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The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company

AXT, Inc. (“AXT”, “the Company”, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to AXT, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries) is a worldwide materials science company that develops and produces high-performance compound and single element semiconductor substrates, also known as wafers.  Our consolidated subsidiaries produce and sell certain raw materials some of which are used in our substrate manufacturing process and some of which are sold to other companies.

 

Our substrate wafers are used when a typical silicon substrate wafer cannot meet the conductive requirements of a semiconductor or optoelectronic device.  The dominant substrates used in producing semiconductor chips and other electronic circuits are made from silicon. However, certain chips may become too hot or perform their function too slowly if silicon is used as the base material.  In addition, optoelectronic applications, such as LED lighting and chip-based lasers, do not use silicon substrates because they require a wave form frequency that cannot be achieved using silicon. Alternative or specialty materials are used to replace silicon as the preferred base in these situations. Our wafers provide such alternative or specialty materials. We do not design or manufacture the chips. We add value by researching, developing and producing the specialty material wafers. We have two product lines: specialty material substrates and raw materials integral to these substrates. In 2017, our substrate product group generated 80% of our revenue and raw materials product group generated 20%. Our compound substrates combine indium with phosphorous (indium phosphide: InP) or gallium with arsenic (gallium arsenide: GaAs). Our single element substrates are made from germanium (Ge).

Our raw materials include both raw gallium and purified gallium.  We use purified gallium in producing our GaAs substrates and sell both raw gallium and purified gallium in the open market to other companies for use in magnetic materials, high temperature thermometers and growing single crystal ingots including gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, gallium antimonide, gallium phosphide and other materials and alloys.  We also produce pyrolytic boron nitride (pBN) crucibles used in the high temperature (typically in the range 500 C to 1,500 C) growth process of single crystal ingots and epitaxial layer growth in MBE reactors.  We use these pBN crucibles in our own ingot growth processes and also sell them in the open market to other companies.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AXT, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology Co., Ltd., and our majority-owned, or significantly controlled subsidiaries, Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd., Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd. and Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd. All significant inter‑company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in business entities in which we do not have controlling interest, but have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20-50% ownership), are accounted for by the equity method. We have seven companies accounted for by the equity method. For subsidiaries that we consolidate, we reflect the portion we do not own on our consolidated balance sheets in stockholders' equity and in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not result in any change in previously reported net income (loss) or total assets.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments, and assumptions upon which management relies are reasonable based on information available at the time that these estimates, judgments, and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments, and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements would be affected.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of certain of our financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Certain cash equivalents and investments are required to be adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 2.

Fair Value of Investments

Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") topic 820, Fair value measurement (“ASC 820”) establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

Level 1 instruments represent quoted prices in active markets. Therefore, determining fair value for Level 1 instruments does not require significant management judgment, and the estimation is not difficult.

Level 2 instruments include observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets), issuer bank statements, credit ratings, non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated with observable market data, model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities, or quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities. These Level 2 instruments require more management judgment and subjectivity compared to Level 1 instruments, including:

·

Determining which instruments are most comparable to the instrument being priced requires management to identify a sample of similar securities based on the coupon rates, maturity, issuer, credit rating, and instrument type, and subjectively select an individual security or multiple securities that are deemed most similar to the security being priced.

·

Determining which model-derived valuations to use in determining fair value requires management judgment. When observable market prices for similar securities or comparable securities are not available, we price our marketable debt instruments using non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated with observable market data or pricing models, such as discounted cash flow models, with all significant inputs derived from or corroborated with observable market data.

Level 3 instruments include unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities. The determination of fair value for Level 3 instruments requires the most management judgment and subjectivity.

We place short-term foreign currency hedges that are intended to offset the potential cash exposure related to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and Japanese yen. We measure the fair value of these foreign currency hedges at each month end and quarter end using current exchange rates and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. At quarter end any foreign currency hedges not settled are netted in “Accrued liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets and classified as Level 3 assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the net change in fair value from the placement of the hedge to settlement had a de minimis impact to the consolidated results.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our Chinese subsidiaries is the renminbi, the local currency of China. Transaction gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar or in the functional currencies of our subsidiaries are included in “Other (expense) income, net” for the years presented. The transaction loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $602,000. The transaction gain totaled $232,000 and $717,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average rate of exchange for the period. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation are included in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

Revenue Recognition

We manufacture and sell high-performance compound semiconductor substrates including indium phosphide and semi-conducting and semi-insulating gallium arsenide and germanium wafers, and our three consolidated subsidiaries sell certain raw materials including 99.99% pure gallium (4N Ga), high purity gallium (7N Ga), pyrolytic boron nitride (pBN) crucibles and boron oxide (B2O3). After we ship our products, there are no remaining obligations or customer acceptance requirements that would preclude revenue recognition. Our products are typically sold pursuant to a purchase order placed by our customers, and our terms and conditions of sale do not require customer acceptance. We recognize revenue upon shipment and transfer of title of products to our customers, which is either upon shipment from our dock, receipt at the customer’s dock, or removal from consignment inventory at the customer’s location, provided that we have received a valid purchase order, the price is fixed or determinable, title and risk of ownership have transferred, collection of resulting receivables is probable, and product returns are reasonably estimable. Revenue is net of any taxes assessed by any governmental authority. 

 

We do not provide training, installation or commissioning services. We assess the probability of collection based on a number of factors including past history with the customer and credit worthiness.  We provide for future returns based on historical experience, current economic trends and changes in customer demand at the time revenue is recognized.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance related to revenue recognition, which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue as control of goods or services transfers to a customer at an amount that reflects the expected consideration to be received in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to defer the effective date of the guidance. The effective date of the guidance will be the first quarter of our fiscal year 2018. The new standard creates a single source of revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP, eliminating industry-specific guidance.

The underlying principle of the standard is to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services at an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should apply a five-step approach for recognizing revenue as follows (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The standard also requires increased disclosures including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows related to contracts with customers. The standard allows two methods of adoption: (1) retrospectively to each prior period presented (“full retrospective method”), or (2) retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in retained earnings as of the date of adoption ("modified retrospective method").

 

We have evaluated and disclosed whether or not we expect the recent accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. With regard to Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, we have established a crossfunctional team to assess the potential impact of the new standard and is reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to revenue contracts and identifying appropriate changes to the business processes, systems and controls to support revenue recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard. We have completed our evaluation of the potential impact on business processes, systems, controls and consolidated financial statements of the new revenue standard and have concluded there will be no significant changes to our statement of operations. We have adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method.

 

Accounting for Sales Taxes in Net Revenues

We record sales taxes collected on sales of our products and for amounts not yet remitted to tax authorities as accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. 

Risks and Concentration of Credit Risk

Our business is very dependent on the semiconductor, lasers and optical industries which can be highly cyclical and experience downturns as a result of economic changes, overcapacity, and technological advancements. Significant technological changes in the industry or customer requirements, or the emergence of competitive products with new capabilities or technologies, could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, a significant portion of our revenues and net income is derived from international sales. Fluctuations of the United States dollar against foreign currencies and changes in local regulatory or economic conditions, particularly in an emerging market such as China, could adversely affect operating results.

We depend on a limited number of suppliers for certain raw materials, components and equipment used in manufacturing our products, including quartz tubing and polishing solutions. We generally purchase these materials through standard purchase orders and not pursuant to long-term supply contracts.

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and trade accounts receivable. We invest primarily in money market accounts, certificates of deposits, corporate bonds and equity securities. The composition and maturities are regularly monitored by management. Such deposits are in excess of the amount of the insurance provided by the federal government on such deposits. We are exposed to credit risks in the event of default by the issuers to the extent of the amount recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition, and limit the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary, but generally do not require collateral. The credit risk in our accounts receivable is  mitigated by our credit evaluation process and the geographical dispersion of sales transactions. One customer accounted for 12% of our trade accounts receivable as of December 31, 2017 and one customer accounted for 13% of our trade accounts receivable as of December 31, 2016.  

Two customers represented 12% and 11%, respectively, of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017. No customer represented more than 10% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 while one customer represented 12% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our top five customers, although not the same five customers for each period, represented 35%,  35% and 40% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, each of three third-party customers for the raw materials products from our consolidated subsidiaries accounted for over 10% of the revenue from raw materials sales. For the year ended December 31, 2016, each of four third-party customers for the raw materials products from our consolidated subsidiaries accounted for over 10% of the revenue from raw materials sales while there were three third-party customers for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our subsidiaries and joint ventures are a key strategic benefit for us as they further diversify our sources of revenue.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider investments in highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of certificate of deposits. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments

We classify our investments in marketable debt and equity securities as available-for-sale securities in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments —  Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320”).  Short-term and long-term investments are comprised of available-for-sale marketable debt and equity securities, which consist primarily of certificates of deposit, corporate bonds and equity securities. These investments are reported at fair value as of the respective balance sheet dates with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets. The amortized cost of securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization is included in “Other (expense) income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are also included in “Other (expense) income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Returns

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are not interest bearing. We periodically review the likelihood of collection on our accounts receivable balances and provide an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable primarily based upon the age of these accounts. We evaluate receivables from U.S. customers with an emphasis on balances in excess of 90 days and for receivables from customers located outside the U.S. with an emphasis on balances in excess of 120 days and establish a reserve allowance on the receivable balances if needed. The reason for the difference in the evaluation of receivables between foreign and U.S. customers is that U.S. customers have historically made payments in a shorter period of time than foreign customers. Foreign business practices generally require us to allow customer payment terms that are longer than those accepted in the United States. We assess the probability of collection based on a number of factors, including the length of time a receivable balance has been outstanding, our past history with the customer and their credit worthiness.

We exercise judgment when determining the adequacy of these reserves as we evaluate historical bad debt trends, general economic conditions in the United States and internationally, and changes in customer financial conditions. Uncollectible receivables are recorded as bad debt expense when all efforts to collect have been exhausted and recoveries are recognized when they are received. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our accounts receivable, net balance was $22.8 million and $14.5 million, respectively, which was net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $358,000 and $653,000, respectively. During 2017, we decreased this allowance for doubtful accounts by $295,000 due to $138,000 from bad debt recovery and $157,000 from bad debt written off in 2017. During 2016, we increased this allowance for doubtful accounts by $92,000 due to the poor financial condition of a few customers partially offset by recoveries. If actual uncollectible accounts differ substantially from our estimates, revisions to the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts would be required, which could have a material impact on our financial results for future periods.

The allowance for sales returns is also deducted from gross accounts receivable. During 2017, we utilized $119,000 and reduced the provision by an additional $72,000 resulting in the ending balance of allowance for sales returns of $169,000 as of December 31, 2017. During 2016, we utilized $360,000 and charged an additional $296,000 resulting in the ending balance of allowance for sales returns of $360,000 as of December 31, 2016. 

Warranty Reserve

We maintain a warranty reserve based upon our claims experience during the prior twelve months and any pending claims and returns of which we are aware. Warranty costs are accrued at the time revenue is recognized. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, accrued product warranties totaled $133,000 and $251,000, respectively. The decrease in accrued product warranties is primarily attributable to decreased claims for quality issues experienced by some customers. If actual warranty costs or pending new claims differ substantially from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required, which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations for future periods.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (approximated by standard cost) or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost method. Our inventory consists of raw materials as well as finished goods and work-in-process that include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. We routinely evaluate the levels of our inventory in light of current market conditions in order to identify excess and obsolete inventory, and we provide a valuation allowance for certain inventories to their estimated net realizable value based upon the age and quality of the product and the projections for sale of the completed products. 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets, which vary from 1 to 27.5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. We generally depreciate computer, software, office equipment, furniture and fixtures 3 to 5 years, machinery and equipment 1 to 5 years, automobiles 5 to 10 years, leasehold and building improvements over 10 years, or lease term if shorter, and buildings over 27.5 years. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate the recoverability of property, equipment and intangible assets in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”). When events and circumstances indicate that long-lived assets may be impaired, we compare the carrying value of the long-lived assets to the projection of future undiscounted cash flows attributable to these assets. In the event that the carrying value exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows, we record an impairment charge against income equal to the excess of the carrying value over the assets’ fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable. We did not recognize any impairment charges of long-lived assets in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Impairment of Investments

All available-for-sale securities are periodically reviewed for impairment. An investment is considered to be impaired when its fair value is less than its amortized cost basis and it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the magnitude of the decline in market value, the length of time the market value has been below cost (or adjusted cost), credit quality, and our ability and intent to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

We also invest in equity instruments of privately-held companies in China for business and strategic purposes. Investments in our unconsolidated joint venture companies are classified as other assets and accounted for under either the equity or cost method, depending on whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operations or financial decisions. We monitor our investments for impairment and record reductions in carrying value when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Determination of impairment is highly subjective and is based on a number of factors, including an assessment of the strength of each company’s management, the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than our cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the subsidiary, fundamental changes to the business prospects of the  company, share prices of subsequent offerings, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in our carrying value. We estimate fair value of our cost method investments considering available information such as pricing in recent rounds of financing, current cash positions, earnings and cash flow forecasts, recent operational performance and any other readily available market data.

 

Segment Reporting

We operate in one segment for the design, development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance compound and single element semiconductor substrates and sale of raw materials integral to these substrates. In accordance with ASC topic 280, Segment Reporting, our chief operating decision-maker has been identified as our Chief Executive Officer, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing our performance for the Company. We discuss revenue and capacity for both AXT and our joint ventures collectively, when determining capacity constraints and need for raw materials in our business, and consider their capacity when determining our strategic and product marketing and advertising strategies. While we consolidate our majority-owned or significantly controlled joint ventures, we do not allocate any portion of overhead, interest and other income, interest expense or taxes to them. We therefore have determined that our joint venture operations do not constitute an operating segment. Since we operate in one segment, all financial segment and product line information can be found in the consolidated financial statements.  

Stock‑Based Compensation

We have employee stock option plans, which are described more fully in Note 11—Employee Benefit Plans and Stock-based Compensation. We account for stock‑based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). We utilize the Black‑Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of stock options, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including estimating stock price volatility and expected term.  Stock‑based compensation cost is measured at each grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense and as an increase in additional paid-in capital over the requisite service period of the award. 

Research and Development

Research and development costs consist primarily of salaries, including stock-based compensation expense and related personnel costs, depreciation, materials and product testing which are expensed as incurred.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were immaterial.

Shipping and Handling costs

We include fees billed to customers and costs incurred for shipping and handling as a component of cost of revenues.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. ASC 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The impact of ASC 740 is more fully described in Note 13.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“the Act”), which significantly reforms the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Act contains broad and complex changes to corporate taxation, including in part reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously considered permanently reinvested, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings.

As of December 31, 2017, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of the Act. We have calculated a decrease in net deferred tax assets of $10.9 million and a corresponding decrease of $10.9 million in the valuation allowance due to the reduction federal tax rate. Thus, the net impact to the Company's tax expense is zero.  In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, we were able to determine a reasonable estimate, namely the one-time transition tax and the remeasurement of deferred tax at the new tax rate. We did not recognize any provisional tax expense due to our historical significant operating losses, except some alternative minimum tax, which is offset by foreign tax credits. We expect to complete our analysis in connection with filing our 2017 U.S. corporate tax return.

The one-time transition tax is based on our post-1986 foreign earnings and profits which we have previously excluded from U.S. income taxes due to our position that we would permanently reinvest future earnings. The one-time transition tax is applied at a 15.5% tax rate on cash assets and an 8% tax rate for other specified assets. Since our foreign operations has accumulated positive earnings, we recognized approximately $20.9 million of foreign earnings as a deemed dividend, due to the significant amount of operating loss available, we incurred approximately $0.5 million of alternative minimum tax, which was fully offset by foreign tax credits.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

We report comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with the provisions of ASC topic 220 Comprehensive Income which establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income or loss and its components in the financial statements. The components of other comprehensive income (loss) include unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities and foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The balance of accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 

 

    

2017

 

2016

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net

 

$

(93)

 

$

45

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

 

3,904

 

 

178

 

 

 

3,811

 

 

223

Less: Cumulative translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

404

 

 

(30)

Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to AXT, Inc.

 

$

3,407

 

$

253

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods less shares of common stock subject to repurchase and non-vested stock awards. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the periods. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of weighted average number of common shares outstanding in net loss years, as their effect would be anti-dilutive to the computation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue recognition, which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue as control of goods or services transfers to a customer at an amount that reflects the expected consideration to be received in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to defer the effective date of the guidance. The effective date of the guidance will be the first quarter of our fiscal year 2018. The new standard creates a single source of revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP, eliminating industry-specific guidance.

The underlying principle of the standard is to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services at an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should apply a five-step approach for recognizing revenue as follows (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The standard also requires increased disclosures including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows related to contracts with customers. The standard allows two methods of adoption: (1) retrospectively to each prior period presented (“full retrospective method”), or (2) retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in retained earnings as of the date of adoption ("modified retrospective method").

 

We have evaluated and disclosed whether or not we expect the recent accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. With regard to Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, we have established a crossfunctional team to assess the potential impact of the new standard and is reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to revenue contracts and identifying appropriate changes to the business processes, systems and controls to support revenue recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard. We have completed our evaluation of the potential impact on business processes, systems, controls and consolidated financial statements of the new revenue standard and have concluded there will be no significant changes to our statement of operations. We have adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, amending ASC 330. Upon adoption, this topic supersedes the existing guidance under ASC 330 and aims to simplify the subsequent measurement of inventory. Currently, inventory can be measured at the lower of cost or market, which could result in several potential outcomes, as market could be replacement cost, net realizable value or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The major amendments would be as follows: 1. Inventory should be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. 2. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. 3. The amendment does not apply to inventory measured under LIFO or the retail inventory method. 4. The amendment does apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory measured via FIFO or average cost. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017 and it did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which made changes to the accounting for financial instruments that primarily affect equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The amendments in this update supersede the guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories (that is, trading or available-for-sale) and require equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. The standard amends financial reporting by providing relevant information about an entity’s equity investments and reducing the number of items that are recognized in other comprehensive income. This update will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. We are currently assessing the impact of the future adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which replaces the existing guidance for leases. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years and requires retrospective application. We will adopt this standard in fiscal 2019 and are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method in previous periods when an investor initially obtains significant influence over an investee. Under the amended guidance, the investor should apply the equity method prospectively from the date the investment qualifies for the equity method. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years with early application permitted. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. No excess income tax benefit or tax deficiencies have been recorded as a result of the adoption and there will be no change to accumulated deficit with respect to previously unrecognized excess tax benefits. The Company is electing to continue to account for forfeitures on an estimated basis. We have elected to present the consolidated statements of cash flows on a prospective transition method and no prior periods have been adjusted.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which reduces diversity in practice where the FASB was either unclear or did not provide specific guidance for classifying cash payments and receipts in the statement of cash flows for eight specific transactions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years and requires retrospective application with early application permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the future adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, which clarifies the accounting for the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including periods within those fiscal years and requires retrospective application with early application permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the future adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including periods within those fiscal years and requires retrospective application with early application permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the future adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09 which provides clarity and reduces diversity in practice and cost and complexity when accounting for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The

guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.