.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The fair value of cash is valued at cost. 

Equity Securities: The fair value of equity securities is determined by direct quoted market prices. The underlying holdings are 
direct quoted market prices on regulated financial exchanges. 

Fixed Income Securities: The fair value of fixed income securities is determined by direct or indirect quoted market prices. If 
indirect quoted market prices are utilized, the value of assets held in separate accounts is not published, but the investment managers 
report daily the underlying holdings. The underlying holdings are direct quoted market prices on regulated financial exchanges. 

Commodities: The fair value of the commodities is determined by quoted market prices of the underlying holdings on regulated 
financial exchanges.

Hedge Funds: The fair value of hedge funds is accounted for by the custodian. The custodian obtains valuations from underlying 
managers based on market quotes for the most liquid assets and alternative methods for assets that do not have sufficient trading 
activity to derive prices. The Group and custodian review the methods used by the underlying managers to value the assets. The 
Group believes this is an appropriate methodology to obtain the fair value of these assets. 

Real Estate: The fair value of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") is recorded as Level 1 as these securities are traded on an 
open exchange. 

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective 
of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Group believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market 
participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could 
result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

There were no Level 3 assets as of September 30, 2017 or 2016 or any Level 3 asset activity during fiscal 2017 or 2016.

105

Funded Status

The table that follows contains the ABO and reconciliations of the changes in the PBO, the changes in plan assets and the funded 
status (in millions):

Pension Benefits

U.S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

Postretirement
Benefits

September 30,

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

$

3,382

$

4,118

$

2,618

$

3,359

$

— $

—

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

4,169

3,022

3,522

1,447

242

211

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan participant contributions

Benefit obligations assumed in Tyco acquisition

Other acquisitions

Adient spin-off impact

Actuarial (gain) loss

Benefits and settlements paid

Estimated subsidy received

Curtailment

Other

Currency translation adjustment

18

113

—

—

—

(18)

(131)

(732)

—

—

—

—

16

104

—

974

—

—

355

(301)

—

—

(1)

—

32

48

3

—

—

(619)

(194)

(116)

—

(19)

(2)

66

30

44

1

1,635

279

—

295

(116)

—

—

(1)

(92)

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

$

3,419

$

4,169

$

2,721

$

3,522

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$

3,293

$

2,606

$

2,536

$

1,177

Actual return on plan assets

Plan assets acquired in Tyco acquisition

Other acquisitions

Adient spin-off impact

Employer and employee contributions

Benefits paid

Settlement payments

Other

Currency translation adjustment

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Funded status

334

—

—

(16)

286

(394)

(338)

—

—

$

$

3,165

(254)

Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:

Prepaid benefit cost - continuing operations

$

Prepaid benefit cost - discontinued operations

Accrued benefit liability - continuing operations

Accrued benefit liability - discontinued operations

46

—

(300)

—

267

705

—

—

16

(124)

(177)

—

—

3,293

(876)

21

1

(896)

(2)

$

$

$

94

—

—

(440)

59

(86)

(30)

(2)

50

2,181

(540)

27

—

(567)

—

$

$

$

113

1,149

180

—

121

(59)

(57)

—

(88)

2,536

(986)

25

7

(832)

(186)

$

$

$

2

6

4

—

—

(17)

(1)

(25)

2

—

—

1

214

196

14

—

—

(13)

5

(25)

—

—

—

177

(37)

64

—

(101)

—

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Net amount recognized

$

(254)

$

(876)

$

(540)

$

(986)

$

(37)

$

2

6

6

30

2

—

5

(22)

1

—

1

—

242

194

17

—

—

—

7

(22)

—

—

—

196

(46)

53

—

(95)

(4)

(46)

Weighted Average Assumptions (1)

Discount rate (2)

Rate of compensation increase

106

3.80%

3.20%

3.70%

3.20%

2.40%

2.90%

1.90%

2.75%

3.70%

NA

3.30%

NA

 
 
(1) 

(2) 

Plan assets and obligations are determined based on a September 30 measurement date at September 30, 2017 and 2016.

The Group considers the expected benefit payments on a plan-by-plan basis when setting assumed discount rates. As a 
result, the Group uses different discount rates for each plan depending on the plan jurisdiction, the demographics of 
participants and the expected timing of benefit payments. For the U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Group uses 
a discount rate provided by an independent third party calculated based on an appropriate mix of high quality bonds. For 
the non-U.S. pension and postretirement plans, the Group consistently uses the relevant country specific benchmark 
indices for determining the various discount rates. The Group has elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the 
estimation of service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for pension and other postretirement 
for plans that utilize a yield curve approach. The full yield curve approach applies the specific spot rates along the yield 
curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The amounts in AOCI on the consolidated statement of financial position, exclusive of tax impacts, that have not yet been recognized 
as components of net periodic benefit cost at September 30, 2017 and 2016 related to pension and postretirement benefits are not 
significant.

The amounts in AOCI expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) over the next fiscal related to 
pension and postretirement benefits are not significant.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The table that follows contains the components of net periodic benefit cost (in millions):

Year ended September 30,
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit):

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Net actuarial (gain) loss

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

Curtailment gain

Settlement (gain) loss

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
Net periodic benefit (cost) credit related to

discontinued operations

Net periodic benefit cost (credit) included in

continuing operations

Expense Assumptions:

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets

Rate of compensation increase

Pension Benefits

U.S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

Postretirement
Benefits

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

$

18

$

16

$

32

$

30

$

2

$

113
(229)
(220)
—

—
(16)

(334)

104
(191)
268

—

—

11

208

48
(92)
(195)
—
(19)
(1)

(227)

44
(61)
237

1

—

6

257

—

(1)

—

(111)

6
(10)
(5)
—

—

—

(7)

—

2

6
(10)
(2)
(1)
—

—

(5)

(1)

$

(334)

$

207

$

(227)

$

146

$

(7)

$

(6)

3.70%

7.50%

3.20%

4.40%

7.50%

3.25%

1.90%

4.60%

2.65%

3.10%

4.50%

3.30%

3.30%

5.60%

NA

3.75%

5.45%

NA

107

 
 
16. 

SIGNIFICANT RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS

To better align its resources with its growth strategies and reduce the cost structure of its global operations in certain underlying 
markets, the Group commits to restructuring plans as necessary.

In fiscal 2017, the Group committed to a significant restructuring plan (2017 Plan) and recorded $367 million of restructuring and 
impairment costs in the consolidated statement of income. This is the total amount incurred to date and the total amount expected 
to be incurred for this restructuring plan. The restructuring actions related to cost reduction initiatives in the Group’s Building 
Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions businesses and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of workforce reductions, 
plant closures and asset impairments. Of the restructuring and impairment costs recorded, $166 million related to Corporate, $74 
million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment, $59 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment, 
$32 million related to the Global Products segment, $20 million related to the Power Solutions segment and $16 million related 
to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. The restructuring actions are expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2018.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Group’s 2017 Plan reserve, included within other current liabilities in the 
consolidated statement of financial position (in millions):

Original Reserve

Utilized—cash

Utilized—noncash

Adjustment to restructuring reserves

Balance at September 30, 2017

Employee
Severance and
Termination
Benefits

Long-Lived
Asset
Impairments

$

$

276

$

77

$

(75)

—

25

—
(77)
—

226

$

— $

Other

Currency
Translation

Total

14

—
(1)
—

13

$

$

— $

—

—

—

— $

367
(75)
(78)
25

239

In fiscal 2016, the Group committed to a significant restructuring plan (2016 Plan) and recorded $288 million of restructuring and 
impairment costs in the consolidated statement of income. The restructuring actions related to cost reduction initiatives in the 
Group’s Building Technologies & Solutions and Power Solutions businesses and at Corporate. The costs consist primarily of 
workforce reductions, plant closures, asset impairments and change-in-control payments. Of the restructuring and impairment 
costs recorded, $161 million related to Corporate, $66 million related to the Power Solutions segment, $44 million related to the 
Global Products segment and $17 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment. The restructuring actions are 
expected to be substantially complete in fiscal 2018. Included in the reserve is $56 million of committed restructuring actions 
taken by Tyco for liabilities assumed as part of the Tyco acquisition. 

Additionally, the Group recorded $332 million of restructuring and impairment costs within discontinued operations related to 
Adient in fiscal 2016.

108

The following table summarizes the changes in the Group’s 2016 Plan reserve, included within other current liabilities in the 
consolidated statement of financial position (in millions):

Employee
Severance and
Termination
Benefits

Long-Lived
Asset
Impairments

Other

Currency
Translation

Total

Original Reserve

$

368

$

190

$

62

$

— $

620

Acquired Tyco restructuring
    reserves

Utilized—cash

Utilized—noncash

78

(32)

—

—

—
(190)

Balance at September 30, 2016

$

414

$

— $

Adient spin-off impact

Utilized—cash

Utilized—noncash

Adjustment to restructuring
   reserves

Transfer to liabilities held for sale

Adjustment to acquired Tyco
   restructuring reserves

(194)

(86)

—

(25)

(3)

(22)

—

—

—

—

—

—

Balance at September 30, 2017

$

84

$

— $

—

—
(32)
30
(22)
(2)
—

—

—

—

6

$

$

—

—

1

1

—

—

1

—

—

—

2

$

$

78
(32)
(221)
445
(216)
(88)
1

(25)
(3)

(22)
92

The Group's fiscal 2017 and 2016 restructuring plans included workforce reductions of approximately 6,100 employees (4,800 
for the Building Technologies & Solutions business, 1,200 for Corporate and 100 for Power Solutions). Restructuring charges 
associated with employee severance and termination benefits are paid over the severance period granted to each employee or on 
a lump sum basis in accordance with individual severance agreements. As of September 30, 2017, approximately 1,600 of the 
employees have been separated from the Group pursuant to the restructuring plans. In addition, the restructuring plans included 
ten plant closures in the Building Technologies & Solutions business. As of September 30, 2017, four of the ten plants have been 
closed.

Group management closely monitors its overall cost structure and continually analyzes each of its businesses for opportunities to 
consolidate current operations, improve operating efficiencies and locate facilities in close proximity to customers. This ongoing 
analysis includes a review of its manufacturing, engineering and purchasing operations, as well as the overall global footprint for 
all its businesses. 

17. 

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Group reviews long-lived assets, including tangible assets and other intangible assets with definitive lives, for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Group conducts 
its long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, "Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" and 
ASC 985-20, "Costs of software to be sold, leased, or marketed." ASC 360-10-15 requires the Group to group assets and liabilities 
at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and 
evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the 
carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of 
the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals. ASC 985-20 requires the unamortized 
capitalized costs of a computer software product be compared to the net realizable value of that product. The amount by which 
the unamortized capitalized costs of a computer software product exceed the net realizable value of that asset shall be written off.  

In fiscal 2017, the Group concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of impairment for certain of its long-lived assets 
in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2017. As a result, the Group reviewed the long-lived assets for 
impairment and recorded $77 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring and impairment costs on the consolidated 
statement of income. Of the total impairment charges, $30 million related to the Building Solutions North America segment, $20 
million related to the Global Products segment, $19 million related to Corporate assets, $7 million related to the Power Solutions 
segment and $1 million related to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment. Refer to Note 16, "Significant Restructuring and 

109

Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. The impairments were measured, 
depending on the asset, under either an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash flows or a market approach utilizing 
an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. These methods are consistent with the methods the Group employed 
in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair 
value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."

In the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2016, the Group concluded it had triggering events requiring assessment of 
impairment for certain of its long-lived assets in conjunction with its restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2016. As a result, 
the Group reviewed the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded $103 million of asset impairment charges within restructuring 
and impairment costs on the consolidated statement of income. Of the total impairment charges, $64 million related to the Power 
Solutions segment, $24 million related to Corporate assets, $8 million related to the Global Products segment, $4 million related 
to the Building Solutions Asia Pacific segment and $3 million related to the Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment.  In addition, 
the Group recorded $87 million of asset impairments within discontinued operations related to Adient in fiscal 2016. Refer to Note 
16, "Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. 
The impairments were measured, depending on the asset, under either an income approach utilizing forecasted discounted cash 
flows or a market approach utilizing an appraisal to determine fair values of the impaired assets. These methods are consistent 
with the methods the Group employed in prior periods to value other long-lived assets. The inputs utilized in the analyses are 
classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."

At  September 30,  2017  and  2016,  the  Group  concluded  it  did  not  have  any  other  triggering  events  requiring  assessment  of 
impairment of its long-lived assets. Refer to Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of 
the notes to consolidated financial statements for discussion of the Group’s goodwill impairment testing.

18. 

INCOME TAXES

The more significant components of the Group’s income tax provision from continuing operations are as follows (in millions):

Tax expense at federal statutory rate

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

Foreign income tax expense at different rates and foreign losses

without tax benefits

U.S. tax on foreign income

Reserve and valuation allowance adjustments

U.S. credits and incentives

Impact of acquisitions and divestitures

Restructuring and impairment costs
Other

Income tax provision

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

895

$

23

(309)
(407)
(164)
(3)
571

65
34

$

705

$

371
(6)

(122)
(194)
—
(14)
163

28
(29)
197

The U.S. federal statutory tax rate is being used as a comparison since the Group was a U.S. domiciled company for 11 months 
of 2016 and due to the Group’s current legal entity structure. The effective rate is below the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2017 
primarily due to the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives, non-U.S. tax rate differentials, tax audit closures, and a 
tax benefit due to changes in entity tax status, partially offset by the jurisdictional mix of significant restructuring and impairment 
costs, Tyco Merger transaction / integration costs and the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference 
of the Group's investment in certain subsidiaries related to the divestiture of the Scott Safety business. The effective rate is below 
the U.S. statutory rate for fiscal 2016 primarily due to the benefits of continuing global tax planning initiatives and foreign tax 
rate differentials, partially offset by the jurisdictional mix of restructuring and impairment costs, and the tax impacts of the Merger 
and integration related costs. 

Valuation Allowances

The Group reviews the realizability of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances on a quarterly basis, or whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that a review is required. In determining the requirement for a valuation allowance, the historical 

110

 
 
and projected financial results of the legal entity or consolidated group recording the net deferred tax asset are considered, along 
with any other positive or negative evidence. Since future financial results may differ from previous estimates, periodic adjustments 
to the Group’s valuation allowances may be necessary.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group performed an analysis related to the realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. 
As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and negative evidence, the Group determined that it 
was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets primarily in Canada, China and Mexico would not be able to be realized, 
and it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets in Germany would be realized. Therefore, the Group recorded $27 
million of net valuation allowances as income tax expense in the three month period ended September 30, 2017.

As a result of the Tyco Merger in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group recorded as part of the acquired liabilities of Tyco 
$2.4 billion of valuation allowances. Also in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group performed an analysis related to the 
realizability of its worldwide deferred tax assets. As a result, and after considering tax planning initiatives and other positive and 
negative evidence, the Group determined that no other material changes were needed to its valuation allowances. Therefore, there 
was no impact to income tax expense due to valuation allowance changes in the three month period or year ended September 30, 
2016.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The Group is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Judgment is required in determining its 
worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of the Group’s business, 
there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group is regularly under audit 
by tax authorities.

At September 30, 2017, the Group had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations of $2,173 million 
of which $2,047 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2017 was 
approximately $99 million (net of tax benefit).

At September 30, 2016, the Group had gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits for continuing operations of $1,706 million 
of which $1,604 million, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Total net accrued interest at September 30, 2016 was 
approximately $84 million (net of tax benefit).

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

Beginning balance, October 1

$

1,706

$

1,052

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Settlements with taxing authorities

Statute closings and audit resolutions

Acquisition of business

Ending balance, September 30

613

116
(44)
(95)
(264)
141

442

15
(66)
(104)
(30)
397

$

2,173

$

1,706

During fiscal 2017, the Group settled a significant number of tax examinations impacting fiscal years 2006 to fiscal 2014. In the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, income tax audit resolutions resulted in a net $191 million benefit to income tax expense.

111

In the U.S., fiscal years 2010 through 2014 are currently under exam by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for certain legal 
entities. Additionally, the Group is currently under exam in the following major non-U.S. jurisdictions for continuing operations:

Tax Jurisdiction

Tax Years Covered

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

China

France

Germany

Japan

Spain

Switzerland

United Kingdom

2015 - 2016

2011 - 2012

2013 - 2014

2008 - 2016

2010 - 2015

2007 - 2015

2016

2010 - 2014

2011 - 2014

2011 - 2014

It is reasonably possible that certain tax examinations and /or tax litigation will conclude within the next twelve months, which 
could be up to a $25 million impact to tax expense.  

Other Tax Matters

During fiscal 2017, the Group recorded $428 million of transaction and integration costs which generated a $69 million tax benefit.

During fiscal 2017, the Group recorded a discrete non-cash tax charge of $490 million related to establishment of a deferred tax 
liability on the outside basis difference of the Group's investment in certain subsidiaries of the Scott Safety business. This business 
is reported as net assets held for sale given the announced sale to 3M Company. Refer to Note 3, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," 
and Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.  

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group recorded a tax charge of $53 million due to a change in the deferred tax liability 
related to the outside basis of certain nonconsolidated subsidiaries.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group recorded a discrete tax benefit of $101 million due to changes in entity tax status. 
During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Group incurred significant charges for restructuring and impairment costs. Refer to Note 16, 
"Significant Restructuring and Impairment Costs," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. A 
substantial portion of these charges do not generate a tax benefit due to the Group's current tax position in these jurisdictions and 
the underlying tax basis in the impaired assets, resulting in $65 million and $28 million incremental tax expense in fiscal 2017 
and 2016, respectively.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group completed its Merger with Tyco. As a result of that transaction, the Group 
incurred incremental tax expense of $137 million. In preparation for the spin-off of the Automotive Experience business in the 
first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Group incurred incremental tax expense for continuing operations of $26 million in fiscal 2016. 

As a result of the Tyco Merger in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group recorded as part of the acquired liabilities of Tyco 
$290 million of post sale contingent tax indemnification liabilities which is generally recorded within other noncurrent liabilities 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. The liabilities are recorded at fair value and relate to certain tax related matters 
borne by the buyer of previously divested subsidiaries of Tyco which Tyco has indemnified certain parties and the amounts are 
probable of being paid. Of the $290 million recorded as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, $255 million is related to prior divested 
businesses and the remainder relates to Tyco’s tax sharing agreements from its 2007 and 2012 spin-off transactions. These are 
certain guarantees or indemnifications extended among Tyco, Medtronic, TE Connectivity, ADT and Pentair in accordance with 
the terms of the 2007 and 2012 separation and tax sharing agreements. In addition, the Group has recorded $11 million of tax 
indemnification liabilities as of September 30, 2017 related to other divestitures.

Impacts of Tax Legislation and Change in Statutory Tax Rates

On October 13, 2016, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS released final and temporary Section 385 regulations. These regulations 
address whether certain instruments between related parties are treated as debt or equity. The Group does not expect that the 
regulations will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

112

 
The "look-through rule," under subpart F of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, expired for the Group on September 30, 2015. The 
"look-through rule" had provided an exception to the U.S. taxation of certain income generated by non-U.S. subsidiaries. The rule 
was extended in December 2015 retroactive to the beginning of the Group’s 2016 fiscal year. The retroactive extension was signed 
into legislation and was made permanent through the Group's 2020 fiscal year.

During the fiscal years ended 2017 and 2016, other tax legislation was adopted in various jurisdictions. These law changes did not 
have a material impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements. 

U.S. tax reform legislation was enacted on December 22, 2017.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the tax law 
changes and does expect it to have a material  impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements. 

Continuing Operations

Components of the provision for income taxes on continuing operations were as follows (in millions):

Current

Federal

State

Foreign

Deferred

Federal

State

Foreign

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

(225) $
(6)
373

142

593

41
(71)
563

Income tax provision

$

705

$

169

5

788

962

(321)
(15)
(429)
(765)

197

Consolidated U.S. income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests for the fiscal years ended 
September 30, 2017 and 2016 was income of $868 million and $943 million, respectively. Consolidated foreign income from 
continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 
was income of $1,690 million and $119 million, respectively.

Income taxes paid for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $1,756 million and $1,388 million, respectively. 
At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group recorded within the consolidated statement of financial position in other current 
liabilities approximately $625 million and $1,505 million, respectively, of accrued income tax liabilities for continuing operations.

The Group has not provided U.S. or non-U.S. income taxes on approximately $16 billion of outside basis differences of consolidated 
subsidiaries of Johnson Controls International plc.  The reduction of the outside basis differences via the sale or liquidation of 
these subsidiaries and/or distributions could create taxable income. The Group's intent is to reduce the outside basis differences 
only when it would be tax efficient. Given the numerous ways in which the basis differences may be reduced, it is not practicable 
to estimate the amount of unrecognized withholding taxes and deferred tax liability on the outside basis differences. In fiscal 2017, 
the Group did provide U.S. income tax expense related to the establishment of a deferred tax liability on the outside basis difference 
of the Group’s investment in certain subsidiaries of the Scott Safety business as a result of the planned divestiture.  

113

 
 
 
Deferred taxes were classified in the consolidated statement of financial position as follows (in millions): 

Other noncurrent assets

Other noncurrent liabilities

Net deferred tax asset

September 30,

2017

2016

2,360
(1,733)

$

627

$

2,467
(1,542)

925

Temporary differences and carryforwards which gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities included (in millions):

September 30,

2017

2016

Deferred tax assets

Accrued expenses and reserves

Employee and retiree benefits

Net operating loss and other credit carryforwards

$

Research and development

Joint ventures and partnerships

Other

Valuation allowances

Deferred tax liabilities

Property, plant and equipment

Subsidiaries, joint ventures and partnerships

Intangible assets

$

891

373

5,130

188

—

26

6,608
(3,838)
2,770

247

789

1,107

2,143

Net deferred tax asset

$

627

$

1,175

438

4,483

85

49

19

6,249
(3,400)
2,849

87

—

1,837

1,924

925

At September 30, 2017, the Group had available net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $16.6 billion, of which $6.5 
billion will expire at various dates between 2018 and 2037, and the remainder has an indefinite carryforward period. The Group 
had available U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards at September 30, 2017 of $468 million which will expire at various dates 
between 2020 and 2024 or carried back to fiscal period 2016. The valuation allowance, generally, is for loss carryforwards for 
which realization is uncertain because it is unlikely that the losses will be realized given the lack of sustained profitability and/or 
limited carryforward periods in certain countries.

As of September 30, 2017, deferred tax assets of approximately $180 million relate to certain operating loss carryforwards resulting 
from the exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock vestings, the tax benefit of which, when recognized, will be 
accounted for as a credit to additional paid-in capital rather than a reduction of income tax provision. Such amount has been 
presented within the tax loss and carryforwards line in the table above.

Deferred taxation activity for fiscal year 2017 is as follows:

At September 30, 2016
Provisions, net
Acquisitions and divestitures, net
Charge to equity
Currency translation and other
At September 30, 2017

114

925
(563)
624
(441)
82
627

$

 
 
 
 
 
19. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. In 
applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Group has determined that it has five reportable segments for financial reporting 
purposes. The Group’s five reportable segments are presented in the context of its two primary businesses - Building Technologies 
& Solutions and Power Solutions. 

Effective July 1, 2017, the Group reorganized the reportable segments within its Building Technologies & Solutions business to 
align with its new management reporting structure and business activities. Prior to this reorganization, Building Technologies & 
Solutions was comprised of five reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Systems and Service North America, Products 
North America, Asia, Rest of World and Tyco. As a result of this change, Building Technologies & Solutions is now comprised of 
four reportable segments for financial reporting purposes: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, 
Building  Solutions Asia  Pacific  and  Global  Products.  Historical  information  has  been  revised  to  reflect  the  new  Building 
Technologies & Solutions reportable segments. 

A summary of the significant Building Technologies & Solutions reportable segment changes is as follows:

•  The “Systems and Service North America” segment is now part of the new “Building Solutions North America” reportable 

segment.

•  The North America Unitary Products business, Air Distribution Technologies business and refrigeration systems business, 
as well as HVAC products installed for Marine customers, previously included in the “Products North America” segment, 
are now part of the new reportable segment “Global Products.”  The systems and products installation business for U.S. 
Navy customers, previously included in the “Products North America” segment, is now part of the new “Building Solutions 
North America” reportable segment.

•  The systems and service business within the former “Asia” segment is now part of the new “Building Solutions Asia 
Pacific” reportable segment.  The HVAC products manufacturing business and the Johnson Controls-Hitachi joint venture, 
previously part of the “Asia” segment, are now part of the new “Global Products” reportable segment.

•  The systems and service businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America within the former “Rest of World” 
segment are now part of the new “Building Solutions EMEA/LA” reportable segment.  The HVAC products manufacturing 
businesses, previously part of the “Rest of World” segment, are now part of the new “Global Products” reportable segment. 

•  As the Group has integrated the legacy Tyco business with its legacy Building Efficiency business for segment reporting 
purposes, Tyco is no longer a separate reportable segment. The Tyco businesses are now included throughout the new 
reportable segments.

Building Technologies & Solutions

•  Building Solutions North America designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC and controls systems, integrated electronic 
security systems (including monitoring), and integrated fire detection and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, 
retail, small business, institutional and governmental customers in North America.  Building Solutions North America 
also provides energy efficiency solutions and technical services, including inspection, scheduled maintenance, and repair 
and replacement of mechanical and control systems, to non-residential building and industrial applications in the North 
American marketplace. 

•  Building Solutions EMEA/LA designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC, controls, refrigeration, integrated electronic 
security, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, and provides technical services to markets in Europe, the 
Middle East, Africa and Latin America. 

•  Building Solutions Asia Pacific designs, sells, installs, and services HVAC, controls, refrigeration, integrated electronic 
security, integrated fire detection and suppression systems, and provides technical services to the Asia Pacific marketplace.

•  Global Products  designs and  produces heating and  air conditioning for residential and commercial applications, and 
markets products and refrigeration systems to replacement and new construction market customers globally. The Global 
Products business also designs, manufactures and sells fire protection and security products, including intrusion security, 
anti-theft devices, breathing apparatus and access control and video management systems, for commercial, industrial, 
retail, residential, small business, institutional and governmental customers worldwide.  Global Products also includes 

115

     
the Johnson Controls-Hitachi joint venture, which was formed October 1, 2015, as well as the Scott Safety business, 
which was sold on October 4, 2017. 

Power Solutions

Power Solutions services both automotive original equipment manufacturers and the battery aftermarket by providing advanced 
battery technology, coupled with systems engineering, marketing and service expertise.

Management  evaluates  the  performance  of  its  business  segments  primarily  on  segment  earnings  before  interest,  taxes  and 
amortization ("EBITA"), which represents income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests, 
excluding general corporate expenses, intangible asset amortization, net financing charges, significant restructuring and impairment 
costs, and the net mark-to-market adjustments related to pension and postretirement plans.

Financial information relating to the Group’s reportable segments is as follows (in millions):

Net Sales

Building Technologies & Solutions

Building Solutions North America
Building Solutions EMEA/LA

Building Solutions Asia Pacific

Global Products

Power Solutions

Total net sales

Segment EBITA

Building Technologies & Solutions

Building Solutions North America (1)

Building Solutions EMEA/LA (2)

Building Solutions Asia Pacific (3)

Global Products (4)

Power Solutions (5)

Total segment EBITA

Amortization of intangible assets

Corporate expenses (6)

Net financing charges

Restructuring and impairment costs

Net mark-to-market adjustments on pension and

postretirement plans

$

$

$

$

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

8,341
3,595

2,444

8,455

22,835

7,337

30,172

$

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

1,039

$

290

323

1,179

2,831
1,427

4,258

$

(489)
(768)
(496)
(367)

420

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

2,558

$

4,687
1,613

1,736

6,148

14,184

6,653

20,837

494

74

222

637

1,427
1,327

2,754

(116)
(607)
(289)
(288)

(393)

1,061

116

 
 
 
 
 
Assets

Building Technologies & Solutions (7)

Building Solutions North America

Building Solutions EMEA/LA (8)

Building Solutions Asia Pacific

Global Products (9)

Power Solutions (10)

Assets held for sale

Unallocated

Total

Depreciation/Amortization

Building Technologies & Solutions

Building Solutions North America

Building Solutions EMEA/LA

Building Solutions Asia Pacific

Global Products

Power Solutions

Corporate

Discontinued Operations

Total

Capital Expenditures

Building Technologies & Solutions

Building Solutions North America

Building Solutions EMEA/LA

Building Solutions Asia Pacific

Global Products

Global Workplace Solutions

Automotive Experience

Seating

Interiors

Power Solutions

Corporate

Total

117

September 30,

2017

2016

$

15,228

$

4,885

2,575

14,018

36,706

7,894

2,109

5,175

15,554

4,649

2,521

15,782

38,506

6,793

13,186

4,694

$

$

$

$

51,884

$

63,179   

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

272

140

37

410

859

236

64

29

1,188

$

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

107

$

98

27

421

—

653

62

1
63

481

146

49

14

11

230

304

238

80

331

953

16

19

7

304

—

346

392

3
395

357

151

$

1,343

$

1,249

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

Building  Solutions  North America  segment  EBITA  for  the  year  ended  September 30,  2017  excludes  $59  million  of 
restructuring and impairment costs. 

Building Solutions EMEA/LA segment EBITA for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 excludes $74 million 
and $17 million, respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs. For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, 
EMEA/LA segment EBITA includes $5 million and $11 million, respectively, of equity income. 

Building  Solutions  Asia  Pacific  segment  EBITA  for  the  year  ended  September 30,  2017  excludes  $16  million  of 
restructuring and impairment costs. For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, Asia Pacific segment EBITA 
includes $1 million and $1 million, respectively, of equity income.

Global Products segment EBITA for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 excludes $32 million and $44 million, 
respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs. For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, Global Products 
segment EBITA includes $151 million and $114 million, respectively, of equity income. 

Power Solutions segment EBITA for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 excludes $20 million and $66 million, 
respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs. For the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, Power Solutions 
segment EBITA includes $83 million and $48 million, respectively, of equity income. 

Corporate  expenses  for  the  years  ended  September 30,  2017  and  2016  excludes  $166  million  and  $161  million, 
respectively, of restructuring and impairment costs.  

Current year and prior year amounts exclude assets held for sale. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes 
to consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Group's disposal groups classified as held for 
sale. 

Building  Solutions  EMEA/LA  assets  as  of  September  30,  2017  and  2016  include  $107  million  and  $103  million, 
respectively, of investments in partially-owned affiliates. 

Global  Products  assets  as  of  September  30,  2017  and  2016  include  $637  million  and  $520  million,  respectively,  of 
investments in partially-owned affiliates. 

(10) 

Power  Solutions  assets  as  of  September  30,  2017  and  2016  include  $447  million  and  $367  million,  respectively,  of 
investments in partially-owned affiliates. 

In fiscal years 2017 and 2016, no customer exceeded 10% of consolidated net sales.

118

Geographic Segments

Financial information relating to the Group’s operations by geographic area is as follows (in millions):

Net Sales

United States

China

Japan

Germany

United Kingdom

Mexico

Other foreign

Other European countries

Total

Long-Lived Assets (Year-end)

United States

China

Japan

Germany

United Kingdom

Mexico

Other foreign

Other European countries

Total

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

14,495

$

2,046

1,816

1,779

928

840

5,408

2,860

9,633

1,620

1,805

1,430

291

639

3,602

1,817

$

$

30,172

$

20,837

3,155

$

2,880

535

180

290

109

489

821

542

484

188

287

103

457

785

448

$

6,121

$

5,632

Net  sales  attributed  to  geographic  locations  are  based  on  the  location  of  the  assets  producing  the  sales.  Long-lived  assets  by 
geographic location consist of net property, plant and equipment.

20. 

NONCONSOLIDATED PARTIALLY-OWNED AFFILIATES

Investments  in  the  net  assets  of  nonconsolidated  partially-owned  affiliates  are  stated  in  the  "Investments  in  partially-owned 
affiliates" line in the consolidated statement of financial position as of September 30, 2017 and 2016. Equity in the net income of 
nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates is stated in the "Equity income" line in the consolidated statement of income for the 
years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

The following table presents summarized financial data for the Group’s nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates. The amounts 
included in the table below represent 100% of the results of continuing operations of such nonconsolidated partially-owned affiliates 
accounted for under the equity method. 

119

 
 
Summarized balance sheet data as of September 30 is as follows (in millions):

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

Noncontrolling interests

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

2017

2016

$

$

$

$

4,034

1,513

5,547

2,470

478

33

2,566

5,547

$

$

$

$

Summarized income statement data for the years ended September 30 is as follows (in millions):

Net sales

Gross profit

Net income

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to the entity

21. 

GUARANTEES

2017

2016

$

6,445

$

1,510

517

11

506

3,085

1,436

4,521

1,864

554

41

2,062

4,521

5,329

1,323

415

16

399

Certain of the Group's subsidiaries at the business segment level have guaranteed the performance of third-parties and provided 
financial guarantees for uncompleted work and financial commitments. The terms of these guarantees vary with end dates ranging 
from  the  current  fiscal  year  through  the  completion  of  such  transactions  and  would  typically  be  triggered  in  the  event  of 
nonperformance. Performance under the guarantees, if required, would not have a material effect on the Group's financial position, 
results of operations or cash flows.

The Group offers warranties to its customers depending upon the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. 
A typical warranty program requires that the Group replace defective products within a specified time period from the date of sale. 
The Group records an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates and other known factors. 
Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the Group’s warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The Group monitors 
its warranty activity and adjusts its reserve estimates when it is probable that future warranty costs will be different than those 
estimates. 

The Group’s product warranty liability for continuing operations is recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position in 
other current liabilities if the warranty is less than one year and in other noncurrent liabilities if the warranty extends longer than 
one year.

120

The changes in the carrying amount of the Group’s total product warranty liability for continuing operations, including extended 
warranties for which deferred revenue is recorded, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in 
millions):

Balance at beginning of period

Accruals for warranties issued during the period

Accruals from acquisitions and divestitures (1)

Accruals related to pre-existing warranties (including changes in estimates)

Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period

Currency translation

Balance at end of period

Year Ended
September 30,

2017

$

$

374

312

7
(4)
(280)
—

409

(1) The year ended September 30, 2017 includes $13 million of product warranties transferred to liabilities held for sale on the 
consolidated statement of financial position. Refer to Note 4, "Discontinued Operations," of the notes to consolidated financial 
statements for further information regarding the Group's disposal groups classified as held for sale.

As a result of the Tyco Merger in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Group recorded, as part of the acquired liabilities of Tyco, 
$290 million of post sale contingent tax indemnification liabilities which is generally recorded within other noncurrent liabilities 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. The liabilities are recorded at fair value and relate to certain tax related matters 
borne by the buyer of previously divested subsidiaries of Tyco which Tyco has indemnified certain parties and the amounts are 
probable of being paid. Of the $290 million recorded as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, $255 million is related to prior divested 
businesses and the remainder relates to Tyco’s tax sharing agreements from its 2007 and 2012 spin-off transactions. These are 
certain guarantees or indemnifications extended among Tyco, Medtronic, TE Connectivity, ADT and Pentair in accordance with 
the terms of the 2007 and 2012 separation and tax sharing agreements. In addition, the Group has recorded $11 million of tax 
indemnification liabilities as of September 30, 2017 related to other divestitures.

22. 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Matters

The Group accrues for potential environmental liabilities when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the 
liability is reasonably estimable. As of September 30, 2017, reserves for environmental liabilities totaled $51 million, of which 
$10 million was recorded within other current liabilities and $41 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the 
consolidated statement of financial position. Reserves for environmental liabilities for continuing operations totaled $51 million 
at September 30, 2016. Such potential liabilities accrued by the Group do not take into consideration possible recoveries of future 
insurance proceeds. They do, however, take into account the likely share other parties will bear at remediation sites. It is difficult 
to estimate the Group’s ultimate level of liability at many remediation sites due to the large number of other parties that may be 
involved, the complexity of determining the relative liability among those parties, the uncertainty as to the nature and scope of the 
investigations and remediation to be conducted, the uncertainty in the application of law and risk assessment, the various choices 
and costs associated with diverse technologies that may be used in corrective actions at the sites, and the often quite lengthy periods 
over which eventual remediation may occur. Nevertheless, the Group does not currently believe that any claims, penalties or costs 
in connection with known environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial position, results of 
operations or cash flows. In addition, the Group has identified asset retirement obligations for environmental matters that are 
expected to be addressed at the retirement, disposal, removal or abandonment of existing owned facilities, primarily in the Power 
Solutions and Building Technologies & Solutions businesses. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Group recorded conditional 
asset retirement obligations of $61 million and $74 million, respectively.

Asbestos Matters

The Group and certain of its subsidiaries, along with numerous other third parties, are named as defendants in personal injury 
lawsuits based on alleged exposure to asbestos containing materials. These cases have typically involved product liability claims 
based primarily on allegations of manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial products that either contained asbestos or were 
used with asbestos containing components.

121

 
 
As of September 30, 2017, the Group's estimated asbestos related net liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Group's 
consolidated statement of financial position was $181 million. The net liability within the consolidated statement of financial 
position  was  comprised  of  a  liability  for  pending  and  future  claims  and  related  defense  costs  of $573  million,  of  which $48 
million was recorded in other current liabilities and $525 million was recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. The Group also 
maintained separate cash, investments and receivables related to insurance recoveries within the consolidated statement of financial 
position  of $392  million,  of  which $53  million was  recorded  in  other  current  assets,  and $339  million was  recorded  in  other 
noncurrent  assets. Assets  included $22  million of  cash  and $269  million of  investments,  which  have  all  been  designated  as 
restricted. In connection with the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Group records asbestos-related insurance 
recoveries that are probable; the amount of such recoveries recorded at September 30, 2017 was $101 million. As of September 30, 
2016, the Group's estimated asbestos related net liability recorded on a discounted basis within the Group's consolidated statement 
of financial position was $148 million. The net liability within the consolidated statement of financial position was comprised of 
a liability for pending and future claims and related defense costs of $548 million, of which $35 million was recorded in other 
current  liabilities  and $513  million was  recorded  in  other  noncurrent  liabilities.  The  Group  also  maintained  separate  cash, 
investments and receivables related to insurance recoveries within the consolidated statement of financial position of $400 million, 
of  which $41  million was  recorded  in  other  current  assets,  and $359  million was  recorded  in  other  noncurrent  assets. Assets 
included $16 million of cash and $264 million of investments, which have all been designated as restricted. In connection with 
the recognition of liabilities for asbestos-related matters, the Group records asbestos-related insurance recoveries that are probable; 
the amount of such recoveries recorded at September 30, 2016 was $120 million. 

The Group's estimate of the liability and corresponding insurance recovery for pending and future claims and defense costs is 
based on the Group's historical claim experience, and estimates of the number and resolution cost of potential future claims that 
may  be  filed  and  is  discounted  to  present  value  from  2068  (which  is  the  Group's  reasonable  best  estimate  of  the  actuarially 
determined time period through which asbestos-related claims will be filed against Group affiliates). Asbestos related defense 
costs are included in the asbestos liability. The Group's legal strategy for resolving claims also impacts these estimates. The Group 
considers various trends and developments in evaluating the period of time (the look-back period) over which historical claim and 
settlement experience is used to estimate and value claims reasonably projected to be made through 2068. Annually, the Group 
assesses the sufficiency of its estimated liability for pending and future claims and defense costs by evaluating actual experience 
regarding claims filed, settled and dismissed, and amounts paid in settlements. In addition to claims and settlement experience, 
the Group considers additional quantitative and qualitative factors such as changes in legislation, the legal environment, and the 
Group's defense strategy. The Group also evaluates the recoverability of its insurance receivable on an annual basis. The Group 
evaluates all of these factors and determines whether a change in the estimate of its liability for pending and future claims and 
defense costs or insurance receivable is warranted.

The amounts recorded by the Group for asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets are based on the Group's strategies 
for resolving its asbestos claims, currently available information, and a number of estimates and assumptions. Key variables and 
assumptions include the number and type of new claims that are filed each year, the average cost of resolution of claims, the 
identity of defendants, the resolution of coverage issues with insurance carriers, amount of insurance, and the solvency risk with 
respect to the Group's insurance carriers. Many of these factors are closely linked, such that a change in one variable or assumption 
will impact one or more of the others, and no single variable or assumption predominately influences the determination of the 
Group's asbestos-related liabilities and insurance-related assets. Furthermore, predictions with respect to these variables are subject 
to greater uncertainty in the later portion of the projection period. Other factors that may affect the Group's liability and cash 
payments for asbestos-related matters include uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and 
from case to case, reforms of state or federal tort legislation and the applicability of insurance policies among subsidiaries. As a 
result, actual liabilities or insurance recoveries could be significantly higher or lower than those recorded if assumptions used in 
the Group's calculations vary significantly from actual results.

Insurable Liabilities

The  Group  records  liabilities  for  its  workers'  compensation,  product,  general  and  auto  liabilities. The  determination  of  these 
liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience. For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported 
are estimated by utilizing actuarial valuations based upon historical claims experience. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the 
insurable liabilities totaled $445 million and $422 million, respectively, of which $122 million and $60 million was recorded within 
other current liabilities, $22 million and $28 million was recorded within accrued compensation and benefits, and $301 million 
and $334 million was recorded within other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position, respectively. 
The Group records receivables from third party insurers when recovery has been determined to be probable. The amount of such 
receivables recorded at September 30, 2017 was $46 million, of which $31 million was recorded within other current assets and 
$15 million was recorded within other noncurrent assets. Insurance receivables recorded at September 30, 2016 were $21 million, 

122

primarily recorded within other noncurrent assets. The Group maintains captive insurance companies to manage certain of its 
insurable liabilities. 

Arbitration Award

In September 2017, the Group was subject to an unfavorable arbitration award of approximately $50 million relating to a contractual 
dispute with a subcontractor used by the Group at an airport construction project in Doha, Qatar. In connection with the unfavorable 
arbitration award, the Group recorded a charge of $50 million within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated 
statement of income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The airport project is being managed by a steering committee. The Group 
and  the  subcontractor  were  working  jointly  to  document  claims  for  increased  costs  against  the  steering  committee  when  the 
subcontractor initiated the arbitration proceeding against the Group. Pursuant to its arbitration proceeding against the Group, the 
subcontractor sought to recover costs it alleges it incurred due to project delays, additional work and related financing costs. While 
the award remains outstanding, it will accrue interest at a statutory rate of 9.56%. 

In a related action, the Group has initiated an arbitration claim against the steering committee related to costs it incurred in connection 
with delays of the airport construction project, including costs related to the above award. The arbitrator is expected to issue a 
decision on the Group’s claims against the steering committee by the end of fiscal 2018.

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Litigation

Two of our subsidiaries, Chemguard, Inc. ("Chemguard") and Tyco Fire Products L.P. ("Tyco Fire Products"), have been named, 
along with other defendant manufacturers, in a number of class action lawsuits relating to the use of fire-fighting foam products 
by the U.S. Department of Defense (the DOD) and others for fire suppression purposes and related training exercises. Plaintiffs 
generally  allege  that  the  firefighting  foam  products  manufactured  by  defendants  contain  or  break  down  into  the  chemicals 
perfluorooctane sulfonate ("PFOS") and perfluorooctanoic acid ("PFOA") and that the use of these products by others at various 
airbases and airports resulted in the release of these chemicals into the environment and ultimately into communities’ drinking 
water supplies neighboring those airports and airbases. Plaintiffs generally seek compensatory damages, including damages for 
alleged personal injuries, medical monitoring, and alleged diminution in property values, and also seek punitive damages and 
injunctive relief to address remediation of the alleged contamination. As of January 9, 2017, the Group is named in 12 putative 
class actions in federal courts in three states as set forth below:

Colorado

•  District of Colorado - Bell et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed on September 18, 2016.
•  District of Colorado - Bell et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed on September 18, 2016.
•  District of Colorado - Davis et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed on September 22, 2016.

The above cases have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, and a hearing on the plaintiffs’ 
motion for class certification is scheduled for April 2018.   

New York

•  Eastern District of New York - Green et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed March 27, 2017 in Supreme Court 

• 

• 

• 

• 

of the State of New York, Suffolk County, prior to removal to federal court.
Southern District of New York - Adamo et al. v. The Port Authority of NY and NJ et al., filed August 11, 2017 
in Supreme Court of the State of New York, Orange County, prior to removal to federal court.
Southern District of New York - Fogarty et al. v. The Port Authority of NY and NJ et al., filed August 11, 2017 
in Supreme Court of the State of New York, Orange County, prior to removal to federal court.
Southern District of New York - Miller et al. v. The Port Authority of NY and NJ et al., filed August 11, 2017 in 
Supreme Court of the State of New York, Orange County, prior to removal to federal court.
Supreme Court of the State of New York, Suffolk County - Singer et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 
10, 2017.

In addition to the putative class action, Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products are defendants in (Suffolk County Water Authority v. 
3M, et. al), filed on November 30, 2017 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.  The municipal 
plaintiffs generally allege that the use of the defendants’ fire-fighting foam products at a fire training academy and municipal 
airport released PFOS and PFOA into the town’s water supply wells, allegedly requiring remediation.  The plaintiffs assert defective 
design, failure to warn, negligence, public nuisance, private nuisance, and trespass and seek unspecified compensatory and punitive 
damages and injunctive relief.

123

        
 
Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products are also defendants in (Ayo, et al. v. The 3M Company, et al.), filed on December 11, 2017 in 
the  Suffolk  County  Supreme  Court  of  New York.   Approximately  32  plaintiffs  allege  that  releases  of  PFOS  and  PFOA  have 
contaminated surrounding communities’ water supplies near the Gabreski Air National Guard Base located on Long Island, New 
York.  The plaintiffs assert defective design, failure to warn, negligence, private nuisance, and trespass and seek recovery for 
alleged diminished property values, personal injury, medical monitoring and punitive damages.

Responses to the complaints have not been filed yet in any of the New York actions.

Pennsylvania

•  Eastern District of Pennsylvania - Bates et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed September 15, 2016.
•  Eastern District of Pennsylvania - Grande et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 13, 2016.
•  Eastern District of Pennsylvania - Yockey et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed October 24, 2016.
•  Eastern District of Pennsylvania - Fearnley et al. v. The 3M Company et al., filed December 9, 2016.

The above cases have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Defendants have moved 
to dismiss the complaint in the consolidated proceeding.

In addition to the putative class actions, Chemguard and Tyco Fire Products are also defendants in an action filed by two plaintiffs 
in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania:  Menkes et al. v. The 3M Company et al., (filed February 7, 
2017). The Menkes plaintiffs assert substantive claims and allegations similar to the putative class allegations, but also include 
personal injury claim. The Group is also on notice of approximately 540 other possible individual product liability claims by filings 
made in Pennsylvania state court, but complaints have not been filed in those matters, and, under Pennsylvania’s procedural rules, 
they may or may not result in lawsuits.

Chemguard  and  Tyco  Fire  Products  are  also  defendants  in  two  cases  pending  in  the  U.S.  District  Court  for  the  District  of 
Massachusetts: Town of Barnstable v. the 3M. Co., et al, (filed Nov. 21, 2016), and County of Barnstable v. the 3M. Co., et al, 
(filed January 9, 2017).  These municipal plaintiffs generally allege that the use of the defendants’ fire-fighting foam products at 
a fire training academy and municipal airport released PFOS and PFOA into the town’s water supply wells, allegedly requiring 
remediation of the town and county property. The defendants have filed a motion to dismiss in County of Barnstable, which has 
been granted without prejudice.   

The Group is vigorously defending these cases and believes that it has meritorious defenses to class certification and the claims 
asserted.  However, there are numerous factual and legal issues to be resolved in connection with these claims, and it is extremely 
difficult to predict the outcome or ultimate financial exposure, if any, represented by these matters, but there can be no assurance 
that any such exposure will not be material. The Group is also pursuing insurance coverage for these matters.

The Group is involved in various lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of its businesses, including those 
pertaining to product liability, environmental, safety and health, intellectual property, employment, commercial and contractual 
matters, and various other casualty matters. Although the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and some lawsuits, 
claims or proceedings may be disposed of unfavorably to us, it is management’s opinion that none of these will have a material 
adverse effect on the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Costs related to such matters were not material 
to the periods presented. 

23. 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the ordinary course of business, the Group enters into transactions with related parties, such as equity affiliates. Such transactions 
consist of facility management services, the sale or purchase of goods and other arrangements. 

The net sales to and purchases from related parties for continuing operations included in the consolidated statement of income 
were $954 million and $195 million, respectively, for fiscal 2017; and $917 million and $184 million, respectively, for fiscal 2016.

The following table sets forth the amount of accounts receivable due from and payable to related parties for continuing operations 
in the consolidated statement of financial position (in millions): 

Receivable from related parties

Payable to related parties

124

September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

108
50

72
14

 
 
The Group has also provided financial support to certain of its VIE's, see Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies," of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.

24.  

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION 

As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, other current assets were comprised of (in millions):

Income tax receivable
Non-income tax receivable
Derivative assets (Note 10)
Prepayments
Other
Other current assets

September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

564
468
36
196
643
1,907

$

$

250
308
94
210
574
1,436

Other noncurrent assets within the consolidated statement of financial position include financial assets of $465 million and $376 
million as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Refer to Note 25, "Financial Assets," of the notes to consolidated financial 
statements for the rollforward of financial assets. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, other noncurrent assets were comprised of 
(in millions):

Asbestos-related insurance receivables
Prepaid income taxes
Deferred income taxes (Note 18)
Derivative assets (Note 10)
Prepaid retirement benefit (Note 15)
Financial assets (Note 25)
Other
Other noncurrent assets

September 30,

2017

2016

84
591
2,360
—
137
465
294
3,931

$

$

110
217
2,467
1
99
376
240
3,510

$

$

125

Other current liabilities within the consolidated statement of financial position include provisions for liabilities of $899 million 
and $713 million as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Refer to Note 26, "Provisions for Liabilities," of the notes to 
consolidated financial statements for the rollforward of provisions for liabilities. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, other current 
liabilities were comprised of (in millions):

Income taxes payable (Note 18)
Value-added taxes
Sales and use taxes
Other taxation
Dividends payable
Derivative liabilities (Note 10)
Accrued rebates
Other
Provisions (Note 26)

Warranty reserves
Tax indemnification reserves
Restructuring reserves
Asbestos-related and insurable liabilities
Environmental reserves
Other provisions

Total provisions
Other current liabilities

September 30,

2017

2016

625
373
83
47
232
47
364
883

226
20
331
170
10
142
899
3,553

$

$

1,505
183
85
35
—
66
330
871

210
14
257
95
11
126
713
3,788

$

$

Payroll taxes are recorded in the accrued compensation and benefits within the consolidated statement of financial position and 
were approximately $99 million and $25 million as of  September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Income taxes payable, sales 
and use taxes, payroll taxes, and value added taxes are payable in the timeframe set in the relevant legislation.

Other noncurrent liabilities within the consolidated statement of financial position include provisions for liabilities of $4,798 
million and $4,326 million as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Refer to Note 26, "Provisions for Liabilities," of 
the notes to consolidated financial statements for the rollforward of provisions for liabilities. As of September 30, 2017 and 
2016, other noncurrent liabilities were comprised of (in millions):

September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

$

123
169
278

3,417
183
270
826
61
41
4,798
5,368

$

301
131
275

2,925
164
276
847
74
40
4,326
5,033

Income taxes payable
Deferred compensation
Other
Provisions (Note 26)

Deferred taxation and uncertain tax positions
Warranty reserves
Tax indemnification reserves
Asbestos-related and insurable liabilities
Asset retirement obligation
Environmental reserves
Total provisions

Other noncurrent liabilities

25.   

FINANCIAL ASSETS

126

Financial assets are recorded in the investments in partially-owned affiliates and other noncurrent assets within the consolidated 
statement of financial position. The Group's activity for financial assets during fiscal year 2017 was as follows (in millions): 

Investments in
Partially
Owned
Affiliates

$

$

990
240
(78)
38
—
1
1,191

$

$

Investments

Equity Swap

Loans to Joint
Ventures

Total

351
—
—
51
(20)
—
382

$

$

— $
—
—
58
(3)
—
55

$

25
—
—
3
—
—
28

$

$

1,366
240
(78)
150
(23)
1
1,656

At September 30, 2016

Income from equity investments
Dividends
Additions, including business acquisitions
Reductions, including business divestitures
Currency translation and other

At September 30, 2017

26.   

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES

As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, material provisions for liabilities were comprised of (in millions):

Pension and postretirement obligations (Note 15)
Deferred taxation and uncertain tax positions (Note 18)
Warranty reserves (Note 21)

Tax indemnification reserves (Note 18)

Restructuring reserves (Note 16)

Other provisions (included below)

September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

968
3,417
409

290

331

1,272
6,687

$

$

1,823
2,925
374

290

257

1,221
6,890

The activity in other provisions accounts for 2017 is as follows (in millions): 

Other
Provisions

Environmental
Reserves

Asset
Retirement
Obligation

Asbestos-
Related and
Insurable
Liabilities

At September 30, 2016

Additions, including charges and acquisitions

Reductions, including reversals and payments

Currency translation and other

At September 30, 2017

$

$

126

$

77

(61)

—

142

$

51

9

(9)

—

51

$

$

$

74

7

(19)

(1)

970

223

(175)

—

Total

$

1,221

316

(264)

(1)

61

$

1,018

$

1,272

Provisions for liabilities are primarily recorded in other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities within the consolidated 
statement of financial position. Refer to Note 24 "Supplemental Balance Sheet Information," of the notes to consolidated financial 
statements for detail. Provisions for asbestos-related and insurable liabilities also include $22 million and $28 million recorded in 
accrued compensation and benefits within the consolidated statement of financial position as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, 
respectively. 

As of September 30, 2017 provisions for pension and postretirement obligations included $947 million recorded in pension and 
postretirement benefits and $21 million recorded in accrued compensation and benefits within the consolidated statement of 
financial position. As of September 30, 2016 provisions for pension and postretirement obligations included $1,550 million 
recorded in pension and postretirement benefits and $273 million recorded in accrued compensation and benefits within the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

127

2

27.   

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION

Group's directors’ remuneration for fiscal years 2017 and 2016 is set forth in the table below. The consolidated financial statements 
have  been  presented  with  comparative  information  based  on  the  historical  operations  of  JCI  Inc.  See  Note  4,  "Directors' 
Remuneration," of the notes to company financial statements for the Parent Company's director remuneration.

George Oliver, the Group's Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, and Alex Molinaroli, the Group's former Chief 
Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, have not been compensated for their services as directors.  Accordingly, the 
2017 amounts below include compensation for Mr. Oliver's service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  for September 2017 
and  his  service  as  President  and  Chief  Operating  Officer  for  October  2016  through August  2017  and  compensation  for  Mr. 
Molinaroli's service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for October 2016 through August 2017, as well as compensation 
for all Group non-employee directors in their capacities as such. The 2016 amounts below include compensation for compensation 
for Mr. Molinaroli's service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for fiscal 2016 and Mr. Oliver's service as President and 
Chief Operating Officer for September 2016, as well as compensation for all Group non-employee directors in their capacities as 
such ($ in millions):

Emoluments for managerial and directors' services
Severance benefits (1)
Value realized on stock award vesting
Non-qualified defined benefit plan distribution
Other (2)

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

6
64
20
1
—
91

$

$

10
—
23
13
1
47

(1)  Cash severance and pro-rata bonus payments to Alex Molinaroli to be paid in March of 2018.
(2)  Amounts reflect reimbursements with respect to financial planning, personal use of a vehicle, relocation expenses, executive 
physicals, executive security, personal use of aircraft, club dues and retirement plan matching contributions of $0.3 million and 
$0.8 million for fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively.

28.   

AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

Auditors' remuneration paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers Ireland for fiscal year 2017 included $0.4 million of audit fees and 
$0.1 million of tax fees. Auditors' remuneration paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers Ireland for fiscal year 2016 included $0.5 
million of audit fees and $0.8 million of audit related fees.

Auditors' remuneration to affiliates of PricewaterhouseCoopers Ireland for fiscal years 2017 and 2016 was as follows ($ in 
millions):

Audit fees
Audit related fees
Tax fees
All other fees

Year Ended September 30,
2016
2017

$

$

26
2
6
—
34

$

$

25
9
4
2
40

See  Note  5,  "Auditors'  Remuneration,"  of  the  notes  to  company  financial  statements  for  the  Parent  Company's  auditors' 
remuneration.

128

 
 
29.   

EMPLOYEES

The average number of persons, including executive directors, employed by the Group during the years ended September 30, 
2017 and 2016 was as follows (in thousands): 

Building Technologies & Solutions (1)
Power Solutions

Discontinued operations (former Automotive 

Experience) (2)

Corporate

Total employees

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

105

16

6

3

130

62

15

75

4

156

1Due to the timing of the Merger, Tyco employees were part of the Group only for the last month of fiscal 2016.
2Due to the timing of the Adient spin-off, Automotive Experience Employees were part of the Group only for the first month of 
fiscal 2017.

Total ongoing employee costs within continuing operations consist of the following ($ in millions): 

Wages and salaries
Social insurance costs
Stock based compensation
Other compensation costs

Year Ended September 30,

2017

2016

$

$

6,139
257
134
84
6,614

$

$

5,130
201
121
31
5,483

30.   

SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

In accordance with section 316 (1) of the Act, the related undertakings that have been included below are restricted to 
significant subsidiaries of the Group, as defined by Section 1.02(w) of the Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-
X, as of September 30, 2017:

Name

Johnson Controls Battery Group, Inc.

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Tyco International Management
Company, LLC

Nature of
Business

Power
Solutions

Corporate

Corporate

Group
Ordinary
Share % Registered Office and Country of Incorporation

100%

100%

100%

CT Corporation System, 8020 Excelsior Drive, Suite
200, Madison, Wisconsin, WI, 53717

CT Corporation System, 8020 Excelsior Drive, Suite
200, Madison, Wisconsin, WI, 53717

The Corporation Trust Company of Nevada, 6100 Neil
Road, Suite 500, Reno, Nevada, United States, 89511

129

 
 
JOHNSON CONTROLS 
INTERNATIONAL PLC

Company Financial Statements

For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

(in millions)

Fixed assets
Financial assets

Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors (amounts falling due within one year)
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors (amounts falling due after more than one year)
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital presented as equity
Share premium account
Profit and loss account
Share based compensation reserve
Equity shareholders' funds

Note

2017

2016

September 30,

2

6

7

8

12
12
12
12

$

$

$

$

$

11,517
11,517

43,979
—
43,979
(6,344)
37,635
49,152
(12,552)
36,600

9
25,934
10,447
210
36,600

$

$

$

6,500
6,500

43,045
11
43,056
(7,053)
36,003
42,503
—
42,503

9
25,572
16,840
82
42,503

Approved by the Board of Directors on January 9, 2018  and signed on its behalf by:

/s/ George R. Oliver 
George R. Oliver  
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

/s/ Jürgen Tinggren
Jürgen Tinggren

              Director

131

                             
 
 
 
JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(in millions)

Balance as of September 25, 2015

422

$

4

$

160

$

17,407

$

49

$

17,620

Ordinary
Share
Number

Called-up
Share
Capital

Share
Premium
Account

Profit and
Loss Account

Share based
Compensation
Reserve

Equity
Shareholders'
Funds

Loss for the year
Dividends declared
Issuance of shares

Share vestings and option exercise
Share based compensation
Share consolidation
Other

Balance as of September 30, 2016

Loss for the year
Dividends declared
Spin-off of Adient
Share vestings and option exercise
Share based compensation
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Other

Balance as of September 30, 2017

—
—
527
6
—
(19)
—
936

—
—
—
9
—
—
—
—
945

$

$

—
—
5
—
—
—
—
9

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9

$

$

—
—
25,175
237
—
—
—
25,572

—
—
—
362
—
—
—
—
25,934

$

$

(193)
(360)
—
—
—
—
(14)
16,840

(344)
(938)
(4,307)
—
—
(651)
(116)
(37)
10,447

$

$

—
—
—
—
33
—
—
82

—
—
—
—
128
—
—
—
210

$

$

(193)
(360)
25,180
237
33
—
(14)
42,503

(344)
(938)
(4,307)
362
128
(651)
(116)
(37)
36,600

132

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Basis of Preparation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

On November 17, 2014, Tyco International Limited, an entity organized under the laws of Switzerland ("Tyco Switzerland"), 
completed its change of jurisdiction of incorporation from Switzerland to Ireland by merging with its subsidiary, Tyco International 
plc ("Tyco Ireland"), a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. As a result, Tyco Ireland is the successor 
issuer to Tyco Switzerland, has succeeded to the attributes of Tyco Switzerland as the registrant under SEC regulations, and has 
assumed  the obligations of Tyco  Switzerland at  that date. Subsequently, on  September 2,  2016  (the "Merger  date"), Johnson 
Controls Inc. (“JCI Inc.”) organized under the laws of United States of America, reverse merged into Tyco Ireland.  The Irish 
public limited company is now known as Johnson Controls International plc (“JCI plc”), registered at One Albert Quay, Cork, 
domiciled in Ireland, and incorporated under the laws of Ireland as a result of this reverse merger. Johnson Controls International 
plc and all its subsidiaries are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Group" or "Johnson Controls."

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in United States dollars and reflect the operations of Johnson Controls 
International plc ("we," "us," "our," "plc," "JCI plc" or "the Company").

Financial Year - On September 8, 2016, the Company Board approved a change in the Company’s financial year end from the 
last Friday in September to September 30 of each year. The financial year change is effective beginning with the Company’s 2016 
fiscal year, which ended on September 30, 2016 (which coincides with the Company’s fiscal year end for 2016 before the change). 
Any reference to 2016 is to the period from September 26, 2015, through September 30, 2016. 

Statement of Compliance - The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with Irish 
GAAP (accounting standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council of the UK and promulgated by the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Ireland and the Companies Act 2014). The entity financial statements comply with Financial Accounting Standard 
102, "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ("FRS 102") and the Companies Act 2014.

Basis of Preparation - The entity financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.  The preparation 
of financial statements in conformity with FRS 102 requires the use of certain key assumptions concerning the future, and other 
key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date.  It also requires the directors to exercise judgment in the process of 
applying the Company's accounting policies.  The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or areas where assumptions and 
estimates have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next 
financial year are disclosed in this Note in the following paragraph Use of Estimates. 

Corresponding Amounts - Certain corresponding amounts have been adjusted so they are directly comparable with the amounts 
shown in respect of the current fiscal year. Such adjustment related to change in accounting policy for treatment of the share based 
payment recharge to subsidiaries for the awards granted prior to the Tyco merger on September 2, 2016. Since there was no financial 
asset created for these awards, the entire charge was previously recorded in the profit and loss account. However, since the recharge 
relates to shares issued for the stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, which is capital in nature, the policy 
election was made to record the recharge as share premium. As a result, $158 million and $75 million was reclassified from profit 
and loss account to share premium account within the statement of changes in equity as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Use of Estimates - Estimates and judgments are required when applying accounting policies.  These are continually evaluated and 
are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances. The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future, which can involve a high degree 
of judgment or complexity.  The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.  The 
estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.

Impairment of Financial Assets - The Company monitors the carrying value of financial assets, using judgment on the future cash 
flows to be generated from each acquisition, synergy benefits arising and the interest rate to be used to discount future cash flows. 
The carrying value of financial assets is assessed for impairment based on the presence of impairment indicators - where events 

133

or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Any shortfall in the carrying value (as 
compared to the lower of value in use and net realizable value) is recorded as an impairment charge.

Foreign currency - Functional and presentation currency - The Company’s functional and presentation currency is the U.S. dollar 
(USD), denominated by the symbol “$” and unless otherwise stated, the financial statements have been presented in millions.

Foreign currency - Transactions and balances - Foreign currency transactions, including settlements of debtors and creditors, are 
translated into the functional currency using the prior month-end exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency 
monetary items are revalued to USD using the month-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are 
revalued using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using 
the exchange rate when fair value was determined.  Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions 
and from the revaluation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
recognized in the profit and loss account.

Cash at Bank and in Hand - The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or 
less from the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Negative cash balances are reclassified to short term debt. 

Share Based Payment Accounting - The Company has applied the requirements of FRS 102 Share-Based Payment in accounting 
for all stock based compensation. Consequently, the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based 
payment awards made to employees and directors is based on estimated fair values. The Company issues equity-settled share-
based payments to certain employees of its subsidiaries.  Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the 
date of grant and recognized over the vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and 
adjusted for the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. Since the Company grants its shares directly to employees of its 
subsidiaries, it accounts for share-based compensation payment as a capital contribution with an increase in the investment in the 
subsidiaries. The share-based compensation payment is recharged by the Company to its subsidiaries. The share based payment 
recharge to subsidiaries for the awards granted prior to the Tyco merger on September 2, 2016 is recorded to the share premium 
account on the Company balance sheet. The share based payment recharge to subsidiaries for the awards granted post the Tyco 
merger on September 2, 2016 is recorded to the financial asset account on the Company balance sheet. 

Contingencies - Contingent liabilities, arising as a result of past events, are not recognized as a liability because it is not probable 
that the Company will be required to transfer economic benefits in settlement of the obligation or the amount cannot be reliably 
measured at the end of the financial year. Possible but uncertain obligations are not recognized as liabilities but are contingent 
liabilities. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the financial statements unless the probability of an outflow of resources is remote. 
Contingent assets are not recognized. Contingent assets are disclosed in the financial statements when an inflow of economic 
benefits is probable.

Financial Instruments - The Company has chosen to apply the provisions of Sections 11 and 12 of FRS 102 to account for all of 
its financial instruments. 

Financial Assets - Basic financial assets, including cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits, are initially recognized at 
transaction price (including transaction costs). 

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  financial  assets  from  arrangements  which  constitute  financing  transactions  are  subsequently 
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. 

At the end of each financial year, financial assets measured at amortized costs are assessed for objective evidence of impairment. 
If there is objective evidence that a financial asset measured at amortized cost is impaired, an impairment loss is recognized in 
profit or loss. The impairment loss is the difference between the financial asset's carrying amount and the present value of the 
financial asset's estimated cash inflows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. 

If, in a subsequent financial year, the amount of an impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be objectively related to an 
event occurring after the impairment was recognized the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed. The reversal is such 

134

that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment loss not previously 
been recognized. The impairment reversal is recognized in profit or loss. 

Financial assets are derecognized when (a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or (b) 
substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred to another party or (c) control of the 
financial asset has been transferred to another party who has the practical ability to unilaterally sell the financial asset to an unrelated 
third party without imposing additional restrictions. 

The investment in subsidiary recorded on September 2, 2016 following the reverse merger of JCI Inc. into JCI plc was recorded 
based on market capitalization. The investments are tested for impairment if circumstances or indicators suggest that impairment 
may exist. The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value 
in use. See Note 2 "Financial Assets" of the Company financial statements for further detail.

Other  financial  assets  are  initially  measured  at  fair  value,  which  is  normally  the  transaction  price.  Such  financial  assets  are 
subsequently measured at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss.

Financial Liabilities - Basic financial liabilities, including bank loans and amounts due to subsidiary undertakings, are initially 
recognized at transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. Where the arrangement constitutes a 
financing transaction, the resulting financial liability is initially measured at the present value of the future payments discounted 
at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Bank loans, amounts due to subsidiary undertakings, and financial liabilities 
from arrangements which constitute financing transactions are subsequently carried at amortized cost, using the effective interest 
method. Financial liabilities are derecognized when the liability is extinguished, that is when the contractual obligation is discharged, 
canceled or expires. 

Taxation - Current Tax - Current tax is the amount of income tax payable in respect of the taxable profit for the financial year or 
past financial years.  Current tax is measured as the amount of current tax that is expected to be paid using tax rates and laws that 
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the financial year. 

Taxation - Deferred Tax - Deferred tax is recognized in respect of timing differences, which are differences between taxable profits 
and total comprehensive income as stated in the financial statements.  These timing differences arise from the inclusion of income 
and expenses in tax assessments in financial years different from those in which they are recognized in financial statements. 
Deferred tax is recognized on all timing differences at the end of each financial year with certain exceptions.  Unrelieved tax losses 
and other deferred tax assets are recognized only when it is probably that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred 
tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted by the end of each financial year and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.

Share Capital Presented as Equity - Equity shares issued are recognized at the proceeds received and presented as share capital 
and share premium. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new equity shares or options are shown in equity as a 
deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Dividends - Dividends may only be declared and paid out of the profits available for distribution ("distributable reserves") in 
accordance with accounting practice generally accepted in Ireland and applicable Irish company law. See the Company Statement 
of Changes in Equity. Any dividends, if and when declared, are expected to be declared and paid in USD.

Treasury Shares - These are Company owned shares following the $1 billion share repurchase program approved by the Board 
and  the repurchase from employees who have sold a portion of their vested restricted units to cover withheld taxes. 

Going Concern - The Directors have a reasonable expectation that JCI plc has adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, it continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Disclosure Exemptions for Qualifying Entities under FRS 102 - FRS 102 allows a qualifying entity to avail of certain disclosure 
exemptions. The company has taken advantage of the below exemptions for qualifying entities. These exemptions are: 

(i) the requirement to prepare a statement of cash flows. [Section 7 of FRS 102 and paragraph 3 17(d)]

135

(ii) certain financial instrument disclosures providing equivalent disclosures are included in the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group in which the entity is consolidated. [FRS 102 paragraph 11.39-11 48A, 12.26 - 12.29] 

(iii) certain disclosure requirements of Section 26 in respect of share based payments provided that (a) for a subsidiary, 
the share based payment concerns equity instruments of another group entity; or (b) for an ultimate parent, the share 
based payment concerns its own equity instruments and its separate financial statements are presented alongside the 
consolidated financial statements of the group; and in both cases, the equivalent disclosures are included in the consolidated 
financial statements of the group in which the entity is consolidated. [ FRS 102 paragraph 26.18(b), 26.19 - 26.21, 26.23]

(iv) related party disclosures related to key management services provided by a separate management entity. [paragraph 
18A of ISA24]

(v) a parent company preparing consolidated financial statements under section 434(2) of the Act must publish its company 
financial statements together with the consolidated financial statements, although section 408 of the Act provides an 
exemption from including the company’s individual profit and loss account. [FRS102 A4.15 & Companies Act section 
434(2)]

2.  Financial Assets

Financial assets included on the Company balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows ($ in millions):

As of September 30, 2016

Additions
Disposals and reductions
As of September 30, 2017

Investments in
Subsidiaries

Equity Swap

Total

$

$

6,500
4,972
(10)
11,462

$

$

— $
58
(3)
55

$

6,500
5,030
(13)
11,517

The additions in investments in subsidiaries during the year arose from the following transactions and were recorded at fair value 
on that date. 

On October 7, 2016, the Company purchased 79.04% of JSV Holding S.a.r.l. in exchange for three interest bearing, three-year 
notes with aggregate principal amounts of $2.5 billion. On March 24, 2017, the Company contributed $1.64 billion, $33 thousand, 
and $285 million to Tyco Fire & Security Finance SCA, Tyco Fire & Security S.a.r.l., and JSV Holding S.a.r.l., respectively. On 
September 6, 2017, the Company formed Global Risk Underwriters (Bermuda) Ltd. for $120 thousand. On September 15, 2017, 
the Company purchased all shares of Global Risk Underwriters Ltd. for $72 million. Global Risk Underwriters Ltd. then merged 
with  Global  Risk  Underwriters  (Bermuda)  Ltd  on  September  27,  2017.    On  September  21,  2017,  the  Company  formed  JC 
Luxembourg Sales S.a.r.l. for a nominal amount. On September 21, 2017, the Company contributed $1 million to Tyco Fire & 
Security S.a.r.l. in exchange for one common share and the remainder to share premium.    

In connection with the Tyco Merger, on December 28, 2016, the Company completed its offers to exchange all validly tendered 
and accepted notes of certain series (the "existing notes") issued by JCI Inc. or Tyco International Finance S.A. ("TIFSA"), as 
applicable, each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, for new notes (the New Notes) to be issued by the 
Company, and the related solicitation of consents to amend the indentures governing the existing notes (the offers to exchange 
and the related consent solicitation together the "exchange offers"). Pursuant to the exchange offers, the Company exchanged 
approximately $5.6 billion of $6.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of dollar denominated notes and approximately 423 
million euro of 500 million euro in aggregate principal amount of euro denominated notes. The New Notes were measured at the 
present value of future cash flows discounted using the market interest rate. The difference of $264 million between the consideration 
received from JCI Inc. and TIFSA for the debt exchange and the fair value of the New Notes was accounted for as a capital 
contribution.

136

The Company grants its shares directly to employees of its subsidiaries and accounts for share-based compensation payment as 
a capital contribution with an increase in the investment in the subsidiaries. The share-based compensation payment recognized 
in financial year 2017 was $210 million. The share based payment recharged to subsidiaries for stock option exercises and 
restricted stock unit vestings of awards granted after the merger date was $10 million.

The Company selectively uses equity swaps to reduce market risk associated with certain of its stock-based compensation plans, 
such as its deferred compensation plans. These equity compensation liabilities increase as the Company’s stock price increases 
and decrease as the Company’s stock price decreases. In contrast, the value of the swap agreement moves in the opposite direction 
of these liabilities, allowing the Company to fix a portion of the liabilities at a stated amount. As of September 30, 2017, the equity 
swap was $55 million. 

On September 2, 2016, upon JCI Inc.'s reverse merger into Tyco Ireland, JCI plc made a contribution of notes receivable in the
amount of $6.5 billion to TIFSCA resulting in an increase of the value of JCI plc’s investment in TIFSCA.

The following schedule summarizes the Company’s significant directly owned investments as of September 30, 2017 and 2016:

Company

Registered Office Address

Country

Type

Ownership %

Date of Acquisition

Tyco Fire & Security
Finance SCA

Tyco Fire & Security
S.a.r.l

JSV Holding S.a.r.l.

29 avenue de la Porte Neuve, Luxembourg,
Luxembourg (fr), Luxembourg, 2227

29 avenue de la Porte Neuve, Luxembourg,
Luxembourg (fr), Luxembourg, 2227

29 avenue de la Porte Neuve, Luxembourg,
Luxembourg (fr), Luxembourg, 2227

Global Risk Underwriters
(Bermuda) Ltd.

Clarendon House, 2 Church Street,
Hamilton, Bermuda

JC Luxembourg Sales
S.a.r.l.

4 rue Jean Monnet, Luxembourg,
Luxembourg (fr), Luxembourg, 2180

Luxembourg

Holding co.

99.996 (1)

August 20, 2014

Luxembourg

Holding co.

100

August 20, 2014

Luxembourg

Holding co.

79.04

October 7, 2016

Bermuda

Holding co.

100

September 6, 2017

Luxembourg

Holding co.

100

September 21, 2017

(1) JCI plc holds common shares in Tyco Fire & Security Finance SCA ("TIFSCA"), registered at 29 Av Porte Neuve, L-2227 
Luxembourg.  It holds 49,999 shares directly and 2 common share indirectly through Tyco Fire & Security S.a.r.l ("TFSsarl") 
registered at the same address. 

3.  Guarantees and Contingencies

As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, JCI plc had parent guarantees of approximately $4.5 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, 
which were primarily comprised of guarantees of subsidiaries' credit facilities and lease obligations.  Also, during financial year 
2017, guarantees previously issued by JCI Inc. were transferred to the Company.

During fiscal 2017, JCI Inc., a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into two new revolving credit facilities that as of 
September 30, 2017 were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by JCI plc. Additionally, JCI Inc. had certain term loans and the 
revolving credit facility, which, as of September 30, 2016, were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by JCI plc. As of the end of 
the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the aforementioned term loans were repaid and the JCI Inc. revolving credit facility was moved to 
JCI plc. 

Tyco International Finance S.A. ("TIFSA"), a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company, has public debt securities outstanding 
which, as of September 30, 2016, were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by JCI plc and by TIFSCA, a wholly owned subsidiary 
of JCI plc and parent company of TIFSA. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the guarantees of the TIFSA public debt securities 
by JCI plc and TIFSCA were removed in connection with the debt exchange described in the Note 8, "Creditors (amounts falling 
due after more than one year)," of the Company financial statements.  

137

4.  Directors’ Remuneration

The Company's directors’ remuneration for financial years 2017 and 2016 is set forth in the table below. 

George Oliver, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, and Alex Molinaroli, the Company's former 
Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, have not been compensated for their services as directors.  Accordingly, 
the 2017 amounts below include compensation for Mr. Oliver's service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  for September 
2017 and his service as President and Chief Operating Officer for October 2016 through August 2017 and compensation for Mr. 
Molinaroli's service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for October 2016 through August 2017, as well as compensation 
for all Company non-employee directors in their capacities as such. The 2016 amounts below include compensation for Mr. Oliver's 
service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for October 2015 through August 2016 and his service as President and Chief 
Operating Officer for September 2016 and compensation for Mr. Molinaroli's service as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
for September 2016, as well as compensation for all Company non-employee directors in their capacities as such ($ in millions):

Emoluments for managerial and directors' services
Severance benefits (1)
Value realized on vesting of stock awards
Non-qualified defined benefit plan distribution

2017

2016

$

$

6
64
20
1
91

$

$

9
—
17
13
39

(1)  Cash severance and pro-rata bonus payments to Alex Molinaroli, will be paid in March of 2018.

5.  Auditors’ Remuneration

Auditors' remuneration was as follows ($ in millions):

Audit of individual accounts

2017

2016

$

0.1

$

0.1

Amounts for financial year 2017 represent estimated fees and expenses. No amounts were incurred for other assurance services 
or other non-audit services.  See Note 28 "Auditors' Remuneration," of the consolidated financial statements for details of fees 
paid by the Group.

6.  Debtors

Debtors included on the company balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows ($ in millions):

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings
Other debtors and prepayments

2017

2016

$

$

43,921
58
43,979

$

$

43,039
6
43,045

138

 
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings were as follows ($ in millions):

TIFSCA loan A, interest-free, payable on demand
TIFSCA loan B, interest-free, payable on demand
TIFSCA loan C, interest-free, payable on demand
TIFSCA loan D, interest-free, payable on demand
JCI Inc. loan, 1.71%, due October 31, 2017
Share based payment recharge due from subsidiaries
Internal foreign currency derivatives
Other

2017

2016

$

$

24,220
12,726
5,682
500
300
132
250
111
43,921

$

$

24,220
18,680
—
—
—
111
—
28
43,039

There was a $5.6 billion partial repayment of the $18.7 billion TIFSCA loan B in October 2016 related to the Adient spin-off. 
Additionally, as part of debt exchange that occurred on December 28, 2016, the Company assumed the debt of TIFSA and JCI 
Inc. of approximately $6.0 billion in exchange for notes receivable, which were later transferred to TIFSCA in exchange for an 
interest-free TIFSCA loans C and D.

In December 2017, the Company contributed all of the TIFSCA interest-free loans to a newly formed and wholly owned Irish 
subsidiary as an equity contribution.

7.  Creditors (amounts falling due within one year)

Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) included on the Company Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 
were as follows ($ in millions):

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Current portion of long-term debt
Bank borrowings and commercial paper
Accrued dividends
Other accruals

2017

2016

4,237
307
1,476
232
92
6,344

$

$

7,050
—
—
—
3
7,053

$

$

In September 2017, the Company entered into a 364-day 150 million euro, floating rate, term loan scheduled to expire in September 
2018. As of September 30, 2017, the facility was fully drawn. The weighted-average interest rate on the loan during financial year 
2017 was 0.775%.

Commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2017 was $411 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.4%. There 
was no commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2016.

Bank borrowings as of September 30, 2017 include a bank overdraft of $888 million.

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings were as follows ($ in millions):

Obsidian HCM Med Holdings Ireland loan, 2.92%, due May 31, 2018

$

1,443

$

2017

2016

Tyco International Holding Sarl loan, 0.102%, payable on demand

Tyco International Holding Sarl loan, 3.85%, due January 4, 2018
WSI loan, interest free, payable on demand
Cash pool payable
Internal foreign currency derivatives
Other

—

103
1,747
480
420
44
4,237

$

$

1,431

3,832

—
1,747
—
—
40
7,050

139

In October 2016, the $3.8 billion loan to Tyco International Holding Sarl was distributed out in connection with the Adient spin-
off transaction.

8. Creditors (amounts falling due after more than one year)

As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, creditors (amounts falling due after more than one year) were comprised of ($ in 
millions):

Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Long-term debt

2017

2016

$

$

4,688
7,864
12,552

$

$

—
—
—

The amount due to subsidiary undertakings consisted of unsecured, 2.07% interest-bearing loans to JCI Inc. repayable on 
October 7, 2020, which were created in connection with Adient spin-off transaction.

140

Long-term debt as of September 30, 2017 was as follows ($ in millions; due dates by fiscal year):

Unsecured notes:

 1.4% due in 2018 ($259 million par value)

 3.75% due in 2018 ($49 million par value)

 5.00% due in 2020 ($453 million par value)
 4.25% due in 2021 ($447 million par value)

 3.75% due in 2022 ($428 million par value)

 0.4006% due in 2022 (JPY 35,000 million par value)

 4.625% due in 2023 ($35 million par value)
 1.00% due in 2023 (EUR 1,000 million par value)

 3.625% due in 2024 ($468 million par value)

 1.375% due in 2025 (EUR 423 million par value)

 3.90% due in 2026 ($698 million par value)
 6.00% due in 2036 ($392 million par value)

 5.70% due in 2041 ($270 million par value)

 5.25% due in 2042 ($242 million par value)

 4.625% due in 2044 ($445 million par value)

 5.125% due in 2045 ($727 million par value)

 6.95% due in 2046 ($121 million par value)

 4.50% due in 2047 ($500 million par value)

 4.95% due in 2064 ($435 million par value)
Gross long-term debt

Less: current portion

Net long-term debt

September 30,

2017

2016

$

258

$

49

479

467

439

311

37

1,171

470

507

705

437
302

257

435

766

162

495

424

8,171

307

$

7,864

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

In connection with the Tyco Merger, on December 28, 2016, the Company completed its offers to exchange all validly tendered 
and accepted the existing notes issued by JCI Inc. or TIFSA, as applicable, each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the 
Company,  for  the  New  Notes  to  be  issued  by  the  Company,  and  the  related  solicitation  of  consents  to  amend  the  indentures 
governing the existing notes (the offers to exchange and the related consent solicitation, together the "exchange offers"). Pursuant 
to the exchange offers, the Company exchanged approximately $5.6 billion of $6.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of dollar 
denominated notes and approximately 423 million euro of 500 million euro in aggregate principal amount of euro denominated 
notes. In connection with the settlement of the exchange offers, the New Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 
and their terms are described in the Company’s Prospectus dated December 19, 2016, as filed with the SEC under Rule 424(b)(3) 
of the Act on that date. The issuance of the New Notes occurred on December 28, 2016. The New Notes are unsecured and 
unsubordinated obligations of the Company and will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of 
the Company issued from time to time. 

9.  Deferred Tax Assets

The Company had no tax carryforward losses for the year ended September 30, 2017.  The tax carryforward losses for the year 
ended September 30, 2016 were $86 million, of which $72 million was utilized in the financial year 2017.  Based on a corporate 
tax rate of  25%, potential deferred tax assets of $3 million and $22 million existed as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  
These deferred tax assets have not been recorded in the financial statements as the Company does not anticipate taxable income 
in the foreseeable future.

141

 
 
The Company had tax carryforward capital losses of $234 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. There were no tax 
carryforward capital losses for the year ended September 30, 2016. Based on a capital tax rate of 33%, potential deferred tax asset 
of $77 million existed as of September 30, 2017. These deferred tax assets have not been recorded in the financial statements as 
the Company does not anticipate taxable capital gains in the foreseeable future.

10.  Related Party Transactions

The  Company  has  availed  of  the  exemption  provided  in  FRS  102  Section  33,  for  disclosure  of  transactions  with  subsidiary 
undertakings, 100% of whose voting rights are controlled within the Group. Consequently, the financial statements do not contain 
disclosures of transactions with other related entities in the Group. During financial years 2017 and 2016, only transactions with 
subsidiaries which are fully owned have occurred.

11.  Subsidiary Undertakings

Refer to Note 30, "Subsidiary Undertakings" to the consolidated financial statements.

12.  Capital and Reserves

Called-up share capital is the number of issued ordinary shares of JCI plc. The par value of each ordinary share is $0.01.

The share premium account reflects the fair value of consideration received in excess of the par value of shares issued for stock 
option exercises, vesting of restricted stock units and other issuances of shares, including the consideration received from the 
subsidiaries for the issuance of stock for stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units for awards granted prior to 
the Merger date. Financial year 2016 share premium account also reflects the issuance of shares in relation to the 2016 merger of 
JCI Inc. and Tyco Ireland.

The profit and loss account refers to the portion of net income which is retained by the Company rather than being distributed to 
shareholders  as  dividends.  Treasury  shares  are  accounted  for  in  this  account.  The  balance  of  these  self  owned  shares  as  of 
September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $710 million and $18 million, respectively. 

On October 31, 2016, the Company completed the spin-off of its Automotive Experience business by way of the transfer of the 
Automotive Experience Business from Johnson Controls to Adient plc and the issuance of ordinary shares of Adient directly to 
holders of Johnson Controls ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. Prior to the open of business on October 31, 2016, each of the 
Company's shareholders received one ordinary share of Adient plc for every 10 ordinary shares of Johnson Controls held as of 
the close of business on October 19, 2016, the record date for the distribution. Company shareholders received cash in lieu of 
fractional shares of Adient, if any. Following the separation and distribution, Adient plc is now an independent public company 
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "ADNT." The Company did not retain any equity interest in 
Adient plc.

The share based compensation reserve arises upon the granting of shares under the stock based compensation plan. The balance 
of this reserve as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $210 million and $82 million, respectively.

13.  Dividends

Dividends  of  $702  million  and  $446  million  were  paid  to  external  shareholders  during  financial  years  2017  and  2016, 
respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there were $232 million of outstanding dividends declared. As of September 30, 2016, 
there were no outstanding dividends declared.

142

14.  Loss Attributable to JCI plc

In accordance with Section 304(2) of the Companies Act 2014, the Company is availing of the exemption provided from presenting 
and filing its individual Profit and Loss Account. JCI plc’s loss for financial years 2017 and 2016 as determined in accordance 
with FRS 102 were $344 million and $193 million, respectively. 

15.  Subsequent Events

On December 7, 2017, the Board of Directors has approved an incremental $1 billion increase to its share repurchase authorization.

16.  Approval of Financial Statements

The financial statements were approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on January 9, 2018 and were signed 
on its behalf on that date.

143