Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries. We have eliminated all significant intercompany transactions and balances in consolidation. All amounts are in millions, except per share amounts, and approximate due to rounding.

On December 6, 2013, we completed the sale of our rigid medical packaging business. The operating results for the rigid medical packaging business were reclassified to discontinued operations, net of tax, on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. On November 14, 2012, we completed the sale of Diversey G.K. (“Diversey Japan”) (an indirect subsidiary of Diversey, Inc.). The operating results for Diversey Japan were reclassified to discontinued operations, net of tax, on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012. Prior year disclosures in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements have been revised accordingly. See Note 3, “Divestitures,” for further information.

Changes in Accounting /Retrospective application

During the fourth quarter of 2014, we changed the method of valuing our inventories that used the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method to the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, so that all of our inventories are now valued at FIFO. As a result of this accounting change, inventories, retained earnings, non-current deferred tax liability, net earnings (loss) from continuing operations, net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders, basic earnings per share – continuing operations and diluted earnings per share – continuing operations, among other accounts, have been retrospectively changed. Refer to Note 2 – Inventories for further information regarding this change in accounting policy.

During the third quarter of 2014, we determined that we did not include any PSU awards in our diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding previously reported in 2013, although the achievement levels of the respective performance conditions for the PSU awards were met as of December 31, 2013. The impact of excluding 0.7 million of contingently issuable shares under the treasury stock method did not have a material effect on the number of weighted average common shares and had no impact on the diluted net earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2013. Accordingly, we do not consider this correction to be material to our previously reported diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding or to our previously reported net earnings per common share.

In addition, certain other prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications, individually and in the aggregate, had no impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenue and expenses during the period reported. These estimates include, among other items, assessing the collectability of receivables, the use and recoverability of inventory, the estimation of fair value of financial instruments, assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, useful lives and recoverability of tangible assets and goodwill and other intangible assets, assumptions used in our defined benefit pension plans, estimates related to self-insurance such as the aggregate liability for uninsured claims using historical experience, insurance and actuarial estimates and estimated trends in claim values, costs for incentive compensation and accruals for commitments and contingencies. We review these estimates and assumptions periodically using historical experience and other factors and reflect the effects of any revisions in the consolidated financial statements in the period we determine any revisions to be necessary. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Financial Instruments

We may use financial instruments, such as cross currency swaps, interest rate swaps, caps and collars, U.S. Treasury lock agreements and foreign currency exchange forward contracts and options relating to our borrowing and trade activities. We may use these financial instruments from time to time to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not purchase, hold or sell derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. We face credit risk if the counterparties to these transactions are unable to perform their obligations. Our policy is to have counterparties to these contracts that are rated at least BBB- by Standard & Poor’s and Baa3 by Moody’s.

We report derivative instruments at fair value and establish criteria for designation and effectiveness of transactions entered into for hedging purposes. Before entering into any derivative transaction, we identify our specific financial risk, the appropriate hedging instrument to use to reduce this risk, and the correlation between the financial risk and the hedging instrument. We use forecasts and historical data as the basis for determining the anticipated values of the transactions to be hedged. We do not enter into derivative transactions that do not have a high correlation with the underlying financial risk we are trying to reduce. We regularly review our hedge positions and the correlation between the transaction risks and the hedging instruments.

We account for derivative instruments as hedges of the related underlying risks if we designate these derivative instruments as hedges and the derivative instruments are effective as hedges of recognized assets or liabilities, forecasted transactions, unrecognized firm commitments or forecasted intercompany transactions.

We record gains and losses on derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income, to the extent that hedges are effective and until the underlying transactions are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations, at which time we recognize the gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations. We recognize gains and losses on qualifying fair value hedges and the related loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in the consolidated statements of operations.

Generally, our practice is to terminate derivative transactions if the underlying asset or liability matures or is sold or terminated, or if we determine the underlying forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring. Any deferred gains or losses associated with derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated statements of operations over the period in which the income or expense on the underlying hedged transaction is recognized using the effective interest rate method.

See Note 12, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities,” for further details.

Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments

In determining fair value of financial instruments, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible and consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value. We determine fair value of our financial instruments based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market. When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels:

—	Level 1 Inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date.

—	Level 2 Inputs: Other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

—	Level 3 Inputs: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at measurement date.

Our fair value measurements for our financial instruments are subjective and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect our estimates. See Note 13, “Fair Value Measurements and Other Financial Instruments,” for further details on our fair value measurements.

Foreign Currency Translation

In non-U.S. locations that are not considered highly inflationary, we translate the balance sheets at the end of period exchange rates with translation adjustments accumulated in stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheets. We translate the statements of operations at the average exchange rates during the applicable period.

We translate assets and liabilities of our operations in countries with highly inflationary economies at the end of period exchange rates, except that nonmonetary asset and liability amounts are translated at historical exchange rates. In countries with highly inflationary economies, we translate items reflected in the statements of operations at average rates of exchange prevailing during the period, except that nonmonetary amounts are translated at historical exchange rates.

Commitments and Contingencies — Litigation

On an ongoing basis, we assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against us. While it is typically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of these actions, we use our best judgment to determine if it is probable that we will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of these matters and whether a reasonable estimation of the probable loss, if any, can be made. In assessing probable losses, we make estimates of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any. We accrue a liability when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential insurance recovery, it is possible that disputed matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that we have previously made. We expense legal costs, including those legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, as incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue earning activities primarily involve manufacturing and selling products, and we consider revenues to be earned when we have completed the process by which we are entitled to receive consideration. The following criteria are used for revenue recognition: persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred, selling price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from net sales on the consolidated statements of operations.

Charges for rebates and other allowances are recognized as a deduction from revenue on an accrual basis in the period in which the associated revenue is recorded. When we estimate our rebate accruals, we consider customer-specific contractual commitments including stated rebate rates and history of actual rebates paid. Our rebate accruals are reviewed at each reporting period and adjusted to reflect data available at that time. We adjust the accruals to reflect any differences between estimated and actual amounts. These adjustments impact the amount of net sales recognized by us in the period of adjustment. Charges for rebates and other allowances were approximately 9% of gross sales in 2014, 2013 and 2012. We expect 2015 rebates and other allowances to be approximately the same percentage of gross sales as in 2014.

Research and Development

We expense research and development costs as incurred. Research and development costs were $135 million in 2014, $133 million in 2013 and $135 million in 2012.

Share-Based Incentive Compensation

At the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Sealed Air 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), was approved by our stockholders. The Omnibus Plan replaced the 2005 Contingent Stock Plan, and no new awards are allowed to be granted under that plan. Any awards outstanding under the 2005 Contingent Stock Plan on the date of stockholder approval of the Omnibus Plan will remain subject to and be paid under the 2005 Contingent Stock Plan, See Note 18, “Stockholders’ Equity,” for further information on this plan.

We record share-based compensation awards exchanged for employee services at fair value on the date of grant and record the expense for these awards in cost of sales and in selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable, on our consolidated statements of operations over the requisite employee service period. Share-based incentive compensation expense includes an estimate for forfeitures and anticipated achievement levels and is generally recognized over the expected term of the award on a straight-line basis.

Environmental Expenditures

We expense or capitalize environmental expenditures that relate to ongoing business activities, as appropriate. We expense costs that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and which do not contribute to current or future net sales. We record liabilities when we determine that environmental assessments or remediation expenditures are probable and that we can reasonably estimate the associated cost or a range of costs.

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries file income tax returns in their respective local jurisdictions. We provide for U.S. income taxes on those portions of our foreign subsidiaries’ accumulated earnings that we believe are not reinvested indefinitely in our businesses.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method to provide for income taxes on all transactions recorded in the consolidated financial statements. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax benefit carry forwards. We determine deferred tax assets and liabilities at the end of each period using enacted tax rates.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with tax authorities. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations.

See Note 16, “Income Taxes,” for further discussion.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Our policy is to invest cash in excess of short-term operating and debt service requirements in cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short term maturity of the instruments. Our policy is to transact with counterparties that are rated at least A- by Standard & Poor’s and A3 by Moody’s. Some of our operations are located in countries that are rated below A- or A3. In this case, we try to minimize our risk by holding cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions with which we have existing global relationships whenever possible, diversifying counterparty exposures and minimizing the amount held by each counterparty and within the country in total.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Programs

We and a group of our U.S. operating subsidiaries maintain an accounts receivable securitization program under which they sell eligible U.S. accounts receivable to an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary that was formed for the sole purpose of entering into this program. The wholly-owned subsidiary in turn may sell an undivided fractional ownership interest in these receivables with two banks and an issuer of commercial paper administered by these banks. The wholly-owned subsidiary retains the receivables it purchases from the operating subsidiaries. Any transfers of undivided fractional ownership interests of receivables under the U.S. receivables securitization program to the two banks and an issuer of commercial paper administered by these banks are considered secured borrowings with pledge of collateral and will be classified as short-term borrowings on our consolidated balance sheet. The net trade receivables that served as collateral for these borrowings are reclassified from trade receivables, net to prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

In February 2013, we entered into a European accounts receivable securitization and purchase program with a special purpose vehicle, or SPV, two banks and a group of our European subsidiaries. The European program is structured to be a securitization of certain trade receivables that are originated by certain of our European subsidiaries. We do not have an equity interest in the SPV. However, since we are considered the primary beneficiary of the SPV, it meets the criteria to be classified as a variable interest entity and is included in our consolidated financial statements. Any activity between the participating subsidiaries and the SPV is eliminated in consolidation. The SPV borrows funds from the banks to fund is acquisition of the receivables and provides the banks with a first priority perfected security interest in the accounts receivable. Loans from the banks to the SPV will be classified as short-term borrowings on our consolidated balance sheet. The net trade receivables that served as collateral for these borrowings are reclassified from trade receivables, net to prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

See Note 8, “Accounts Receivable Securitization Programs” for further details.

Trade Receivables, Net

In the normal course of business, we extend credit to customers that satisfy pre-defined credit criteria. Trade receivables, which are included on the consolidated balance sheets are net of allowances for doubtful accounts. We maintain trade receivable allowances for estimated losses resulting from the likelihood of failure of our customers to make required payments. An additional allowance may be required if the financial condition of our customers deteriorates.

Inventories

During the fourth quarter of 2014, we changed the method of valuing our inventories that used the LIFO method to the FIFO method, so that all of our inventories are now valued at FIFO. We believe that the change is preferable because it will more closely reflect the current value of our inventories in our balance sheet, and conform all of our inventories to the FIFO valuation method for better reporting consistency across our segments and regions. We applied this change in accounting principle retrospectively to all prior periods presented herein in accordance with ASC 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. As a result of this accounting change, Inventories and Retained Earnings as of January 1, 2012 increased by $41 million and $25 million respectively.

As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting principle, the following financial statement line items within the accompanying financial statements were restated, as follows:

	December 31,									December 31,							December 31,
	2014									2013							2012
(In millions, except per share amounts)	As reported under FIFO			As computed under LIFO			Effect of change Increase (Decrease)			As reported under FIFO		As computed under LIFO		Effect of change Increase (Decrease)			As reported under FIFO			As computed under LIFO			Effect of change Increase (Decrease)
Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Cost of sales	$	5,062.9		$	5,061.4		$	1.5		$	5,100.9	$	5,103.3	$	(2.4	)	$	5,038.7		$	5,036.9		$	1.8
Gross profit		2,687.6			2,689.1			(1.5	)		2,589.9		2,587.5		2.4			2,520.5			2,522.3			(1.8	)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income tax provision (benefit)		267.2			268.7			(1.5	)		180.2		177.8		2.4			(1,884.4	)		(1,882.6	)		(1.8	)
Income tax provision (benefit)		9.1			9.7			(0.6	)		84.9		84.0		0.9			(265.4	)		(264.7	)		(0.7	)
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations		258.1			259.0			(0.9	)		95.3		93.7		1.6			(1,619.0	)		(1,617.9	)		(1.1	)
Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders	$	258.1		$	259.0		$	(0.9	)	$	125.8	$	124.2	$	1.6		$	(1,411.4	)	$	(1,410.3	)	$	(1.1	)

Net earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic - continuing operations	$	1.22		$	1.22		$	—		$	0.49	$	0.48	$	0.01		$	(8.40	)	$	(8.39	)	$	(0.01	)
Diluted - continuing operations	$	1.20		$	1.20		$	—		$	0.44	$	0.44	$	—		$	(8.40	)	$	(8.39	)	$	(0.01	)

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:
Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders	$	258.1		$	259.0		$	(0.9	)	$	125.8	$	124.2	$	1.6		$	(1,411.4	)	$	(1,410.3	)	$	(1.1	)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	$	(78.3	)	$	(77.4	)	$	(0.9	)	$	13.3	$	11.7	$	1.6		$	(1,431.2	)	$	(1,430.1	)	$	(1.1	)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from continuing operations	$	(201.9	)	$	(201.9	)	$	—		$	624.8	$	624.8	$	—		$	394.2		$	394.2		$	—
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders from continuing operations		258.1			259.0			(0.9	)		95.3		93.7		1.6			(1,619.0	)	$	(1,617.9	)		(1.1	)
Inventories		(48.6	)		(50.1	)		1.5			22.0		24.5		(2.5	)		35.2			33.4			1.8
Deferred taxes, net	$	136.1		$	136.7		$	(0.6	)	$	7.9	$	7.0	$	0.9		$	(319.3	)	$	(318.6	)	$	(0.7	)

Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Inventories	$	707.6		$	667.3		$	40.3		$	730.2	$	688.4	$	41.8
Non-current deferred tax liability		161.5			146.1			15.4			294.6		278.6		16.0
Retained earnings	$	448.5		$	423.6		$	24.9		$	302.2	$	276.4	$	25.8		$	279.0		$	254.8		$	24.2

As a result of the accounting change, all of our inventories are now determined using the FIFO method. We state inventories at the lower of cost or market.

Property and Equipment, Net

We state property and equipment at cost, except for the fair value of acquired property and equipment and property and equipment that have been impaired, for which we reduce the carrying amount to the estimated fair value at the impairment date. We capitalize significant improvements and charge repairs and maintenance costs that do not extend the lives of the assets to expense as incurred. We remove the cost and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise disposed of from the accounts and recognize any resulting gain or loss upon the disposition of the assets.

We depreciate the cost of property and equipment over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis as follows: buildings — 20 to 40 years; machinery and equipment — 5 to 10 years; and other property and equipment — 2 to 10 years.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the following (1) consideration transferred, (2) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and, (3) if the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair value of our previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

Identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of patents, licenses, trademarks, trade names, customer lists and relationships, non-compete agreements and technology based intangibles and other contractual agreements. We amortize finite lived identifiable intangible assets over the shorter of their stated or statutory duration or their estimated useful lives, generally ranging from 3 to 15 years, on a straight-line basis to their estimated residual values and periodically review them for impairment. Total identifiable intangible assets comprise 11% in both 2014 and 2013 of our consolidated total assets.

We use the acquisition method of accounting for all business combinations and do not amortize goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for possible impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

Long-Lived Assets

Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

For definite-lived intangible assets, such as customer relationships, contracts, intellectual property, and for other long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, whenever impairment indicators are present, we perform a review for impairment. We calculate the undiscounted value of the projected cash flows associated with the asset, or asset group, and compare this estimated amount to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount is found to be greater, we record an impairment loss for the excess of book value over the fair value. In addition, in all cases of an impairment review, we re-evaluate the remaining useful lives of the assets and modify them, as appropriate.

For indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as in-process research and development and trademarks and trade names, each year and whenever impairment indicators are present, we determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment loss for the excess of book value over the fair value, if any. In addition, in all cases of an impairment review other than for in-process research and development assets, we re-evaluate whether continuing to characterize the asset as indefinite-lived is appropriate. See Note 7, “Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets” for additional details.

Self-Insurance

We retain the obligation for specified claims and losses related to property, casualty, workers’ compensation and employee benefit claims. We accrue for outstanding reported claims and claims that have been incurred but not reported based upon management’s estimates of the aggregate liability for retained losses using historical experience, insurance company estimates and the estimated trends in claim values. Our estimates include management’s and independent insurance companies’ assumptions regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim development patterns and settlement practices. These estimates and assumptions are monitored and evaluated on a periodic basis by management and are adjusted when warranted by changing circumstances. Although management believes it has the ability to adequately project and record estimated claim payments, actual results could differ significantly from the recorded liabilities.

Pensions

For a number of our U.S. employees and our international employees, we maintain defined benefit pension plans. We are required to make assumptions regarding the valuation of projected benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets for our defined benefit pension plans.

We review and approve the assumptions made by our third-party actuaries regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and performance of plan assets. The principal assumptions concern the discount rate used to measure future obligations, the expected future rate of return on plan assets, the expected rate of future compensation increases and various other actuarial assumptions. The measurement date used to determine benefit obligations and plan assets is December 31 for all material plans (November 30 for non-material plans). In general, significant changes to these assumptions could have a material impact on the costs and liabilities recorded in our consolidated financial statements.

See Note 14, “Profit Sharing, Retirement Savings Plans and Defined Benefit Pension Plans,” for information about the combined Company’s benefit plans.

Net Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Non-vested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and therefore included in computing earnings per common share using the “two-class method.” The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that calculates basic and diluted net earnings per common share for each class of common stock separately based on dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The non-vested restricted stock issued under our Omnibus Plan and our 2005 Contingent Stock Plan are considered participating securities since these securities have non-forfeitable rights to dividends when we declare a dividend during the contractual vesting period of the share-based payment award and therefore included in our earnings allocation formula using the two-class method.

When calculating diluted net earnings per common share, the more dilutive effect of applying either of the following is presented: (a) the two-class method (described above) assuming that the participating security is not exercised or converted, or, (b) the treasury stock method for the participating security. Our diluted net earnings per common share for all periods presented were calculated using the two-class method since such method was more dilutive.

See Note 21, “Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share,” for further discussion.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In April 2014, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” (“ASU 2014-08”). Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The amendments in ASU 2014-08 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. However, ASU 2014-08 should not be applied to a component that is classified as held for sale before the effective date even if the component is disposed of after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The effects of ASU 2014-08 will depend on any future disposals by the Company.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASU 2014-09”). Previous revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP comprised broad revenue recognition concepts together with numerous revenue requirements for particular industries or transactions, which sometimes resulted in different accounting for economically similar transactions. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principal, five steps are required to be applied. In addition, ASU 2014-09 expands and enhances disclosure requirements which require disclosing sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This includes both qualitative and quantitative information. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating this new standard update.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period,” (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Prior to the issuance of ASU 2014-12, U.S. GAAP did not contain explicit guidance on how to account for those share-based payments. Many reporting entities accounted for performance targets that could be achieved after the requisite service period as performance conditions that affect the vesting of the award and, therefore, did not reflect the performance target in the estimate of the grant-date fair value of the award. Other reporting entities treated those performance targets as non-vesting conditions that affected the grant-date fair value of the award. We currently treat performance targets that affect vesting as a performance condition and, as such, it is not included in the grant-date fair value. Therefore, the impact upon adoption would not be material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier application is permitted.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40),” (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires that for each annual and interim reporting period, an entity’s management should evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We currently do not expect the adoption of this standard update to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-17, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force),” (“ASU 2014-17”). ASU 2014-17 provides an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The amendments in ASU 2014-17 are effective November 18, 2014 and an acquired entity can make an election to apply the guidance to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event. The effects of ASU 2014-17 will depend on any future events whereby we obtain control of an entity and elect to apply pushdown accounting.