2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in the Company’s prior period consolidated financial statements and notes to the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company performs a qualitative analysis to determine if it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This analysis includes consideration of who has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The Company continuously reassesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.

The Company has consolidated one entity for which it is the primary beneficiary. Total net assets and results of operations of the entity as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are not significant.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company’s operations are affected by numerous factors, including changes in audience acceptance (i.e. ratings), priorities of advertisers, new laws and governmental regulations and policies and technological advances. The Company cannot predict if any of these factors might have a significant impact on the television, radio, and digital advertising industries in the future, nor can it predict what impact, if any, the occurrence of these or other events might have on the Company’s operations and cash flows. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management are used for, but not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation, the estimated useful lives of long-lived and intangible assets, the recoverability of such assets by their estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the fair value of reporting units and indefinite life intangible assets, fair values of derivative instruments, disclosure of the fair value of debt, deferred income taxes and the purchase price allocations used in the Company’s acquisitions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of funds held in general checking accounts, money market accounts and commercial paper. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

Investments

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with a financial institution to purchase a six-month certificate of deposit (the “CD”) for $30.0 million, which was recorded in "Short-term investments" on the consolidated balance sheets during the term of the CD. The CD matured during the third quarter and the funds returned to “Cash and cash equivalents” on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company made an investment in Chanclazo Studios, Inc. ("Chanclazo"), an innovative digital production studio that creates and distributes short and long form 3D animation, virtual reality and augmented reality content for Hispanic audiences. The net investment in Chanclazo totaled $0.5 million, for a 6% ownership interest, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The investment was recorded in "Other assets" on the consolidated balance sheet and is accounted for using the cost method.

Long-lived Assets, Other Assets and Intangibles Subject to Amortization

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives (see Note 5). The Company periodically evaluates assets to be held and used and long-lived assets held for sale, when events and circumstances warrant such review.

Syndication contracts are recorded at cost. Syndication amortization is provided using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line method over their estimated useful lives (see Note 4). Favorable leasehold interests and pre-sold advertising contracts are amortized over the term of the underlying contracts. Deferred debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the related indebtedness using the effective interest method.

Changes in circumstances, such as the passage of new laws or changes in regulations, technological advances or changes to the Company’s business strategy, could result in the actual useful lives differing from initial estimates. Factors such as changes in the planned use of equipment, customer attrition, contractual amendments or mandated regulatory requirements could result in shortened useful lives. In those cases where the Company determines that the useful life of a long-lived asset should be revised, the Company will amortize or depreciate the net book value in excess of the estimated residual value over its revised remaining useful life.

Long-lived assets and asset groups are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The estimated future cash flows are based upon, among other things, assumptions about expected future operating performance, and may differ from actual cash flows. Long-lived assets evaluated for impairment are grouped with other assets to the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value in the period in which the determination is made.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. The Company tests its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually on the first day of its fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if certain events or certain changes in circumstances indicate they may be impaired. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, the Company must make a series of assumptions about such things as the estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of these assets.

Goodwill impairment testing is a multi-step process. The Company first determines, based on a qualitative assessment, whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of its reporting units is less than their respective carrying amounts. The Company has determined that each of its operating segments is a reporting unit.

If it is deemed more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value based on this initial assessment, the next step is a quantitative comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If a reporting unit’s estimated fair value is equal to or greater than that reporting unit’s carrying value, no impairment of goodwill exists and the testing is complete. However, if the reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than the estimated fair value, the final step must be completed to measure the amount of impairment of goodwill, if any. The final step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, then an impairment exists and an impairment loss is recorded for the amount of the difference.

The estimated fair value of goodwill is determined by using a combination of a market approach and an income approach. The market approach estimates fair value by applying sales, earnings and cash flow multiples to each reporting unit’s operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics to the Company’s reporting units. The market approach requires the Company to make a series of assumptions, such as selecting comparable companies and comparable transactions and transaction premiums. In recent years, there has been a decrease in the number of comparable transactions, which makes the market approach of comparable transactions and transaction premiums more difficult to estimate than in previous years.

The income approach estimates fair value based on the Company’s estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions, which reflect the overall level of inherent risk of that reporting unit. The income approach also requires the Company to make a series of assumptions, such as discount rates, revenue projections, profit margin projections and terminal value multiples. The Company estimated discount rates on a blended rate of return considering both debt and equity for comparable publicly-traded companies in the television, radio and digital media industries. These comparable publicly-traded companies have similar size, operating characteristics and/or financial profiles to the Company. The Company also estimated the terminal value multiple based on comparable publicly-traded companies. The Company estimated revenue projections and profit margin projections based on internal forecasts about future performance.

The Company has applied Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-8, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-8”), for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Under this guidance, the Company would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.

Indefinite Ljfe Intangible Assets

The Company believes that its broadcast licenses are indefinite life intangible assets. An intangible asset is determined to have an indefinite useful life when there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or any other factors that may limit the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. The evaluation of impairment for indefinite life intangible assets is performed by a comparison of the asset’s carrying value to the asset’s fair value. When the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount of the difference. The unit of accounting used to test broadcast licenses represents all licenses owned and operated within an individual market cluster, because such licenses are used together, are complimentary to each other and are representative of the best use of those assets. The Company’s individual market clusters consist of cities or nearby cities. The Company tests its broadcasting licenses for impairment based on certain assumptions about these market clusters.

The estimated fair value of indefinite life intangible assets is determined by using an income approach. The income approach estimates fair value based on the estimated future cash flows of each market cluster that a hypothetical buyer would expect to generate, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions, which reflect the overall level of inherent risk. The income approach requires the Company to make a series of assumptions, such as discount rates, revenue projections, profit margin projections and terminal value multiples. The Company estimates the discount rates on a blended rate of return considering both debt and equity for comparable publicly-traded companies. These comparable publicly-traded companies have similar size, operating characteristics and/or financial profiles to the Company. The Company also estimated the terminal value multiple based on comparable publicly-traded companies in the television, radio and digital media industries. The Company estimated the revenue projections and profit margin projections based on various market clusters signal coverage of the markets and industry information for an average station within a given market. The information for each market cluster includes such things as estimated market share, estimated capital start-up costs, population, household income, retail sales and other expenditures that would influence advertising expenditures. Alternatively, some stations under evaluation have had limited relevant cash flow history due to planned or actual conversion of format or upgrade of station signal. The assumptions the Company makes about cash flows after conversion are based on the performance of similar stations in similar markets and potential proceeds from the sale of the assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Trade Receivables

The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company from time to time may have bank deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limits. As of December 31, 2016, substantially all deposits are maintained in one financial institution. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of its customers and, as a consequence, believes that its trade receivable credit risk exposure is limited. Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. A valuation allowance is provided for known and anticipated credit losses, as determined by management in the course of regularly evaluating individual customer receivables. This evaluation takes into consideration a customer’s financial condition and credit history, as well as current economic conditions. Trade receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received. No interest is charged on customer accounts.

Estimated losses for bad debts are provided for in the financial statements through a charge to expense that aggregated $0.8 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net charge off of bad debts aggregated $1.4 million, $0.6 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Dependence on Business Partners

The Company is dependent on the continued financial and business strength of its business partners, such as the companies from whom it obtains programming. The Company could be at risk should any of these entities fail to perform their respective obligations to the Company. This in turn could materially adversely affect the Company’s own business, results of operations and financial condition.

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was approximately $292.8 million and $316.6 million, respectively, based on an income approach which projects expected future cash flows and discounts them using a rate based on industry and market yields.

The carrying values of receivables, payables and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivatives in the management of interest rate risk with respect to interest expense on variable rate debt. The Company’s current policy prohibits entering into derivative instruments for speculation or trading purposes. The Company is party to interest rate swap agreements with financial institutions that will fix the variable benchmark component (LIBOR) of the Company’s interest rate on a portion of its term loan beginning December 31, 2015.

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, requires the Company to recognize all of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, on the type of hedging relationship. The interest rate swap agreements were designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge; therefore, the effective portion of the changes in fair value is a component of other comprehensive income. Any ineffective portions of the changes in fair value of the interest rate swap agreements will be immediately recognized directly to interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations. See Notes 8 and 9 for further discussion of derivative instruments.

Off-balance Sheet Financings and Liabilities

Other than lease commitments, legal contingencies incurred in the normal course of business, employment contracts for key employees and the interest rate swap agreements (see Notes 8, 9, 11 and 15), the Company does not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities. The Company does not have any majority-owned subsidiaries or any interests in, or relationships with, any material variable-interest entities that are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is determined to be more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

In evaluating the Company’s ability to realize net deferred tax assets, the Company considers all reasonably available evidence including past operating results, tax strategies and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these factors, the Company makes certain assumptions and judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage the business.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

Advertising Costs

Amounts incurred for advertising costs with third parties are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense totaled approximately $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Legal Costs

Amounts incurred for legal costs that pertain to loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Repairs and Maintenance

All costs associated with repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Television and radio revenue related to the sale of advertising is recognized at the time of broadcast. Revenue for contracts with advertising agencies is recorded at an amount that is net of the commission retained by the agency. Revenue from contracts directly with the advertisers is recorded at gross revenue and the related commission or national representation fee is recorded in operating expense. Cash payments received prior to services rendered result in deferred revenue, which is then recognized as revenue when the advertising time or space is actually provided. Digital related revenue is recognized when display or other digital advertisements record impressions on the websites of our third-party publishers.

The Company generates revenue under arrangements that are sold on a standalone basis within a specific segment, and those that are sold on a combined basis across multiple segments. The Company has determined that in such revenue arrangements which contain multiple products and services, revenues are allocated based on the relative fair value of each delivered item and recognized in accordance with the applicable revenue recognition criteria for the specific unit of accounting.

In August 2008, the Company entered into a proxy agreement with Univision pursuant to which the Company granted Univision the right to negotiate retransmission consent agreements for its Univision- and UniMás-affiliated television station signals for a term of six years, which expired in December 2014, and which Univision and the Company have extended from time-to-time, most recently through March 31, 2017. Among other things, the proxy agreement provides terms relating to compensation to be paid to the Company by Univision with respect to retransmission consent agreements entered into with Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (“MVPDs”). The term of the proxy agreement extends with respect to any MVPD for the length of the term of any retransmission consent agreement in effect before the expiration of the proxy agreement. It is also the Company’s current intention to negotiate with Univision one or more further extensions of the current proxy agreement or a new proxy agreement; however, no assurance can be given regarding the terms of any such extension or new agreement or that any such extension or new agreement will be entered into. Revenue for the carriage of the Company’s Univision- and UniMás-affiliated television station signals is recognized over the life of each agreement with the cable, satellite and internet-based television service providers. Advertising related to carriage of the Company’s Univision- and UniMás-affiliated television station signals is recognized at the time of broadcast. Retransmission consent revenue was $29.6 million, $27.9 million and $26.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Company also generates revenue from agreements associated with television stations in order to accommodate the operations of telecommunications operators. Revenue from such agreements is recognized when the Company has relinquished all rights to operate the station on the existing channel free from interference to the telecommunications operators.

Trade Transactions

The Company exchanges broadcast time for certain merchandise and services. Trade revenue is recognized when commercials air at the fair value of the goods or services received or the fair value of time aired, whichever is more readily determinable. Trade expense is recorded when the goods or services are used or received. Trade revenue was approximately $0.5 million for each of the years December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Trade costs were approximately $0.5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation according to the provisions of ASC 718, “Stock Compensation”, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchases under the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) based on estimated fair values.

ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using an option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest has been reduced for estimated forfeitures and is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the consolidated statements of operations. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

The Company has selected the Black-Scholes option pricing model as the most appropriate method for determining the estimated fair value for stock options. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards, including the option’s expected term, expected volatility of the underlying stock, risk-free rate, and expected dividends. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and other relevant factors. The expected term assumptions are based on the Company’s historical experience and on the terms and conditions of the stock-based awards. The risk free-rate is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the expected terms of the Company’s stock options. The dividend rate is based on the Company’s dividend policy.

The Company classifies cash flows from excess tax benefits from exercised options in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock-based compensation costs as financing cash flows.

Earnings Per Share

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the basic and diluted per share computations (in thousands, except share and per share data):

	Year Ended		Year Ended		Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Basic earnings per share:
Numerator:
Net income	$	20,405	$	25,625	$	27,122
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic		89,340,589		87,920,230		88,680,322
Per share:
Net income per share	$	0.23	$	0.29	$	0.31
Diluted earnings per share:
Numerator:
Net income	$	20,405	$	25,625	$	27,122
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		89,340,589		87,920,230		88,680,322
Dilutive securities:
Stock options		1,373,733		1,815,489		1,856,707
Restricted stock units		588,734		559,466		406,705
Diluted shares outstanding		91,303,056		90,295,185		90,943,734
Per share:
Net income per share	$	0.22	$	0.28	$	0.30

Basic earnings per share is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution, if any, that could occur from shares issuable through stock options and restricted stock awards.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, a total of 698,344, 299,143 and 1,116,750 shares of dilutive securities, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the dilutive securities were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Comprehensive Income (loss)

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 the Company had other comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $1.1, $2.0 million, and $2.4 million, respectively, related to the fair value of swaps.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. Subsequently, the FASB has issued the following standards related to ASU 2014-09: ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations; ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ; and ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company must adopt ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20 with ASU 2014-09 (collectively, the “new revenue standards”). The new revenue standards are effective for public companies for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company currently expects to adopt the new revenue standards in its first quarter of 2018. The new revenue standards are not expected to have a material impact on the amount and timing of revenue recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) which specifies the accounting for leases. For operating leases, ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in its balance sheet. The standard also requires a lessee to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, on a generally straight-line basis. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships which clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. ASU 2016-05 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which requires entities to use a current expected credit loss ("CECL") model which is a new impairment model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under this model an entity would recognize an impairment allowance equal to its current estimate of all contractual cash flows that the entity does not expect to collect from financial assets measured at amortized cost. The entity's estimate would consider relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, which will result in recognition of life-time expected credit losses upon loan origination. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) which provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues arising from certain cash receipts and cash payments. Currently, GAAP either is unclear or does not include specific guidance on the eight cash flow classification issues addressed in this topic. The objective is to reduce current and potential future diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory which allows entities to recognize the income tax consequences on an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, there has been diversity in the application of the current guidance for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. The objective is to reduce complexity in accounting standards. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Interest Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control to amend the consolidation guidance included in ASU 2015-02. Under the amendments, a single decision maker is not required to consider indirect interests held through related parties that are under common control with the single decision maker to be the equivalent of direct interests in their entirety. Instead, a single decision maker is required to include those interests on a proportionate basis consistent with indirect interests held through other related parties. The objective is to improve the process of determining whether a single decision maker is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. ASU 2016-17 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash a Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force to enhance and clarify the guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The objective is to reduce diversity in practice. ASU 2016-18 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business to provide a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is considered a business. The objective is to add guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only for certain transactions. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer will determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The objective is to reduce the cost and complexity of evaluating goodwill for impairment. ASU 2017-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of the ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company has retrospectively adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 as of January 1, 2016, which was the original effective date for calendar year-end, public entities. As a result, unamortized debt expense of $2.4 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, have been reclassified from Other assets to a deduction of Long-term debt, less current maturities, on the consolidated balance sheets. Adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows.