Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a. Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements reflect our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows on a consolidated basis. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated.

b. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and cash invested in highly liquid short-term securities, which have remaining maturities at the date of purchase of less than 90 days. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

At December 31, 2014, we had $33,860 of restricted cash associated with a collateral trust agreement with our insurance carrier related to our workers' compensation self-insurance program included in current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The restricted cash consisted primarily of United States Treasuries. We had no restricted cash at September 30, 2015.

c. Foreign Currency

Local currencies are the functional currencies for our operations outside the United States, with the exception of certain foreign holding companies and our financing centers in Switzerland, whose functional currency is the United States dollar. In those instances where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the applicable period. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive items, net component of Iron Mountain Incorporated Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, calculated as the difference between the historical exchange rate and the exchange rate at the applicable measurement date, including those related to (1) our previously outstanding 7¹/₄% GBP Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the "7¹/₄% Notes"), (2) our 6³/₄% Euro Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the "6³/₄% Notes"), (3) borrowings in certain foreign currencies under our revolving credit facility and (4) certain foreign currency denominated intercompany obligations of our foreign subsidiaries to us and between our foreign subsidiaries, which are not considered permanently invested, are included in other expense (income), net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Total loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Total loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions	$	23,500	$	32,539	$	25,591	$	56,461

d. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Other than goodwill, we currently have no intangible assets that have indefinite lives and which are not amortized. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have indefinite lives are amortized over their useful lives. We annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances warrant, assess whether a change in the lives over which our intangible assets are amortized is necessary.

We have selected October 1 as our annual goodwill impairment review date. We performed our most recent annual goodwill impairment review as of October 1, 2014 and concluded there was no impairment of goodwill at such date. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, no factors were identified that would alter our October 1, 2014 goodwill assessment. In making this assessment, we relied on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, anticipated future cash flows, transactions and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and our judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. When changes occur in the composition of one or more reporting units, the goodwill is reassigned to the reporting units affected based on their relative fair values.

Our reporting units at which level we performed our goodwill impairment analysis as of October 1, 2014 were as follows: (1) North American Records and Information Management; (2) technology escrow services that protect and manage source code (“Intellectual Property Management”); (3) the storage, assembly and detailed reporting of customer marketing literature and delivery to sales offices, trade shows and prospective customers’ sites based on current and prospective customer orders (“Fulfillment Services”); (4) North American Data Management; (5) Adjacent Businesses (which was formerly referred to as the "Emerging Businesses" reporting unit and primarily relates to our data center business in the United States and which is a component of our Corporate and Other Business segment); (6) the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland (“New Western Europe”); (7) the remaining countries in Europe in which we operate, excluding Russia, Ukraine and Denmark (“Emerging Markets - Eastern Europe” (formerly referred to as the "New Emerging Markets" reporting unit)); (8) Latin America; (9) Australia and Singapore; (10) China and Hong Kong (“Greater China”); (11) India; and (12) Russia, Ukraine and Denmark.

The carrying value of goodwill, net for each of our reporting units as of December 31, 2014 was as follows:



	Carrying Value as of December 31, 2014
North American Records and Information Management(1)	$	1,397,484
Intellectual Property Management(1)	38,491
Fulfillment Services(1)	3,247
North American Data Management(2)	375,957
Adjacent Businesses(3)	—
New Western Europe(4)	354,049
Emerging Markets - Eastern Europe(5)	87,408
Latin America(5)	107,240
Australia and Singapore(5)	55,779
Greater China(5)	3,500
India(5)	—
Russia, Ukraine and Denmark(5)	628
Total	$	2,423,783

_______________________________________________________________________________


(1)	This reporting unit is included in the North American Records and Information Management Business segment.


(2)	This reporting unit is included in the North American Data Management Business segment.


(3)	This reporting unit is included in the Corporate and Other Business segment.


(4)	This reporting unit is included in the Western European Business segment.


(5)	This reporting unit is included in the Other International Business segment.

Beginning January 1, 2015, as a result of the changes in our reportable operating segments associated with our reorganization (see Note 7 for a description of our reportable operating segments), we reassessed the composition of our reporting units. Our North American Records and Information Management Business segment now consists of two reporting units: (1) North American Records and Information Management (which includes Intellectual Property Management and Fulfillment Services) and (2) North American Secure Shredding. Our Western European Business segment now consists of two reporting units: (1) the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway (“UKI”) and (2) Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland (“Continental Western Europe”). We have reassigned goodwill associated with the reporting units impacted by the reorganization among the new reporting units on a relative fair value basis. The fair value of each of our new reporting units was determined based on the application of a combined weighted average approach of preliminary fair value multiples of revenue and earnings and discounted cash flow techniques. These fair values represent our best estimate and preliminary assessment of goodwill allocations to each of the new reporting units on a relative fair value basis.

The carrying value of goodwill, net for each of our reporting units as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:



	Carrying Value as of September 30, 2015
North American Records and Information Management(1)(2)	$	1,379,603
North American Secure Shredding(1)(2)	40,632
North American Data Management(3)	371,090
Adjacent Businesses(4)	4,636
UKI(1)(5)	263,477
Continental Western Europe(1)(5)	76,180
Emerging Markets - Eastern Europe(6)	80,245
Latin America(6)	78,560
Australia and Singapore(6)	48,207
Greater China(6)	3,387
India(6)	468
Russia, Ukraine and Denmark(6)	579
Total	$	2,347,064

_______________________________________________________________________________

(1)

We will finalize our preliminary estimates of fair value for these new reporting units once we finalize multi-year cash flow forecasts of such reporting units and conclude on the fair value of each new reporting unit based on the combined weighting of both fair value multiples and discounted cash flow techniques. To the extent final fair values of our new reporting units differ from our preliminary estimates, we will reassign goodwill amongst the new reporting units in a future period in which the final information is available to complete the fair values and the corresponding allocation of goodwill amongst the new reporting units.


(2)	This reporting unit is included in the North American Records and Information Management Business segment.


(3)	This reporting unit is included in the North American Data Management Business segment.


(4)	This reporting unit is included in the Corporate and Other Business segment.


(5)	This reporting unit is included in the Western European Business segment.


(6)	This reporting unit is included in the Other International Business segment.

As a result of the change in the composition of our reporting units noted above, we concluded that we had an interim triggering event, and, therefore, during the first quarter of 2015, we performed an interim goodwill impairment test, as of January 1, 2015, for the North American Records and Information Management, North American Secure Shredding, UKI and Continental Western Europe reporting units. We concluded that the goodwill for each of our new reporting units was not impaired as of such date. While we continue to refine our preliminary estimates of fair value of certain of our new reporting units for purposes of reallocating goodwill, we do not believe that any such changes to preliminary fair value estimates will result in a change in our conclusion that there is no goodwill impairment as of January 1, 2015.

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill attributable to each reportable operating segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are as follows:



	North American Records and Information Management Business			North American Data Management Business			Western European Business			Other International Business			Corporate and Other Business		Total Consolidated
Gross Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1,645,209		$	429,982		$	412,322		$	254,706		$	—	$	2,742,219
Deductible goodwill acquired during the year	29			7			—			—			4,636		4,672
Non-deductible goodwill acquired during the year	2,510			567			2,507			2,249			—		7,833
Fair value and other adjustments(1)	104			(25		)	(415		)	(638		)	—		(974		)
Currency effects	(22,703		)	(5,684		)	(18,247		)	(44,739		)	—		(91,373		)
Gross Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	1,625,149		$	424,847		$	396,167		$	211,578		$	4,636	$	2,662,377
Accumulated Amortization Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	205,987		$	54,025		$	58,273		$	151		$	—	$	318,436
Currency effects	(1,073		)	(268		)	(1,763		)	(19		)	—		(3,123		)
Accumulated Amortization Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	204,914		$	53,757		$	56,510		$	132		$	—	$	315,313
Net Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	1,439,222		$	375,957		$	354,049		$	254,555		$	—	$	2,423,783
Net Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	1,420,235		$	371,090		$	339,657		$	211,446		$	4,636	$	2,347,064
Accumulated Goodwill Impairment Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	85,909		$	—		$	46,500		$	—		$	—	$	132,409
Accumulated Goodwill Impairment Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	85,909		$	—		$	46,500		$	—		$	—	$	132,409

_______________________________________________________________________________

(1)

Total fair value and other adjustments primarily include $622 in net adjustments to deferred income taxes and $(5,202) related to customer relationships and acquisition costs and other assumed liabilities (which represent adjustments, within the applicable measurement period, to provisional amounts recognized in purchase accounting), as well as $3,606 of cash paid related to certain 2014 acquisitions.

The components of our amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015 are as follows:



	December 31, 2014							September 30, 2015
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Customer Relationships and Acquisition Costs	$	904,866	$	(297,029	)	$	607,837	$	898,153	$	(322,866	)	$	575,287
Core Technology(1)	3,568		(3,540		)	28		3,420		(3,420		)	—
Trademarks and Non-Compete Agreements(1)	7,062		(5,068		)	1,994		6,135		(4,762		)	1,373
Deferred Financing Costs	63,033		(15,956		)	47,077		83,989		(18,121		)	65,868
Total	$	978,529	$	(321,593	)	$	656,936	$	991,697	$	(349,169	)	$	642,528

_______________________________________________________________________________


(1)	Included in Other, a component of Other Assets, net in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Amortization expense associated with amortizable intangible assets (including deferred financing costs) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Amortization expense associated with amortizable intangible assets (including deferred financing costs)	$	14,269	$	13,094	$	42,227	$	39,939

e. Stock-Based Compensation

We record stock-based compensation expense, utilizing the straight-line method, for the cost of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance units ("PUs") and shares of stock issued under our employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") (together, "Employee Stock-Based Awards").

Stock-based compensation expense for Employee Stock-Based Awards included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $8,671 ($6,132 after tax or $0.03 per basic and diluted share) and $23,129 ($16,683 after tax or $0.09 per basic and diluted share), respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for Employee Stock-Based Awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $6,159 ($4,502 after tax or $0.02 per basic and diluted share) and $20,936 ($14,915 after tax or $0.07 per basic and diluted share), respectively.

Stock-based compensation expense for Employee Stock-Based Awards included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations related to continuing operations is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	$	177	$	65	$	556	$	156
Selling, general and administrative expenses	8,494		6,094		22,573		20,780
Total stock-based compensation	$	8,671	$	6,159	$	23,129	$	20,936

The benefits associated with the tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost are required to be reported as financing activities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This requirement impacts reported operating cash flows and reported financing cash flows. As a result, net financing cash flows from continuing operations included $40 and $323 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively, from the benefit of tax deductions compared to recognized compensation cost. The tax benefit of any resulting excess tax deduction increases the Additional Paid-in Capital ("APIC") pool. Any resulting tax deficiency is deducted from the APIC pool.

Stock Options

Under our various stock option plans, options are generally granted with exercise prices equal to the market price of the stock on the date of grant; however, in certain instances, options are granted at prices greater than the market price of the stock on the date of grant. Certain of the options we issue become exercisable ratably over a period of ten years from the date of grant and have a contractual life of 12 years from the date of grant, unless the holder's employment is terminated sooner. As of September 30, 2015, ten-year vesting options represented 7.1% of total outstanding options. Certain of the options we issue become exercisable ratably over a period of five years from the date of grant and have a contractual life of ten years from the date of grant, unless the holder's employment is terminated sooner. As of September 30, 2015, five-year vesting options represented 43.0% of total outstanding options. The remainder of options we issue become exercisable ratably over a period of three years from the date of grant and have a contractual life of ten years from the date of grant, unless the holder's employment is terminated sooner. As of September 30, 2015, three-year vesting options represented 49.9% of total outstanding options. Our non-employee directors are considered employees for purposes of our stock option plans and stock option reporting. Options granted to our non-employee directors become exercisable immediately upon grant.

The weighted average fair value of options granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 was $5.60 and $4.88 per share, respectively. These values were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used for grants in the respective period are as follows:



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Weighted Average Assumptions	2014		2015
Expected volatility	33.9	%	28.4	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.06	%	1.70	%
Expected dividend yield	4	%	5	%
Expected life	6.8 years		5.5 years

Expected volatility is calculated utilizing daily historical volatility over a period that equates to the expected life of the option. The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury interest rates whose term is consistent with the expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of the stock options. Expected dividend yield is considered in the option pricing model and represents our current annualized expected per share dividends over the current trade price of our common stock. The expected life of the stock options granted is estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees.

A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows:



	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Average Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	3,678,246		$	23.37
Granted	768,916		42.48
Exercised	(582,404	)	21.04
Forfeited	(32,926	)	25.75
Expired	(17,068	)	23.85
Outstanding at September 30, 2015	3,814,764		$	27.55	5.64	$	22,224
Options exercisable at September 30, 2015	2,505,986		$	22.82	4.03	$	20,566
Options expected to vest	1,233,897		$	36.51	8.70	$	1,590

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	10,194	$	1,985	$	18,727	$	7,868

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Under our various equity compensation plans, we may also grant restricted stock or RSUs. Our restricted stock and RSUs generally have a vesting period of between three and five years from the date of grant. However, beginning in 2015, RSUs granted to our non-employee directors now vest immediately upon grant. All RSUs accrue dividend equivalents associated with the underlying stock as we declare dividends. Dividends will generally be paid to holders of RSUs in cash upon the vesting date of the associated RSU and will be forfeited if the RSU does not vest. The fair value of restricted stock and RSUs is the excess of the market price of our common stock at the date of grant over the purchase price (which is typically zero).

Cash dividends accrued and paid on RSUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 are as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Cash dividends accrued on RSUs	$	680	$	616	$	1,530	$	1,917
Cash dividends paid on RSUs	124		270		1,178		2,570

The fair value of restricted stock and RSUs vested during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 are as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Fair value of restricted stock vested	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	—
Fair value of RSUs vested	1,566		2,377		19,114		21,561

A summary of restricted stock and RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows:



	Restricted Stock and RSUs		Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	1,405,569		$	28.78
Granted	599,580		37.69
Vested	(609,109	)	31.18
Forfeited	(99,550	)	32.84
Non-vested at September 30, 2015	1,296,490		$	33.59

Performance Units

Under our various equity compensation plans, we may also make awards of PUs. For the majority of outstanding PUs, the number of PUs earned is determined based on our performance against predefined targets of revenue or revenue growth and return on invested capital ("ROIC"). The number of PUs earned may range from 0% to 150% (for PUs granted prior to 2014) and 0% to 200% (for PUs granted in 2014 and thereafter) of the initial award. The number of PUs earned is determined based on our actual performance as compared to the targets at the end of either a one-year performance period (for PUs granted prior to 2014) or a three-year performance period (for PUs granted in 2014 and thereafter). Certain PUs granted in 2013, 2014 and 2015 will be earned based on a market condition associated with the total return on our common stock in relation to a subset of the S&P 500 rather than the revenue growth and ROIC targets noted above. The number of PUs earned based on this market condition may range from 0% to 200% of the initial award. All of our PUs will be settled in shares of our common stock and are subject to cliff vesting three years from the date of the original PU grant. For those PUs subject to a one-year performance period, employees who subsequently terminate their employment after the end of the one-year performance period and on or after attaining age 55 and completing 10 years of qualifying service (the "Retirement Criteria") shall immediately and completely vest in any PUs earned based on the actual achievement against the predefined targets as discussed above (but delivery of the shares remains deferred). As a result, PUs subject to a one-year performance period are generally expensed over the shorter of (1) the vesting period, (2) achievement of the Retirement Criteria, which may occur as early as January 1 of the year following the year of grant or (3) a maximum of three years. For those PUs subject to a three-year performance period, employees who terminate their employment during the performance period and on or after meeting the Retirement Criteria are eligible for pro rated vesting, subject to the actual achievement against the predefined targets as discussed above, based on the number of full years of service completed following the grant date (but delivery of the shares remains deferred). As a result, PUs subject to a three-year performance period are generally expensed over the three-year performance period. Outstanding PUs accrue dividend equivalents associated with the underlying stock as we declare dividends. Dividends will generally be paid to holders of PUs in cash upon the settlement date of the associated PU and will be forfeited if the PU does not vest.

Cash dividends accrued and paid on PUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 are as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Cash dividends accrued on PUs	$	240	$	222	$	532	$	647
Cash dividends paid on PUs	—		—		312		1,015

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we issued 156,182 PUs. The majority of our PUs are earned based on our performance against revenue or revenue growth and ROIC targets during their applicable performance period. We forecast the likelihood of achieving the predefined revenue, revenue growth and ROIC targets in order to calculate the expected PUs to be earned. We record a compensation charge based on either the forecasted PUs to be earned (during the applicable performance period) or the actual PUs earned (at the one-year anniversary date for PUs granted prior to 2014, and at the three-year anniversary date for PUs granted in 2014 and thereafter) over the vesting period for each of the awards. For PUs earned based on a market condition, we utilize a Monte Carlo simulation to fair value these awards at the date of grant, and such fair value is expensed over the three-year performance period. As of September 30, 2015, we expected 0% and 100% achievement of the predefined revenue, revenue growth and ROIC targets associated with the awards of PUs made in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

The fair value of earned PUs that vested during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014		2015
Fair value of earned PUs that vested	$	—	$	—	$	6,296	$	2,107

A summary of PU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows:



	Original PU Awards		PU Adjustment(1)		Total PU Awards		Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	461,666		(82,609	)	379,057		$	30.80
Granted	156,182		—		156,182		39.41
Vested	(80,035	)	(4,350	)	(84,385	)	29.62
Forfeited	(20,201	)	—		(20,201	)	31.27
Non-vested at September 30, 2015	517,612		(86,959	)	430,653		$	34.13

_______________________________________________________________________________


(1)	Represents an increase or decrease in the number of original PUs awarded based on either (a) the final performance criteria achievement at the end of the defined performance period of such PUs or (b) a change in estimated awards based on the forecasted performance against the predefined targets.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We offer an ESPP in which participation is available to substantially all United States and Canadian employees who meet certain service eligibility requirements. The ESPP provides a way for our eligible employees to become stockholders on favorable terms. The ESPP provides for the purchase of our common stock by eligible employees through successive offering periods. We have historically had two six-month offering periods per year, the first of which generally runs from June 1 through November 30 and the second of which generally runs from December 1 through May 31. During each offering period, participating employees accumulate after-tax payroll contributions, up to a maximum of 15% of their compensation, to pay the purchase price at the end of the offering. Participating employees may withdraw from an offering before the purchase date and obtain a refund of the amounts withheld as payroll deductions. At the end of the offering period, outstanding options under the ESPP are exercised, and each employee's accumulated contributions are used to purchase our common stock. The price for shares purchased under the ESPP is 95% of the fair market price at the end of the offering period, without a look-back feature. As a result, we do not recognize compensation expense for the ESPP shares purchased. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, there were 69,567 shares and 59,569 shares, respectively, purchased under the ESPP. As of September 30, 2015, we had 901,069 shares available under the ESPP.

_______________________________________________________________________________

As of September 30, 2015, unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested portion of our Employee Stock-Based Awards was $41,067 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

We generally issue shares of our common stock for the exercises of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, PUs and shares of our common stock under our ESPP from unissued reserved shares.

f. Income (Loss) Per Share—Basic and Diluted

Basic income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The calculation of diluted income (loss) per share is consistent with that of basic income (loss) per share but gives effect to all potential common shares (that is, securities such as options, warrants or convertible securities) that were outstanding during the period, unless the effect is antidilutive.

The calculation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2015		2014			2015
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	858	$	23,517	$	316,281		$	119,263
Total (loss) income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	(938	)	$	—
Net income (loss) attributable to Iron Mountain Incorporated	$	66	$	23,110	$	313,370		$	117,536

Weighted-average shares—basic	193,360,000		210,912,000		192,540,000			210,616,000
Effect of dilutive potential stock options	1,023,890		621,615		823,036			934,553
Effect of dilutive potential restricted stock, RSUs and PUs	520,644		382,995		470,060			530,252
Weighted-average shares—diluted	194,904,534		211,916,610		193,833,096			212,080,805

Earnings (losses) per share—basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	—	$	0.11	$	1.64		$	0.57
Total (loss) income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Net income (loss) attributable to Iron Mountain Incorporated—basic	$	—	$	0.11	$	1.63		$	0.56

Earnings (losses) per share—diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	—	$	0.11	$	1.63		$	0.56
Total (loss) income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Net income (loss) attributable to Iron Mountain Incorporated—diluted	$	—	$	0.11	$	1.62		$	0.55

Antidilutive stock options, RSUs and PUs, excluded from the calculation	609,385		2,262,827		1,149,441			1,318,811

g. Revenues

Our revenues consist of storage rental revenues as well as service revenues and are reflected net of sales and value added taxes. Storage rental revenues, which are considered a key driver of financial performance for the storage and information management services industry, consist primarily of recurring periodic rental charges related to the storage of materials or data (generally on a per unit basis). Service revenues include charges for related service activities, which include: (1) the handling of records, including the addition of new records, temporary removal of records from storage, refiling of removed records and the destruction of records; (2) courier operations, consisting primarily of the pickup and delivery of records upon customer request; (3) secure shredding of sensitive documents and the related sale of recycled paper, the price of which can fluctuate from period to period; (4) other services, including the scanning, imaging and document conversion services of active and inactive records, or Document Management Solutions ("DMS"), which relate to physical and digital records, and project revenues; (5) customer termination and permanent withdrawal fees; (6) data restoration projects; (7) special project work; (8) Fulfillment Services; (9) consulting services; and (10) Intellectual Property Management and other technology services and product sales (including specially designed storage containers and related supplies).

We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Storage rental and service revenues are recognized in the month the respective storage rental or service is provided, and customers are generally billed on a monthly basis on contractually agreed-upon terms. Amounts related to future storage rental or prepaid service contracts for customers where storage rental fees or services are billed in advance are accounted for as deferred revenue and recognized ratably over the period the applicable storage rental or service is provided or performed. Revenues from the sales of products, which are included as a component of service revenues, are recognized when products are shipped and title has passed to the customer. Revenues from the sales of products have historically not been significant.

h. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Credit Memo Reserves

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts and credit memos for estimated losses resulting from the potential inability of our customers to make required payments and potential disputes regarding billing and service issues. When calculating the allowance, we consider our past loss experience, current and prior trends in our aged receivables and credit memo activity, current economic conditions and specific circumstances of individual receivable balances. If the financial condition of our customers were to significantly change, resulting in a significant improvement or impairment of their ability to make payments, an adjustment of the allowance may be required. We charge-off uncollectible balances as circumstances warrant, generally, no later than one year past due.

i. Income Taxes

As noted previously, we have elected to be taxed as a REIT effective since our taxable year that began January 1, 2014. As a REIT, we are generally permitted to deduct from our federal taxable income the dividends we pay to our stockholders. The income represented by such dividends is not subject to federal taxation at the entity level but may be taxed at the stockholder level. The income of our domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”), which hold our domestic operations that may not be REIT‑compliant as currently operated and structured, is subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income tax. In addition, we and our subsidiaries continue to be subject to foreign income taxes in jurisdictions in which we have business operations or a taxable presence, regardless of whether assets are held or operations are conducted through subsidiaries disregarded for federal tax purposes or as TRSs. We will also be subject to a separate corporate income tax on any gains recognized during a specified period (generally ten years) following the REIT conversion that are attributable to “built‑in” gains with respect to the assets that we owned on January 1, 2014. This built‑in gains tax has been imposed on our depreciation recapture recognized into income in 2014 and generally will be imposed in subsequent years as a result of accounting method changes commenced in our pre‑REIT period. If we fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate tax rates. Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to some federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and property in addition to taxes owed with respect to our TRS operations. In particular, while state income tax regimes often parallel the federal income tax regime for REITs, many states do not completely follow federal rules and some do not follow them at all.

We provide for income taxes during interim periods based on our estimate of the effective tax rate for the year. Discrete items and changes in our estimate of the annual effective tax rate are recorded in the period they occur. Our effective tax rate is subject to variability in the future due to, among other items: (1) changes in the mix of income between our qualified REIT subsidiaries and our TRSs, as well as between the jurisdictions in which we operate; (2) tax law changes; (3) volatility in foreign exchange gains and losses; (4) the timing of the establishment and reversal of tax reserves; and (5) our ability to utilize net operating losses that we generate. We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. We are subject to examination by various tax authorities in jurisdictions in which we have business operations or a taxable presence. We regularly assess the likelihood of additional assessments by tax authorities and provide for these matters as appropriate. Although we believe our tax estimates are appropriate, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could result in changes in our estimates.

Accounting for income taxes requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities and for loss and credit carryforwards.We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the change is enacted. Valuation allowances are provided when recovery of deferred tax assets does not meet the more likely than not standard as defined in GAAP. Valuation allowances would be reversed as a reduction to the provision for income taxes if related deferred tax assets are deemed realizable based on changes in facts and circumstances relevant to the recoverability of the asset.

We have elected to recognize interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of the provision (benefit) for income taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recorded an increase of $246 and $581 for gross interest and penalties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. We recorded an increase of $180 and $1,759 for gross interest and penalties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. We had $5,884 and $6,595 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

As a result of our REIT conversion, we recorded a net tax benefit of $212,151 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 for the revaluation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and other income taxes associated with the REIT conversion. Also, in the third quarter of 2014, we recorded an increase of $26,390 to the tax provision related to certain amended tax returns filed principally to reflect tax accounting method changes consistent with our REIT conversion. The other primary reconciling items between the federal statutory rate of 35% and our overall effective tax rate in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were an increase of $13,226 and $49,310, respectively, in our tax provision associated with incremental federal and state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on earnings of our foreign subsidiaries no longer considered permanently invested and other net tax adjustments related to the REIT conversion, including a tax benefit of $7,993 and $41,828, respectively, primarily related to the dividends paid deduction.

Our effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were 14.3% and 18.6%, respectively. The primary reconciling items between the federal statutory rate of 35% and our overall effective tax rate in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were the benefit derived from the dividends paid deduction, differences in the rates of tax at which our foreign earnings are subject, including foreign exchange gains and losses in different jurisdictions with different tax rates and state income taxes (net of federal tax benefit). In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a tax benefit of $4,100 related to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations and an out-of-period tax adjustment ($9,000 tax benefit) to correct the valuation of certain deferred tax assets associated with the REIT conversion that occurred in 2014.

As a REIT, we are entitled to a deduction for dividends paid, resulting in a substantial reduction of federal income tax expense. As a REIT, substantially all of our income tax expense will be incurred based on the earnings generated by our foreign subsidiaries and our domestic TRSs.

j. Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents (including money market funds and time deposits), restricted cash (primarily United States Treasuries) and accounts receivable. The only significant concentrations of liquid investments as of December 31, 2014 relate to cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash held on deposit and as of September 30, 2015 relate to cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2014, we had money market funds with two "Triple A" rated money market funds and time deposits with three global banks. At September 30, 2015, we had money market funds with two "Triple A" rated money market funds and time deposits with eight global banks. We consider the "Triple A" rated money market funds and the global banks to be large, highly-rated investment-grade institutions. As per our risk management investment policy, we limit exposure to concentration of credit risk by limiting the amount invested in any one mutual fund to a maximum of $50,000 or in any one financial institution to a maximum of $75,000. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash balance was $159,793 and $492,899, respectively, including money market funds and time deposits amounting to $53,032 and $379,056, respectively. The money market funds were invested substantially in United States Treasuries.

k. Fair Value Measurements

Entities are permitted under GAAP to elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at either fair value or cost. We have elected the cost measurement option.

Our financial assets or liabilities that are carried at fair value are required to be measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability's classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2—Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively, are as follows:



			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using
Description	Total Carrying Value at December 31, 2014		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Money Market Funds(1)	$	36,828	$	—		$	36,828		$	—
Time Deposits(1)	16,204		—			16,204			—
Trading Securities	13,172		12,428		(2)	744		(1)	—
Derivative Liabilities(3)	2,411		—			2,411			—



			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015 Using
Description	Total Carrying Value at September 30, 2015		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Money Market Funds(1)	$	175,000	$	—		$	175,000		$	—
Time Deposits(1)	204,056		—			204,056			—
Trading Securities	9,960		9,111		(2)	849		(1)	—
Derivative Assets(3)	305		—			305			—
Derivative Liabilities(3)	666					666

_______________________________________________________________________________


(1)	Money market funds and time deposits (including certain trading securities) are measured based on quoted prices for similar assets and/or subsequent transactions.


(2)	Securities are measured at fair value using quoted market prices.

(3)

Our derivative assets and liabilities relate to short-term (six months or less) foreign currency contracts that we have entered into to hedge certain of our intercompany exposures, as more fully disclosed at Note 3. We calculate the value of such forward contracts by adjusting the spot rate utilized at the balance sheet date for translation purposes by an estimate of the forward points observed in active markets.

Disclosures are required in the financial statements for items measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. We did not have any material items that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015.

l. Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and for the period then ended. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the estimates used. We base our estimates on historical experience, actuarial estimates, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

m. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items, Net

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive items, net for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively, are as follows:



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Market Value Adjustments for Securities			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2014	$	(3,809	)	$	1,474		$	(2,335	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(44,606		)	—			(44,606		)
Market value adjustments for securities	—			(291		)	(291		)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(44,606		)	(291		)	(44,897		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	(48,415	)	$	1,183		$	(47,232	)



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Market Value Adjustments for Securities			Total
Balance as of June 30, 2015	$	(130,752	)	$	1,002		$	(129,750	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(33,803		)	—			(33,803		)
Market value adjustments for securities	—			(134		)	(134		)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(33,803		)	(134		)	(33,937		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	(164,555	)	$	868		$	(163,687	)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive items, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively, are as follows:



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Market Value Adjustments for Securities		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(9,586	)	$	926	$	(8,660	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(38,829		)	—		(38,829		)
Market value adjustment for securities	—			257		257
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(38,829		)	257		(38,572		)
Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	(48,415	)	$	1,183	$	(47,232	)



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Market Value Adjustments for Securities			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(76,010	)	$	979		$	(75,031	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(88,545		)	—			(88,545		)
Market value adjustments for securities	—			(111		)	(111		)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(88,545		)	(111		)	(88,656		)
Balance as of September 30, 2015	$	(164,555	)	$	868		$	(163,687	)

n. Other (Income) Expense, Net

Other (income) expense, net is as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2015		2014			2015
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net	$	23,500		$	32,539	$	25,591		$	56,461
Debt extinguishment expense, net	—			2,156		—			2,156
Other, net	(992		)	551		(2,604		)	982
	$	22,508		$	35,246	$	22,987		$	59,599

o. Property, Plant and Equipment and Long-Lived Assets

We develop various software applications for internal use. Computer software costs associated with internal use software are expensed as incurred until certain capitalization criteria are met. Payroll and related costs for employees directly associated with, and devoting time to, the development of internal use computer software projects (to the extent time is spent directly on the project) are capitalized. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we capitalized $4,769 and $14,527 of costs, respectively, associated with the development of internal use computer software projects. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we capitalized $6,844 and $19,279 of costs, respectively, associated with the development of internal use computer software projects. Capitalization begins when the design stage of the application has been completed and it is probable that the project will be completed and used to perform the function intended. Capitalization ends when the asset is ready for its intended use. Depreciation begins when the software is placed in service. Computer software costs that are capitalized are periodically evaluated for impairment.

We review long-lived assets and all amortizable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted net cash flows of the operation to which the assets relate to their carrying amount. The operations are generally distinguished by the business segment and geographic region in which they operate. If the operation is determined to be unable to recover the carrying amount of its assets, the long-lived assets are written down, on a pro rata basis, to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, depending upon the nature of the assets.

Consolidated loss on disposal/write-down of property, plant and equipment (excluding real estate), net was $184 and $1,229 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Losses for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were primarily associated with the disposal of certain equipment associated with our North American Records and Information Management Business segment and the write-off of certain software associated with our Western European Business segment. Consolidated (gain) loss on disposal/write-down of property, plant and equipment (excluding real estate), net was $(141) and $707 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Gains in the three months ended September 30, 2015 were primarily associated with the disposal of leased vehicles in our North American Records and Information Management Business segment. Losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 consisted primarily of the write-off of certain property associated with our North American Records and Information Management Business segment.

Consolidated gain on sale of real estate was $7,468, net of tax of $1,991, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 associated with the sale of two buildings in the United Kingdom. Consolidated gain on sale of real estate was $850, net of tax of $209, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 associated with the sale of a building in the United Kingdom.

p. New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 provides additional guidance for management to reassess revenue recognition as it relates to: (1) transfer of control, (2) variable consideration, (3) allocation of transaction price based on relative standalone selling price, (4) licenses, (5) time value of money and (6) contract costs. Further disclosures will be required to provide a better understanding of revenue that has been recognized and revenue that is expected to be recognized in the future from existing contracts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date ("ASU 2015-14"). ASU 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year, making it effective for our year beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted as of January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles of current United States auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term “substantial doubt”, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is still present, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU 2014‑15 is effective for us on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015‑02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015‑02”). ASU 2015‑02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015‑02 is effective for us on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require 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 that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015‑03 is effective for us on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not believe that this pronouncement will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified, with the prior period impact of the adjustment being disclosed within the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2015-16 is effective for us on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2015-16 during the third quarter of 2015. This pronouncement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.