1.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business — Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) operates in the motion picture exhibition industry, with theatres in the United States (“U.S.”), Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Bolivia and Curaçao. The Company operated theatres in Mexico until November 15, 2013 (see Note 5).

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cinemark Holdings, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliates. Majority-owned subsidiaries that the Company has control of are consolidated while those affiliates of which the Company owns between 20% and 50% and does not control are accounted for under the equity method. Those affiliates of which the Company owns less than 20% are generally accounted for under the cost method, unless the Company is deemed to have the ability to exercise significant influence over the affiliate, in which case the Company would account for its investment under the equity method. The results of these subsidiaries and affiliates are included in the consolidated financial statements effective with their formation or from their dates of acquisition. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of operating funds held in financial institutions, petty cash held by the theatres and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash investments were primarily in money market funds or other similar funds.

Accounts Receivable — Accounts receivable, which are recorded at net realizable value, consists primarily of receivables related to screen advertising, receivables related to discounted tickets sold to retail locations, receivables from landlords related to theatre construction, rebates earned from the Company’s beverage and other concession vendors and value-added and other non-income tax receivables.

Inventories — Concession and theatre supplies inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.

Theatre Properties and Equipment — Theatre properties and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:


Category		Useful Life
Buildings on owned land		40 years
Buildings on leased land		Lesser of lease term or useful life
Land and buildings under capital lease ⁽¹⁾		Lesser of lease term or useful life
Theatre furniture and equipment		3 to 15 years
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of lease term or useful life

⁽¹⁾	Amortization of capital lease assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the consolidated statements of income. Accumulated amortization of capital lease assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 was $133,022 and $150,968, respectively.

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment indicators on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable.

The Company considers actual theatre level cash flows, budgeted theatre level cash flows, theatre property and equipment carrying values, amortizing intangible asset carrying values, the age of a recently built theatre, competitive theatres in the marketplace, the impact of recent ticket price changes, available lease renewal options and other factors considered relevant in its assessment of impairment of individual theatre assets. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment on an individual theatre basis, which the Company believes is the lowest applicable level for which there are identifiable cash flows. The impairment evaluation is based on the estimated undiscounted cash flows from continuing use through the remainder of the theatre’s useful life. The remainder of the theatre’s useful life correlates with the available remaining lease period, which includes the probability of renewal periods, for leased properties and the lesser of twenty years or the building’s remaining useful life for fee-owned properties. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover a long-lived asset’s carrying value, the Company then compares the carrying value of the asset group (theatre) with its estimated fair value. When estimated fair value is determined to be lower than the carrying value of the asset group (theatre), the asset group (theatre) is written down to its estimated fair value. Significant judgment is involved in estimating cash flows and fair value. Management’s estimates, which fall under Level 3 of the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820-10-35, are based on historical and projected operating performance, recent market transactions and current industry trading multiples. Fair value is determined based on a multiple of cash flows, which was six and a half times for the evaluations performed during 2013, 2014 and 2015. The long-lived asset impairment charges recorded during each of the periods presented are specific to theatres that were directly and individually impacted by increased competition, adverse changes in market demographics, or adverse changes in the development or the conditions of the areas surrounding the theatre. See Note 9.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets — The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level and has allocated goodwill to the reporting unit based on an estimate of its relative fair value. Management considers the reporting unit to be each of its nineteen regions in the U.S. and seven countries internationally (Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala are considered one reporting unit). Goodwill impairment was evaluated using a two-step approach during 2013 and 2014, requiring the Company to compute the fair value of a reporting unit and compare it with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a second step is performed to measure the potential goodwill impairment. Significant judgment is involved in estimating cash flows and fair value. Management’s estimates, which fall under Level 3 of the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as defined by FASB ASC Topic 820-10-35, are based on historical and projected operating performance, recent market transactions and current industry trading multiples. Fair value is determined based on a multiple of cash flows, which was eight times for the evaluations performed during 2013 and 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Company’s goodwill exceeded their carrying values by at least 10%.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company performed a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment on all reporting units except one, in accordance with ASU 2011-08 Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”). The qualitative assessment included consideration of historical and expected future industry performance, estimated future performance of the Company, current industry trading multiples and other economic factors. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units were less than their carrying values. The Company performed the quantitative two-step approach on a new U.S. region that had not previously been assessed for goodwill impairment. The fair value for the new reporting unit was determined based on a multiple of estimated cash flows, which was eight times, and exceeded its carrying value by more than 10%.

Tradename intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. During 2013 and 2014, the Company estimated the fair value of its tradenames by applying an estimated market royalty rate that could be charged for the use of our tradename to forecasted future revenues, with an adjustment for the present value of such royalties. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the tradename intangible asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Significant judgment is involved in estimating market royalty rates and long-term revenue forecasts. Management’s estimates, which fall under Level 3 of the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as defined by FASB ASC Topic 820-10-35, are based on historical and projected revenue performance and industry trends. As of December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Company’s tradename intangible assets exceeded their carrying values by at least 10%. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company performed a qualitative tradename intangible asset impairment assessment in accordance with ASU 2011-08. The qualitative assessment included consideration of the Company’s historical and forecasted revenues and estimated royalty rates for each tradename intangible asset. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of tradename intangible assets were less than their carrying values.

The table below summarizes the Company’s intangible assets and the amortization method used for each type of intangible asset:


Intangible Asset		Amortization Method
Goodwill		Indefinite-lived
Tradename		Indefinite-lived
Vendor contracts		Straight-line method over the terms of the underlying contracts. The remaining terms of the underlying contracts range from two to five years.
Favorable/unfavorable leases		Based on the pattern in which the economic benefits are realized over the terms of the lease agreements. The remaining terms of the lease agreements range from approximately three to twenty-one years.
Other intangible assets		Straight-line method over the terms of the underlying agreement or the expected useful life of the intangible asset. The remaining useful lives of these intangible assets range from two to eleven years.

Deferred Charges and Other Assets — Deferred charges and other assets consist of long-term prepaid rents, construction and other deposits, equipment to be placed in service, and other assets of a long-term nature. Long-term prepaid rents represent prepayments of rent on operating leases. These payments are recognized as facility lease expense over the period for which the rent was paid in advance as outlined in the lease agreements. The amortization periods generally range from one to ten years.

Lease Accounting — The Company evaluates each lease for classification as either a capital lease or an operating lease. The Company records the lease as a capital lease at its inception if 1) the present value of future minimum lease payments exceeds 90% of the leased property’s estimated fair value; 2) the lease term exceeds 75% of the property’s estimated useful life; 3) the lease contains a bargain purchase option; or 4) ownership transfers to the Company at the end of the lease. The Company performs this evaluation at the inception of the lease and when a modification is made to a lease. If the lease agreement calls for a scheduled rent increase during the lease term, the Company recognizes the lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company determines the straight-line rent expense impact of an operating lease upon inception of the lease. The landlord is typically responsible for constructing a theatre using guidelines and specifications agreed to by the Company and assumes substantially all of the risk of construction. If the Company concludes that it has substantially all of the construction period risks, it records a construction asset and related liability for the amount of total project costs incurred during the construction period. At the end of the construction period, the Company determines if the transaction qualifies for sale-leaseback accounting treatment in regards to lease classification. If the Company receives a lease incentive payment from a landlord, the Company records the proceeds as a deferred lease incentive liability and amortizes the liability as a reduction in rent expense over the initial term of the respective lease.

Deferred Revenues — Advances collected on long-term screen advertising, concession and other contracts are recorded as deferred revenues. In accordance with the terms of the agreements, the advances collected on such contracts are recognized during the period in which the advances are earned, which may differ from the period in which the advances are collected. These advances are recognized on either a straight-line basis over the term of the contracts or as such revenues are earned in accordance with the terms of the contracts.

Self-Insurance Reserves — The Company is self-insured for general liability claims subject to an annual cap. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, claims were capped at $250, $100 and $100 per occurrence, respectively, with annual caps of approximately $2,600, $2,670 and $2,900, respectively. The Company is also self-insured for medical claims up to $125 per occurrence. The Company is fully insured for workers compensation claims. As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the Company’s insurance reserves were $7,675 and $9,039, respectively, and are reflected in accrued other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue and Expense Recognition — Revenues are recognized when admissions and concession sales are received at the box office. Other revenues primarily consist of screen advertising. Screen advertising revenues are recognized over the period that the related advertising is delivered on-screen or in-theatre. The Company records proceeds from the sale of gift cards and other advanced sale-type certificates in current liabilities and recognizes admissions or concession revenue when a holder redeems the card or certificate. The Company recognizes unredeemed gift cards and other advanced sale-type certificates as revenue only after such a period of time indicates, based on historical experience, the likelihood of redemption is remote, and based on applicable laws and regulations. In evaluating the likelihood of redemption, the Company considers the period outstanding, the level and frequency of activity, and the period of inactivity. As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the Company’s liabilities for advanced sale-type certificates were approximately $63,209 and $68,158, respectively, and are reflected in accrued other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized unredeemed gift cards and other advanced sale-type certificates as revenues in the amount of $10,684, $12,233 and $11,786 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Film rental costs are accrued based on the applicable box office receipts and either firm terms or a sliding scale formula, which are generally established prior to the opening of the film, or estimates of the final rate, which occurs at the conclusion of the film run, subject to the film licensing arrangement. Under a firm terms formula, the Company pays the distributor a percentage of box office receipts, which reflects either an aggregate rate for the life of the film or rates that decline over the term of the run. Under a sliding scale formula, film rental is paid as a percentage of box office revenues using a pre-determined matrix based upon box office performance of the film. The settlement process allows for negotiation of film rental fees upon the conclusion of the film run based upon how the film performs. Estimates are based on the expected success of a film. The success of a film can typically be determined a few weeks after a film is released when initial box office performance of the film is known. Accordingly, final settlements typically approximate estimates since box office receipts are known at the time the estimate is made and the expected success of a film can typically be estimated early in the film’s run. If actual settlements are different than those estimates, film rental costs are adjusted at that time.

Accounting for Share Based Awards — The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity award based on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant. The grant date fair value is estimated using a market observed price. Such costs are recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (which is usually the vesting period). At the time of the grant, the Company also estimates the number of instruments that will ultimately be forfeited. See Note 16 for discussion of the Company’s share based awards and related compensation expense.

Income Taxes — The Company uses an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided when tax laws and financial accounting standards differ with respect to the amount of income for a year and the basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. Income taxes are provided on unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries unless such earnings are expected to be indefinitely reinvested. Income taxes have also been provided for potential tax assessments. The evaluation of an uncertain tax position is a two-step process. The first step is recognition: The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company should presume that the position would be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measurement: A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements result in (1) a change in a liability for income taxes payable or (2) a change in an income tax refund receivable, a deferred tax asset or a deferred tax liability or both (1) and (2). The Company accrues interest and penalties on its uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.

Segments — For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, the Company managed its business under two reportable operating segments, U.S. markets and international markets. See Note 20.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency Translations — The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates as of the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets in accumulated other comprehensive loss. See Note 14 for a summary of the translation adjustments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Company recognizes foreign currency transaction gains and losses when changes in exchange rates impact transactions, other than intercompany transactions of a long-term investment nature, that have been denominated in a currency other than the functional currency.

Fair Value Measurements — According to authoritative guidance, inputs used in fair value measurements fall into three different categories; Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company has interest rate swap agreements and investments in marketable securities that are adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis (quarterly). With respect to its interest rate swap agreements, the Company uses the income approach to determine the fair value of its interest rate swap agreements and under this approach, the Company uses projected future interest rates as provided by the counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements and the fixed rates that the Company is obligated to pay under these agreements. Therefore, the Company’s fair value measurements for its interest rate swaps use significant unobservable inputs, which fall in Level 3. With respect to its investments in marketable securities, the Company uses quoted market prices, which fall under Level 1 of the hierarchy. There were no changes in valuation techniques during the period and no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 or 2015. See Note 12 for further discussion of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements and Note 13 for further discussion of the Company’s fair value measurements. The Company also uses fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis, primarily in the impairment evaluations for goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. See Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Theatre Properties and Equipment included above for discussion of such fair value measurements.

Acquisitions — The Company accounts for acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method requires that the acquired assets and liabilities, including contingencies, be recorded at fair value determined on the acquisition date and changes thereafter reflected in income. For significant acquisitions, the Company obtains independent third party valuation studies for certain of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to assist the Company in determining fair value. The estimation of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed involves a number of estimates and assumptions that could differ materially from the actual amounts realized. The Company provides assumptions, including both quantitative and qualitative information, about the specified asset or liability to the third party valuation firms. The Company primarily utilizes the third parties to accumulate comparative data from multiple sources and assemble a report that summarizes the information obtained. The Company then uses the information to record estimated fair value. The third party valuation firms are supervised by Company personnel who are knowledgeable about valuations and fair value. The Company evaluates the appropriateness of the assumptions and valuation methodologies utilized by the third party valuation firm.