SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of CCA on a consolidated basis with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

CCA considers all liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash at December 31, 2015 and 2014 of $1.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, is restricted for a capital improvements, replacements, and repairs reserve fund required by one of CCA’s contracts, and for the payment of dividends on unvested restricted stock.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, accounts receivable of $234.5 million and $248.6 million were net of allowances for doubtful accounts totaling $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from federal, state, and local government agencies for the utilization of CCA’s correctional and detention facilities, as well as for operating and managing prisons and other correctional facilities and providing offender residential and prisoner transportation services to such government agencies.

Accounts receivable are stated at estimated net realizable value. CCA recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts to ensure receivables are not overstated due to uncollectibility. Bad debt reserves are maintained for customers based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, significant one-time events, and historical experience. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would be further adjusted.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Assets acquired by CCA in conjunction with acquisitions are recorded at estimated fair market value at the time of purchase. Betterments, renewals and significant repairs that extend the life of an asset are capitalized; other repair and maintenance costs are expensed. Interest is capitalized to the asset to which it relates in connection with the construction or expansion of facilities. Construction costs directly associated with the development of a correctional facility are capitalized as part of the cost of the development project. Such costs are written-off to general and administrative expense whenever a project is abandoned. The cost and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized in income. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets using the straight-line method. Useful lives for property and equipment are as follows:

Land improvements	5 – 20 years
Buildings and improvements	5 – 50 years
Equipment and software	3 – 5 years
Office furniture and fixtures	5 years

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

Long-lived assets other than goodwill are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. When circumstances indicate an asset may not be recoverable, impairment is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded as the difference between the carrying value and fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, comparable sales data, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable.

Goodwill

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the net assets of businesses acquired. As further discussed in Note 3, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually using a fair-value based approach.

Investment in Direct Financing Lease

Investment in Direct Financing Lease

Investment in direct financing lease represents the portion of CCA’s management contract with a governmental agency that represents lease payments on buildings and equipment. The lease is accounted for using the financing method and, accordingly, the minimum lease payments to be received over the term of the lease less unearned income are capitalized as CCA’s investment in the lease. Unearned income is recognized as income over the term of the lease using the interest method.

Investment in Affiliates

Investment in Affiliates

Investments in affiliates that are equal to or less than 50%-owned over which CCA can exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments under the equity method are recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for contributions, distributions, and net income attributable to the Company’s ownership based on the governing agreement.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. The new standard was further amended by ASU 2015–15 issued in August 2015. Under the new standard, debt issuance costs, excluding those costs incurred related to revolving credit facilities, are to be presented as a direct deduction from the face amount of the related liability, rather than as a deferred charge, or asset, on the balance sheet as previously required. For public reporting entities such as CCA, the new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption of the new standard is permitted and retrospective application is required. CCA elected to early adopt the new standard in the fourth quarter of 2015. The unamortized balance of debt issuance costs, excluding those costs related to the $900.0 Million Revolving Credit Facility, as defined hereafter, amounted to $11.9 million and $9.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In retrospectively applying the new standard, CCA reclassified the December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet, as previously presented, by reducing other assets and long-term debt by $9.5 million.

Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized into interest expense using the interest method, or on a straight-line basis over the term of the related debt, if not materially different than the interest method. However, certain debt issuance costs incurred in connection with debt refinancings are charged to expense in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470-50, “Modifications and Extinguishments.”

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

CCA maintains contracts with certain governmental entities to manage their facilities for fixed per diem rates. CCA also maintains contracts with various federal, state, and local governmental entities for the housing of offenders in company-owned facilities at fixed per diem rates or monthly fixed rates. These contracts usually contain expiration dates with renewal options ranging from annual to multi-year renewals. Most of these contracts have current terms that require renewal every two to five years. Additionally, most facility management contracts contain clauses that allow the government agency to terminate a contract without cause, and are generally subject to legislative appropriations. CCA generally expects to renew these contracts for periods consistent with the remaining renewal options allowed by the contracts or other reasonable extensions; however, no assurance can be given that such renewals will be obtained. Fixed monthly rate revenue is recorded in the month earned and fixed per diem revenue, including revenue under those contracts that include guaranteed minimum populations, is recorded based on the per diem rate multiplied by the number of offenders housed or guaranteed during the respective period.

CCA recognizes any additional management service revenues upon completion of services provided to the customer. Certain of the government agencies also have the authority to audit and investigate CCA’s contracts with them. If the agency determines that CCA has improperly allocated costs to a specific contract or otherwise was unable to perform certain contractual services, CCA may not be reimbursed for those costs and could be required to refund the amount of any such costs that have been reimbursed.

Rental revenue is recognized in accordance with ASC 840, “Leases”. In accordance with ASC 840, minimum rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. Leasehold incentives are recognized as a reduction to rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. Rental revenue associated with expense reimbursements from tenants are recognized in the period that the related expenses are incurred based upon the tenant lease provision.

In September 2014, CCA agreed under an expansion of an existing inter-governmental service agreement (“IGSA”) between the city of Eloy, Arizona and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) to provide residential space and services at the South Texas Family Residential Center. The amended IGSA qualifies as a multiple-element arrangement under the guidance in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”. CCA evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value to the customer. ASC 605 requires revenue to be allocated to each unit of accounting based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price, if available, third party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE of selling price is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE of selling price nor TPE is available. CCA establishes VSOE of selling price using the price charged for a deliverable when sold separately. CCA establishes TPE of selling price by evaluating similar products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. CCA establishes ESP based on management judgment considering internal factors such as margin objectives, pricing practices and controls, and market conditions. In arrangements with multiple elements, CCA allocates the transaction price to the individual units of accounting at inception of the arrangement based on their relative selling price.

Other revenue consists primarily of ancillary revenues associated with operating correctional and detention facilities, such as commissary, phone, and vending sales, and are recorded in the period the goods and services are provided. Revenues generated from prisoner transportation services for governmental agencies are recorded in the period the inmates have been transported to their destination.

Self-Funded Insurance Reserves

Self-Funded Insurance Reserves

CCA is significantly self-insured for employee health, workers’ compensation, automobile liability claims, and general liability claims. As such, CCA’s insurance expense is largely dependent on claims experience and CCA’s ability to control its claims experience. CCA has consistently accrued the estimated liability for employee health insurance based on its history of claims experience and time lag between the incident date and the date the cost is paid by CCA. CCA has accrued the estimated liability for workers’ compensation claims based on an actuarially determined liability, discounted to the net present value of the outstanding liabilities, using a combination of actuarial methods used to project ultimate losses, and the Company’s automobile insurance claims based on estimated development factors on claims incurred. The liability for employee health, workers’ compensation, and automobile insurance includes estimates for both claims incurred and for claims incurred but not reported. CCA records litigation reserves related to general liability matters for which it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated. These estimates could change in the future.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

CCA began operating as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2013. As a REIT, the Company generally is not subject to corporate level federal income tax on taxable income it distributes to its stockholders as long as it meets the organizational and operational requirements under the REIT rules. However, certain subsidiaries have made an election with the Company to be treated as TRSs in conjunction with the Company’s REIT election. The TRS elections permit CCA to engage in certain business activities in which the REIT may not engage directly, so long as these activities are conducted in entities that elect to be treated as TRSs under the Internal Revenue Code. A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes on the income from these activities and therefore, CCA includes a provision for taxes in its consolidated financial statements.

Income taxes are accounted for under the provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. ASC 740 generally requires CCA to record deferred income taxes for the tax effect of differences between book and tax bases of its assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes reflect the available net operating losses and the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Realization of the future tax benefits related to deferred tax assets is dependent on many factors, including CCA’s past earnings history, expected future earnings, the character and jurisdiction of such earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of its deferred tax assets, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, which requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current on the balance sheet rather than separating deferred taxes into current and non-current amounts, as previously required. For public reporting entities such as CCA, the new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption of the new standard is permitted and the guidance may be adopted on either a prospective or retrospective basis. CCA elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 in the fourth quarter of 2015 and to apply the new standard retrospectively. In retrospectively applying the new standard, CCA reclassified $13.2 million from current deferred tax assets, as previously presented, to non-current deferred tax assets on the December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet. See Note 12 for further discussion of the significant components of CCA’s deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Income tax contingencies are accounted for under the provisions of ASC 740. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The guidance prescribed in ASC 740 establishes a recognition threshold of more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. The measurement attribute requires that a tax position be measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign Currency Transactions

CCA has extended a working capital loan to Agecroft Prison Management, Ltd. (“APM”), the operator of a correctional facility in Salford, England previously owned by a subsidiary of CCA. The working capital loan is denominated in British pounds; consequently, CCA adjusts these receivables to the current exchange rate at each balance sheet date and recognizes the unrealized currency gain or loss in current period earnings. See Note 7 for further discussion of CCA’s relationship with APM.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

To meet the reporting requirements of ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”, regarding fair value of financial instruments, CCA calculates the estimated fair value of financial instruments using market interest rates, quoted market prices of similar instruments, or discounted cash flow techniques with observable Level 1 inputs for publicly traded debt and Level 2 inputs for all other financial instruments, as defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement”. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of CCA’s financial instruments, other than as follows (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2015						2014
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
Investment in direct financing lease	$	3,223		$	3,408		$	5,473		$	6,048
Note receivable from APM	$	3,504		$	5,864		$	3,677		$	6,539
Debt	$	(1,464,000	)	$	(1,452,719	)	$	(1,200,000	)	$	(1,179,625	)

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be material.

Concentration of Credit Risks

Concentration of Credit Risks

CCA’s credit risks relate primarily to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and an investment in a direct financing lease. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments. CCA maintains deposits of cash in excess of federally insured limits with certain financial institutions. CCA’s accounts receivable and investment in direct financing lease represent amounts due primarily from governmental agencies. CCA’s financial instruments are subject to the possibility of loss in carrying value as a result of either the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations or changes in market prices that make the instruments less valuable.

CCA derives its revenues primarily from amounts earned under federal, state, and local government contracts. For each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, federal correctional and detention authorities represented 51%, 44%, and 44%, respectively, of CCA’s total revenue. Federal correctional and detention authorities consist primarily of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”), the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”), and ICE. The BOP accounted for 11%, 13%, and 13% of total revenue for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The USMS accounted for 16%, 17%, and 19% of total revenue for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. ICE accounted for 24%, 13%, and 12% of total revenue for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, with the increase in 2015 resulting from a new contract at the South Texas Family Residential Center, as further described in Note 5. These federal customers have management contracts at facilities CCA owns and at facilities CCA manages but does not own. Additionally, CCA’s management contracts with state correctional authorities represented 42%, 48%, and 49% of total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (the “CDCR”) accounted for 11%, 14%, and 12% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, including revenue generated under an operating lease that commenced December 1, 2013, at a facility we own in California. No other customer generated more than 10% of total revenue during 2015, 2014, or 2013. Although the revenue generated from each of these agencies is derived from numerous management contracts, the loss of one or more of such contracts could have a material adverse impact on CCA’s financial condition and results of operations.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Restricted Stock

CCA accounts for restricted stock-based compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. CCA amortizes the fair market value as of the grant date of restricted stock awards over the vesting period using the straight-line method. The fair market value of performance-based restricted stock is amortized over the vesting period as long as CCA expects to meet the performance criteria. If achievement of the performance criteria becomes improbable, an adjustment is made to reverse the expense previously recognized.

Stock Options

CCA’s stock option plans are described more fully in Note 14. CCA accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of ASC 718. All options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which establishes a single, comprehensive revenue recognition standard for all contracts with customers. For public reporting entities such as CCA, ASU 2014-09 was originally effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption of the ASU was not permitted. In July 2015, the FASB agreed to defer the effective date of the ASU for public reporting entities by one year, or to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is now allowed as of the original effective date for public companies. In summary, the core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. Companies are allowed to select between two transition methods: (1) a full retrospective transition method with the application of the new guidance to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) a modified retrospective transition method that recognizes the cumulative effect on prior periods at the date of adoption together with additional footnote disclosures. CCA is currently planning to adopt the standard when effective in its fiscal year 2018. CCA is reviewing the ASU to determine the potential impact it might have on the Company’s results of operations or financial position and its related financial statement disclosures, along with evaluating which transition method will be utilized upon adoption.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”, which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, under the new standard, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. For public reporting entities such as CCA, guidance in ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. CCA does not currently expect that the new standard will have a material impact on its financial statements.