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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting
Basis of Accounting and Presentation - The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation - The financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and those entities in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary.
Altisource consolidates two cooperative entities which are managed by The Mortgage Partnership of America, L.L.C. (“MPA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altisource: Best Partners Mortgage Cooperative, Inc., a mortgage cooperative doing business as Lenders One® (“Lenders One”) and Best Partners Mortgage Brokers Cooperative, Inc., a mortgage cooperative doing business as Wholesale One® (“Wholesale One”). MPA provides services to Lenders One under a management agreement that ends on December 31, 2025 (with renewals for three successive five-year periods at MPA’s option) and to Wholesale One under a management agreement that ends on July 8, 2039 (with automatic renewals for three successive five-year periods).
The management agreements between MPA and Lenders One and between MPA and Wholesale One, pursuant to which MPA is the management company, represent variable interests in variable interest entities. MPA is the primary beneficiary of Lenders One and Wholesale One as it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact each of these cooperatives’ economic performance and the right to receive benefits from each of these cooperatives. As a result, Lenders One and Wholesale One are presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements on a consolidated basis and the interests of the members are reflected as non-controlling interests. As of December 31, 2016, Lenders One had total assets of $3.8 million and total liabilities of $1.5 million. As of December 31, 2015, Lenders One had total assets of $4.9 million and total liabilities of $3.7 million. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Wholesale One had less than $0.1 million in total assets and less than $0.1 million in total liabilities.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining share-based compensation, income taxes, collectability of receivables, valuation of acquired intangibles and goodwill, depreciable lives and valuation of fixed assets and contingencies. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents - We classify all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase as cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts Receivable, Net - Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts that represents an amount that we estimate to be uncollectible. We have estimated the allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical write-offs, our analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables and our assessment of the economic status of our customers, if known. The carrying value of accounts receivable, net, approximates fair value.
Premises and Equipment, Net
Premises and Equipment, Net - We report premises and equipment, net at cost or estimated fair value at acquisition for premises and equipment recorded in connection with a business combination and depreciate these assets over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows:
Furniture and fixtures
5 years
Office equipment
5 years
Computer hardware
5 years
Computer software
3-7 years
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of useful life, 10 years or the term of the lease

Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. We capitalize expenditures for significant improvements and new equipment and depreciate the assets over the shorter of the capitalized asset’s life or the life of the lease.
We review premises and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset or asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset or asset group. There were no impairments of premises and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a $4.1 million premises and equipment impairment loss. See Note 9 for additional information.
Computer software includes the fair value of software acquired in business combinations, capitalized software development costs and purchased software. Capitalized software development and purchased software are recorded at cost and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. Software acquired in business combinations is recorded at its fair value and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations - We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using their fair value as of the acquisition date.
Goodwill
Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change in a manner that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether we need to perform the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test. Only if we determine, based on qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value will we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit. We would then test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows and market comparisons. The discounted cash flow method is based on the present value of projected cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our estimate of future sales and operating expenses, based primarily on estimated pricing, sales volumes, market segment share, cost trends and general economic conditions. Certain estimates of discounted cash flows involve businesses with limited financial history and developing revenue models. The estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate that represents our weighted average cost of capital.
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible Assets, Net - Identified intangible assets consist primarily of customer related intangible assets, operating agreements, trademarks and trade names and other intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any arrangements, the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for use of the asset and other economic factors. We amortize intangible assets that we deem to have definite lives in proportion to actual and expected customer revenues or on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, generally ranging from 4 to 20 years.
Debt Issuance Costs and Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt - Long-term debt is reported net of applicable discount or premium and net of debt issuance costs. The debt discount or premium and debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense through maturity of the related debt using the effective interest method.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements - Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, which prioritizes the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets and liabilities, is as follows:
Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
Level 2 Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
Functional Currency
Functional Currency - The currency of the primary economic environment in which our operations are conducted is the United States dollar. Therefore, the United States dollar has been determined to be our functional and reporting currency. Non-United States dollar transactions and balances have been measured in United States dollars in accordance with ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters. All transaction gains and losses from the measurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-United States dollar currencies are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income as income or expenses, as appropriate.
Defined Contribution 401(k) Plan
Defined Contribution 401(k) Plan - Some of our employees currently participate in a defined contribution 401(k) plan under which we may make matching contributions equal to a discretionary percentage determined by us.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation - Share-based compensation is accounted for under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under ASC Topic 718, the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is generally measured based on the grant date fair value of the award. Share-based awards that do not require future service are expensed immediately. Share-based awards that require future service are recognized over the relevant service period. Further, as required under ASC Topic 718, we estimate forfeitures for share-based awards that are not expected to vest.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share - We compute earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Altisource by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities using the treasury stock method.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition - We recognize revenue from the services we provide in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. ASC Topic 605 sets forth guidance as to when revenue is realized or realizable and earned, which is generally when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been performed; (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, the contract terms for these services are relatively short in duration, and we recognize revenue as the services are performed either on a per unit or a fixed price basis. Specific policies for each of our reportable segments are as follows:
Mortgage Services segment: We recognize revenue for the majority of the services we provide when the services have been performed. For certain default management services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the related services, with full recognition upon recording the related foreclosure deed. A significant area of judgment includes the period over which we recognize certain default management services revenue. For disbursement processing services, we recognize revenue over the period during which we perform the processing services with full recognition upon completion of the disbursements. We record revenue associated with fees earned on real estate sales other than our short-term investments in real estate on a net basis as we perform services as an agent without assuming the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and the commission earned on the sale is a fixed percentage. For short-term investments in real estate, we record revenue in the amount of the selling price of the property upon the sale of the property. Reimbursable expenses of $51.9 million, $107.2 million and $137.4 million incurred for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are included in revenue with an equal offsetting expense included in cost of revenue primarily related to our default management services. These amounts are recognized on a gross basis, principally because we have complete control over selection of vendors and the vendor relationship is with us, rather than with our customers.
Financial Services segment: We generally earn our fees for asset recovery management services as a percentage of the amount we collect on delinquent consumer receivables and charged-off mortgages on behalf of our clients and recognize revenue following collection from the debtors. We also earn fees for packaging and selling charged-off mortgages and recognize revenue after the sale of the notes and once the risks and rewards of the mortgage notes are transferred to the purchasers. In addition, we provide customer relationship management services for which we typically earn and recognize revenue on a per-person, per-call or per-minute basis as the related services are performed.
Technology Services segment: For our software services, we charge fees based on the number of loans on the system or on a per-transaction basis. We record transactional revenue when the service is provided and other revenue monthly based on the number of loans processed or services provided. In addition, we charge fees for professional services engagements, which consist primarily of time and materials agreements with customers that are generally billed and recognized as the hours are worked.
For Equator software applications, we recognize revenue from arrangements with multiple deliverables in accordance with ASC Subtopic 605-25, Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Element Arrangements (“ASC 605-25”), and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 13, Revenue Recognition (“SAB Topic 13”). ASC 605-25 and SAB Topic 13 require each deliverable within a multiple-deliverable revenue arrangement to be accounted for as a separate unit if both of the following criteria are met: (1) the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and (2) for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the seller’s control. Deliverables not meeting the criteria for accounting treatment as a separate unit are combined with a deliverable that meets that criterion. We derive revenue from platform services fees, professional services fees and other services. We do not begin to recognize revenue for platform services fees until these fees become billable, as the services fees are not fixed and determinable until such time. Platform services fees are recognized ratably over the shorter of the term of the contract with the customer or the minimum cancellation period. Professional services fees consist primarily of configuration services related to customizing the platform for individual customers and are generally billed as the hours are worked. Due to the essential and specialized nature of the configuration services, these services do not qualify as separate units of accounting separate from the platform services as the delivered services do not have value to the customer on a standalone basis. Therefore, the related fees are recorded as deferred revenue until the project configuration is complete and then recognized ratably over the longer of the term of the agreement or the estimated expected customer life. Other services consist primarily of training, including agent certification, and consulting services. These services are generally sold separately and are recognized as revenue as the services are performed and earned.
For Mortgage Builder software applications, we recognize subscription revenues ratably over the contract term, beginning on the commencement date of each contract. Revenues for usage-based transactions are generally recognized as the usage occurs, as that is the point when the fee becomes fixed or determinable. We generally invoice customers on a monthly basis.
We currently provide information technology (“IT”) infrastructure services to Ocwen Financial Corporation (“Ocwen”), Altisource Residential Corporation (“Residential”) and Altisource Asset Management Corporation (“AAMC”) and charge for these services primarily based on the number of employees that are using the applicable systems and the number and type of licensed platforms used by Ocwen, Residential and AAMC. We record revenue associated with implementation services upon completion and maintenance ratably over the related service period.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes - We record income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”). We account for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for these differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities as well as expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. The most significant temporary differences relate to accrued compensation, amortization and loss and credit carryforwards. We measure deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we anticipate recovery or settlement of those temporary differences. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In 2015, the Company early-adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This standard simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities be classified as non-current in an entity’s balance sheet. We adopted this standard prospectively. Accordingly, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.
Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under ASC Topic 740. We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that 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 ultimate settlement. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectations could have a material impact on our results of operations.
Adoption/Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
On January 1, 2016, FASB ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, became effective. This standard addresses the consolidation of certain legal entities relative to current requirements under GAAP. Specifically, the standard pertains to a reporting entity’s consolidation of another legal entity in situations in which the reporting entity’s contractual rights do not give it the ability to act primarily on its own behalf, the reporting entity does not hold a majority of the legal entity’s voting rights or the reporting entity is not exposed to a majority of the legal entity’s economic benefits or obligations. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2016, FASB ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs became effective. As a result of this accounting change, the Company now presents debt issuance costs, net as a direct deduction from the related debt (see Note 13). Prior to January 1, 2016, debt issuance costs, net were included in other assets. We adopted the standard retrospectively. Accordingly, prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
On January 1, 2016, FASB ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments became effective. This standard requires that adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined rather than recognizing the adjustments retrospectively. The standard also requires that the acquirer records, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This standard establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of this new standard is an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, although not prior to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis of over 90% of its revenue from customers for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company estimated that less than 5% of consolidated revenue, primarily related to software development professional services, would likely be deferred and recognized over future periods under the new standard. The Company will continue to analyze the impact of this guidance and refine the estimated impact on its results of operations and financial position.
In January 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard will require equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The standard also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value. It also amends certain financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis of this guidance, upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 the Company will reflect changes in the fair value of its available for sale securities in income. These changes in fair value are currently reflected in other comprehensive income. The Company will continue to analyze the impact of this guidance and refine the estimated impact on its results of operations and financial position.
In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This standard introduces a new lessee model that brings substantially all leases on the balance sheet. The standard will require companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on their balance sheets and disclose key information about leasing arrangements in their financial statements. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application of this standard is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis of its lease arrangements as of December 31, 2016 where the Company is a lessee, the impact of adopting the new standard is primarily related to office leases, which would be recorded as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet under the new standard. The Company will continue to analyze the impact of this guidance and refine the estimated impact on its results of operations and financial position.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). This standard clarifies guidance on principal versus agent considerations in connection with revenue recognition. When another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or service itself (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (that is, the entity is an agent). An entity is a principal if it controls the specified good or service before that good or service is transferred to a customer. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customer. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, although not prior to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its results of operations and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as described above.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This standard simplifies 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. The standard will require companies to recognize all award-related excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in their income statements, classify any excess tax benefits as an operating activity in their statements of cash flows, provide companies with the option of estimating forfeitures or recognizing forfeitures as they occur, modify the statutory tax withholding requirements and classify cash paid by employers when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes as an investing activity in their statements of cash flows. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application of this standard is permitted. The Company is completing its evaluation of the impact of this guidance on its results of operations and financial position. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis of the income tax impact of this guidance and the impact of estimating or recognizing forfeitures as they occur, the Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.
In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. This standard provides guidance on identifying performance obligations in a contract with a customer and clarifying several licensing considerations, including whether an entity’s promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied over time) and guidance on sales-based and usage-based royalties. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, although not prior to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its results of operations and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as described above.
In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. This standard addresses collectability, sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers, non-cash consideration, contract modifications at transition and completed contracts at transition. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, although not prior to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its results of operations and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as described above.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. The Company currently does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its statement of cash flows.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This standard will require that companies recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset (other than inventory) when the transfer occurs. Current guidance prohibits companies from recognizing current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. The Company currently does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its results of operations and financial position.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This standard will require that companies include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in their cash and cash equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows. Therefore, 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. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. The Company currently does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its statement of cash flows. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, restricted cash was $4.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The FASB issued 13 technical corrections and improvements to ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), including providing optional exemptions from the disclosure requirement for remaining performance obligations for specific situations in which an entity need not estimate variable consideration to recognize revenue. The amendments in this standard also expand the information that is required to be disclosed when an entity applies one of the optional exemptions. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, although not prior to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its results of operations and financial position in connection with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as described above.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This standard clarifies the definition of a business and provides a screen to determine if a set of inputs, processes and outputs is a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the assets acquired would not be a business. Under the new guidance, in order to be considered a business, an acquisition must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. In addition, the standard narrows the definition of the term “output” so that it is consistent with how it is described in ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard will simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Current guidance requires that companies compute the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2 by performing procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. This standard will require companies to perform annual or interim goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period, and will be applied prospectively. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements.