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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Nature of Operations - M&F Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company, and the parent company of Mechanics and Farmers Bank (the Bank), a state chartered commercial bank incorporated in North Carolina (NC) in 1907, which began operations in 1908.  The Bank has seven branches in NC: two in Durham, two in Raleigh, and one each in Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem. The Company, headquartered in Durham, operates as a single business segment and offers a wide variety of consumer and commercial banking services and products almost exclusively in NC.

 

Basis of Presentation - The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and transactions of the Company and the Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary.  All significant inter-company accounts antransactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


Segment Reporting - Based on an analysis performed by the Company, management has determined that the Company only has one operating segment, which is commercial banking.  The chief operating decision-maker uses consolidated results to make operating and strategic decisions, and therefore, the Company is not required to disclose any additional segment information.


Cash and Cash Equivalents - The cash and cash equivalents are comprised of highly liquid short-term investments that are carried at cost, which approximates market value, and cash held at the Federal Reserve Banof Richmond ("FRB").  The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (the Federal Reserve) and banking laws in NC require banks to maintain average balances in relation to specific percentages of theicustomers' deposits as a reserve. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank, held deposits as shown:


Correspondent
Bank
  Federal Reserve     Federal Funds              
(Dollars in thousands)    Required Average   Excess   Sold     Core Deposits     Total  
December 31, 2015   $ 1,555     $ 23,989     $ 11     $ 3,168     $ 28,723
December 31, 2014   $ 1,557     $ 28,152     $     $ 3,395     $ 33,104

 

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank held deposits of $30 thousand and $0.1 million, respectively at other financial institutions in excess of the federally insured balances. 


Interest-bearing Time Deposits in Banks – Interest-bearing time deposits in banks mature within five years and are carried at cost.


Investment Securities - Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity securities” and reported at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling in the near term are classified as “trading securities” and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in consolidated earnings. Debt securities not classified as either held to maturity securities or trading securities, and equity securities not classified as trading securities, are classified as “available for sale securities” and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from consolidated earnings and reported as a separate component of consolidated stockholders' equity and as an item of other comprehensive income. The unrealized gain or loss of a security is identified and removed from other comprehensive income when a security is sold, matured, or called. The initial classification of securities is determined at the date of purchase. Gains and losses on sales of investment securities, computed based on specific identification of the adjusted cost of each security, are included in noninterest income at the time of sale. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity, or when the debt securities are called.

 

Declines in the fair value of individual held to maturity and available for sale securities below their costs that are other-than-temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their respective fair value. There were no credit write-downs in consolidated earnings as realized losses. Transfers of securities between classifications, of which there were none in 2015 or 2014, are accounted for at fair value. No securities were classified as trading or held to maturity as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

Other Invested Assets - Other invested assets are investments in Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the FHLB) stock carried at historical cost, as adjusted for any other-than-temporary impairment loss.  As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company's investments in FHLB stock were $0.3 million.

 

Loans - Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, net of deferred loan origination fees and costs. Loans (net) are reduced by the ALLL. Nonrefundable loan fees associated with the origination or acquisition of loans are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the loan yield over the life of the loan using the effective interest method. Interest on loans is accrued on the daily balances of unpaid principal outstanding. Interest income is accrued and credited to income only if deemed collectible. Other loan fees and charges, representing service costs for the prepayment of loans, for delinquent payments, or for miscellaneous loan services, are recorded in income when collected.

 

Non-Performing Loans and Leases - Generally, all classes of loans and leases are placed on non-accrual status upon becoming contractually past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest (unless loans are adequately secured by collateral, are in the process of collection, and are reasonably expected to result in repayment), or where substantial doubt about full repayment of principal or interest is evident.


When a loan or lease is placed on non-accrual status, regardless of class, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed and the loan or lease is accounted for on the cash or cost recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual status. All payments received on non-accrual loans and leases are applied against the principal balance of the loan or lease. Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due (including any arrearages) are reasonably assured of repayment within a reasonable period, the borrower has demonstrated payment performance for a minimum of six months in accordance with the original or revised contractual terms of the loan, and when doubt about repayment is resolved.

 

Generally, for all classes of loans and leases, a charge-off is recorded when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and when it is possible to determine a reasonable estimate of the loss. For all classes of commercial loans and leases, a charge-off is determined on a judgmental basis after due consideration of the debtor's prospects for repayment and the fair value of collateral. For closed-end consumer loans, the entire outstanding balance of the loan is charged-off during the month that the loan becomes 120 days past due as to principal or interest. Consumer loans with non- real estate collateral are written down to the value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repossession of collateral is assured and in process. For residential mortgage and home equity loan classes, a partial charge-off is recorded at 120 days past due as to principal or interest for the amount that the loan balance exceeds the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell.

 

Impaired Loans - A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan, including scheduled interest payments. Impaired loans include all classes of commercial non-accruing loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs").

 

For all classes of commercial loans, a quarterly evaluation of specific individual commercial borrowers with identified weaknesses is performed to identify impaired loans. The identification of specific borrowers for review is based on a review of non-accrual loans as well as those loans specifically identified by management as exhibiting above average levels of risk

 

When a loan has been identified as being impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs, if the loan is collateral-dependent. If the measurement of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (including accrued interest, net of deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premiums or discounts), impairment is recognized by creating or adjusting an existing allocation of the ALLL, or by recording a partial charge-off of the loan to its estimated fair value. Interest payments made on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest income may be accrued or recognized on a cash basis.

 

Loans Modified as a TDR - Loans are considered to have been modified as a TDR when the Company makes certain concessions to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions to the borrower at modification may include interest rate reductions, principal or interest forgiveness, forbearance, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. Generally, a non-accrual loan that has been modified in a TDR remains on non-accrual status for a period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower is able to meet the terms of the modified loan. However, performance prior to the modification, or significant events that coincide with the modification, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of loan modification or after a shorter performance period.

 

Income Recognition on Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans - Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as nonaccrual if they are past due as to maturity, or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than 90 days, unless such loans are well secured and in the process of collection. If a loan or a portion of a loan is classified as doubtful or is partially charged off, the loan is generally classified as nonaccrual. Loans that are on a current payment status or past due less than 90 days may also be classified as nonaccrual if full repayment of principal and/or interest is in doubt.

 

Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due (including arrearages) are reasonably assured of repayment within a reasonable period of time, and the borrower has demonstrated payment performance for a minimum of six months in accordance with the contractual terms involving payments of cash or cash equivalents.

 

In the case where a nonaccrual loan had been partially charged-off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the remaining loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Receipts in excess of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until prior charged off balances have been fully recovered.

 

Reserve for Credit Losses - The Company's reserve for credit losses is comprised of two components, the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded commitments (the "Unfunded Reserve").

 

Allowances for Loan Losses - The ALLL is a valuation allowance, which is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense.  When management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely, loans are charged against the ALLL.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ALLL.

 

The ALLL is management's estimate of probable losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio.  The ALLL is based on regular quarterly assessments.  The methodologies for measuring the appropriate level of the ALLL include the combination of a quantitative historical loss history by loan type and a qualitative analysis for loans not classified as impaired or TDRs, and a specific allowance method for impaired and TDR loans.  The qualitative analysis is patterned after the guidelines provided under the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin 102 and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and include the following:

 

Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices;
Changes in national economic and business conditions and developments and the effect of unemployment on African Americans, who are the majority of our customers;
Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio;
Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff;
Changes in trends of the volume and severity of past due and classified loans; and changes in trends in the volume of non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and classified loans;
Changes in the quality of the loan review system and the degree of oversight by the Bank's Board of Directors;
The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and
The effect of external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.

 

Management has developed, from historical loan and economic information, quantitative drivers for certain qualitative factors. Management has identified which factors, by nature, are subjective, such as lending policies, competition, and regulatory requirements. The quantitative drivers, to which different weights are assigned based on management's judgment, are reviewed and updated quarterly. The quantitative loss history was based on a five-year rolling look back at December 31, 2015, and previously on a four-year look back, history of losses incurred by different loan types within the loan portfolio. The change in methodology resulted in a $425 thousand increase in the ALLL at December 31, 2015.

 

A specific ALLL is established for loans identified as impaired or TDRs, based on significant conditions or circumstances related to the specific credits.  The specific allowance amounts are determined by a method prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 310, Receivables.  Loans identified as impaired are accounted for in accordance with one of three valuations: (i)   the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate; (ii)   the loan's observable market price, or (iii)   the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, less estimated liquidation costs.  A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that not all amounts due (principal and interest) will be collectible according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  The significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls are considered on a loan-by-loan basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

 

For commercial business, faith-based non-profit, real estate and certain consumer loans, the measurement of loan impairment is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or on the fair value of the loan's collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Most consumer loans are smaller balance and homogeneous, and are evaluated for impairment on a collective basis, applying the quantitative loss history and the qualitative factors. Impairment losses are included in the ALLL through a charge to the provision for loan losses.

 

The Company uses several credit quality indicators to manage credit risk in an ongoing manner.  The Company's risk rating system was developed to aid in the risk management process by grouping credits with similar risk profiles into pass, special mention, substandard or doubtful categories.  Credit risk ratings are applied individually tall classes oloans and leases. Internal credit reviews and external contracted credit review examinations are used to determine and validate loan risk grades.  The credit review system takes into consideration factors such as: borrower's background and experience; historical and current financial condition; credit history and payment performance; economic conditions and their impact on various industries; type, market value and volatility of thmarket value of collateral; lien position; and thfinancial strength of guarantors.

 

The process of assessing the adequacy of the ALLL is necessarily subjective. Further, and particularly in periods of economic downturns, it is reasonably possible that future credit losses may exceed historical loss levels and may also exceed management's current estimates of incurred credit losses inherent within the loan portfolio. As such, there can be no assurance that future loan charge-offs will not exceed management's current estimate of what constitutes a reasonable ALLL.

 

The Company and the Bank are subject to periodic examination by their federal and state regulators, and may be required by such regulators to recognize additions tthe allowance for loan losses based on their assessment ocredit information available tthem athe time otheir examinations.

 

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments - The Unfunded Reserve is a component of other liabilities and represents the estimate for probable credit losses inherent in unfunded commitments to extend credit. Unfunded commitments to extend credit include unfunded loans with available balances, new commitments to lend that are not yet funded, and standby and commercial letters of credit.  The process used to determine the Unfunded Reserve is consistent with the process for determining the ALLL, as adjusted for estimated funding probabilities and historical five year rolling look back quantitative loan loss factor for 2015 and four year rolling look-back quantitative loan loss factor for 2014. The look back period was extended during the fourth quarter of 2015 to capture a period of increased losses. The level of the Unfunded Reserve is adjusted by recording an expense or recovery in other noninterest expense.  The balances of $10 thousand and $34 thousand for December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were reflected in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Bank Premises and Equipment, Net - Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization are computed by the straight-line method and are charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 30-50 years for premises; generally 6-10 years for furniture and equipment, and 3-5 years for information technology equipment and software. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases or the useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. The Bank reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows attributable to an asset is less than the stated amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized in the current period and charged to operations.  Upon disposition, the asset and related accumulated depreciation and/or amortization are relieved, and any gains or losses are reflected in operations.

 

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance - The Bank maintains life insurance on certain current and former officers and directors, of which the Bank is owner and beneficiary.  The cash surrender value of the policies at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $8.2 million and $7.7 million, respectively.  Income from the policies and changes in the net cash surrender value, excluding additional purchases or withdrawals, are recorded in noninterest income.

 

OREO - OREO, which represents real estate acquired through foreclosure, or the transfer of the deed in lieu of foreclosure, in satisfaction of commercial and consumer real estate collateralized loans, is initially recorded at fair value less estimated holding and selling costs of the real estate.  Loan balances in excess of the fair value of the real estate acquired at the date of the foreclosure are charged to the ALLL. Any subsequent operating expenses or income, reduction in estimated fair values, and gains or losses on disposition of such properties are charged or credited to non-interest income or non-interest expense.  Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs due to the carrying value of a property exceeding its estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell are charged against other non-interest expense.  As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was $2.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of foreclosed properties included in OREO on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of which $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, were residential real estate; the remainder was commercial real estate. OREO included $0.2 million and $0.9 million of OREO excludes bank-owned property held for Company use at December 31, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015 $0.5 million of loans collateralized by residential real estate were in the process of foreclosure.

 

Earnings Per Share - Earnings per share are calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the purpose of computing the basic earnings per share and the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus dilutive common stock equivalents, such as stock options, for the purpose of computing diluted earnings per share.  As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no stock options outstanding.

 

Advertising Costs - Advertising is expensed as incurred.

 

Income Taxes - Provisions for income taxes are based on amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income (after exclusion of non- taxable income such as interest on state and municipal securities) and include changes in deferred income taxes.  Deferred tax asset and liability balances reflect temporary differences at the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes will become payable or receivable.  Temporary differences are differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  A valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax assets if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not brealized. The Company regularly reviews itdeferred tax assets for recoverability considering historical profitability, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies.

 

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that ultimately would be sustained.  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more- likely-than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation process, if any. The evaluation of a tax position taken is considered by itself and not offset or aggregated with other positions.  Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.  Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense on the income statement. It is the Company's policy to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax liabilities within income tax expense in the statements of income. The Company does not have an accrual for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, as deductions taken and benefits accrued are based on widely understood administrative practices and procedures and are based on tax law.  The Company's federal and state income tax returns are subject to review and examination by government authorities.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in the Company's equity during the period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.  Total comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive (loss) income.  The Company's other comprehensive (loss) income and accumulated other comprehensive loss are comprised of net unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt securities and post-retirement plans.  Information concerning the Company's other comprehensive (loss) income and accumulated comprehensive loss as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments - Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 17.  Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items.  Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.  Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (observable inputs) and the lowest priority to the Company's assumptions (unobservable inputs).  GAAP requires fair value measurements to be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy.  For assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, the Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements.

 

The Company utilizes fair value measurements trecord fair value adjustments tcertain assets and liabilities and tdetermine fair value disclosures.  Available-for-sale investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for sale, loans held for investment and certain other assets.

 

Under GAAP, the Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.  The Company did not have any changes in leveling inputs in 2013.

 

These levels are:

 

Level 1 Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Level 2 Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources via independent providers for market transactions involving similar assets or liabilities.  The Company's principal market for these securities is the secondary institutional markets and valuations are based on observable market data in those markets.  Level 2 securities include U. S. Government agency securities (“U.S. Agencies”), U.S. Government sponsored residential mortgage backed securities (“MBS”) and State and Municipal Bonds (“Municipals”).

 

Level 3 Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions.  Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets.

 

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Material estimates that are susceptible to change in the near term relate to the determination of the ALLL and the provision for loan losses, the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, accounting for deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances, the determination othe fair values oinvestment securities and other accounting for incentive compensation, and post-retirement benefits.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Significant Group Concentrations - Most of thBank's activities arwith customers located within thstate of NC. The Bank does have concentrations with respect to loans to and deposits from faith-based non-profit organizations as outlined in Notes 6 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Mortgage Servicing Rights - Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as assets when mortgage loans are sold and the rights to service those loans are retained.  Mortgage servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value by using a discounted cash flow model to calculate the present value of estimated future net servicing income.

 

The Company's mortgage servicing rights accounted for under the amortization method are initially recorded at fair value.  The Company obtains an annual appraisal of its mortgage servicing rights and adjusts the carrying value accordingly.  During the year, the carrying value is amortized based on the year-end appraisal to total serviced mortgage balances outstanding as of quarter end.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance that is intended to define management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. In connection with preparing financial statements, management will need to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the organization's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance that eliminated the concept of extraordinary items from GAAP. Existing GAAP required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. The amendments will eliminate the requirements for reporting entities to consider whether an underlying event or transaction is extraordinary, however, the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained and will be expanded to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance, which amends the consolidation requirements and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under GAAP. Although the amendments are expected to result in the deconsolidation of many entities, the Company will need to reevaluate all its previous consolidation conclusions. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted (including during an interim period), provided that the guidance is applied as of the beginning of the annual period containing the adoption date. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which provides a practical expedient that permits the Company to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the Company's fiscal year-end. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. As a result of the deferral, the guidance in ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will apply the guidance using a modified retrospective approach. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB issued amendments to the “Interest” topic of the ASC to clarify the SEC staff's position on presenting and measuring debt issuance costs incurred in connection with line-of-credit arrangements. The amendments were effective upon issuance. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB amended the “Financial Instruments” topic of the ASC to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will apply the guidance by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values will be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the amendments. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.