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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), with all intercompany balances eliminated. The presentation includes the accounts of the Company, and those entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. The noncontrolling equity holders’ share of the assets, liabilities and operations are reflected in noncontrolling interests within permanent equity. The Company also consolidates certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 Consolidation (“ASC 810”)  (see “Investment in Real Estate and Other Affiliates” below). At December 31, 2015, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” and began presenting the carrying value of its debt net of the debt issuance costs, as discussed further below.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition accounted for under the percentage of completion method, capitalization of development costs, provision for income taxes, recoverable amounts of receivables and deferred tax assets, initial valuations of tangible and intangible assets acquired and the related useful lives of assets upon which depreciation and amortization is based. Estimates and assumptions have also been made with respect to future revenues and costs, the fair value of warrants, debt and options granted. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates.

I

Investment in Real Estate

 

Investment in Real Estate

Master Planned Community Assets, Land, Buildings and Equipment

Real estate assets are stated at cost less any provisions for impairments. Expenditures for significant improvements to our assets are capitalized. Tenant improvements relating to our operating assets are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense when incurred.

We periodically review the estimated useful lives of properties. Depreciation or amortization expense is computed using the straight‑line method based upon the following estimated useful lives:

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Type

    

Years

Buildings and improvements

 

10 45

Equipment, tenant improvements and fixtures

 

  5 - 10

Computer hardware and software, and vehicles

 

3 - 5

From time to time, we may reassess the development strategies for certain buildings and improvements which results in changes to our estimate of their remaining useful lives. As a result, we recognized an additional $17.1 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, $10.8 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, and $1.2 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in depreciation expense during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, due to the change in useful lives of these buildings and improvements. The increased depreciation expense was caused by development plans which included the demolition of certain pre-existing buildings and improvements, thereby resulting in a reduction to their useful lives.

Developments

Development costs, which generally include legal and professional fees and other directly‑related third‑party costs associated with specific development properties, are capitalized as part of the property being developed. In the event that management no longer has the ability or intent to complete a development, the costs previously capitalized are evaluated for impairment.

Construction and improvement costs incurred in connection with the development of new properties or the redevelopment of existing properties are capitalized, including certain employee personnel costs. Real estate taxes, interest and insurance costs incurred during construction periods are also capitalized. Capitalized interest costs are based on qualified expenditures and interest rates in place during the construction period. Demolition costs associated with these redevelopments are expensed as incurred.

Our Developments are made up of the following categories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 

 

(In thousands)

    

2015

    

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land & improvements

 

$

182,843

 

$

164,280

 

Development costs

 

 

728,984

 

 

667,228

 

Condominium projects

 

 

125,100

 

 

82,795

 

Total Developments

 

$

1,036,927

 

$

914,303

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate and Other Affiliates

Investment in Real Estate and Other Affiliates

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into partnerships or joint ventures primarily for the development and operation of real estate assets which are referred to as “Real Estate Affiliates”. These partnerships or joint ventures are typically characterized by a non‑controlling ownership interest with decision making and distribution of expected gains and losses being generally proportionate to the ownership interest. We evaluate these partnerships and joint ventures for consolidation in accordance with ASC 810.

We assess our joint ventures at inception to determine if any meet the qualifications of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). We consider a partnership or joint venture a VIE if: (a) the total equity investment is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) characteristics of a controlling financial interest are missing (either the ability to make decisions through voting or other rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity); or (c) the voting rights of the equity holders are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the entity and/or their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. Upon the occurrence of certain events outlined in ASC 810, we reassess our initial determination of whether the partnership or joint venture is a VIE.

We also perform a qualitative assessment of each VIE to determine if we are the primary beneficiary. Under ASC 810, a company concludes that it is the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE if the company has both (a) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The company considers the contractual agreements that define the ownership structure, distribution of profits and losses, risks, responsibilities, indebtedness, voting rights and board representation of the respective parties in determining if the company is the primary beneficiary. As required by ASC 810, management’s assessment of whether the company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is continuously performed.

We account for VIEs for which we are not considered to be the primary beneficiary, but have significant influence, using the equity method and investments in VIEs where we do not have significant influence on the joint venture’s operating and financial policies using the cost method.

We account for investments in joint ventures where we own a non‑controlling interest using the equity method, and investments in joint ventures where we have virtually no influence on the joint venture’s operating and financial policies using the cost method. For cost method investments, we recognize earnings to the extent of distributions received from such investments.

Under the equity method, the cost of our investment is adjusted for our share of the equity in earnings or losses of such Real Estate Affiliates from the date of investment and reduced by distributions received. Generally, the operating agreements with respect to our Real Estate Affiliates provide that assets, liabilities and funding obligations are shared in accordance with our ownership percentages. We generally also share in the profit and losses, cash flows and other matters relating to our Real Estate Affiliates in accordance with our respective ownership percentages. For certain equity method investments, when the preferences on profit sharing on liquidation rights and priorities differ from the ownership percentages, we consider ASC 970 and apply the Hypothetical Liquidation Book Value (“HLBV”) method. Under this method, we recognize income or loss based on the change in our underlying share of the venture’s net assets on a hypothetical liquidation basis as of the reporting date.

Acquisition of Properties

Acquisitions of Properties

We account for the acquisition of real estate properties constituting a business in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). This methodology requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the date of acquisition.

Costs directly related to purchase of land or other property acquisitions are considered additions to the purchase price and increase the cost basis recorded for the Investment in Real Estate.  Acquisition costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred.

The fair value of tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, buildings, and improvements) is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements based on management’s determination of the fair value of these assets. The “as-if-vacant” values are derived from several sources which primarily include a discounted cash flow analysis using discount and capitalization rates based on recent comparable market transactions, where available.

The fair value of acquired intangible assets consisting of in-place, above-market and below-market leases is recorded based on a variety of considerations. In-place lease considerations include, but are not necessarily limited to: (1) the value associated with avoiding the cost of originating the acquired in-place leases (i.e., the market cost to execute a lease, including leasing commissions and tenant improvements); (2) the value associated with lost revenue related to tenant reimbursable operating costs incurred during the assumed lease-up period (i.e., real estate taxes, insurance and certain other operating expenses); and (3) the value associated with lost rental revenue from existing leases during the assumed lease-up period. Above-market and below-market leases are valued at the present value, using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired, of the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease; and (2) management’s estimate of current market lease rates, measured over the remaining non-cancelable lease term, including any below market renewal option periods.

Impairment

Impairment

We review our real estate assets (including those held by our Real Estate Affiliates), operating assets, land held for development and sale, and developments for potential impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  GAAP related to the impairment or disposal of long‑lived assets requires that if impairment indicators exist and that expected undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset are less than its carrying amount, an impairment provision should be recorded to write down the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. The impairment analysis does not consider the timing of future cash flows and whether the asset is expected to earn an above or below market rate of return.

Impairment indicators for our assets or projects within our Master Planned Communities segment are assessed separately and include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in sales pace or average selling prices, significant increases in expected land development and construction costs or cancellation rates, and projected losses on expected future sales. Master Planned Community assets have extended life cycles that may last 20 to 40 years, or longer, and have few long‑term contractual cash flows. Further, Master Planned Community assets generally have minimal to no residual values because of their liquidating characteristics. Master Planned Community development periods often occur through several economic cycles. Subjective factors such as the expected timing of property development and sales, optimal development density and sales strategy impact the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and fair value.

Impairment indicators for our Operating Assets segment are assessed separately for each property and include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in net operating income, significant decreases in occupancy, ongoing low occupancy and significant net operating losses.

Impairment indicators for development costs in our Strategic Developments segment, which are typically costs incurred during the beginning stages of a potential development, and developments in progress are assessed by project and include, but are not limited to, significant changes in projected completion dates, revenues or cash flows, development costs, market factors, significant decreases in comparable property sale prices and feasibility.

The cash flow estimates used both for determining recoverability and estimating fair value are inherently judgmental and reflect current and projected trends in rental, occupancy, pricing, development costs, sales pace and capitalization rates, and estimated holding periods for the applicable assets. Although the estimated fair value of certain assets may be exceeded by the carrying amount, a real estate asset is only considered to be impaired when its carrying amount is not expected to be recovered through estimated future undiscounted cash flows. To the extent an impairment provision is necessary, the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value is expensed to operations. In addition, the impairment provision is allocated proportionately to adjust the carrying amount of the asset. The adjusted carrying amount, which represents the new cost basis of the asset, is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset or, for Master Planned Communities, is expensed as a cost of sales when land is sold. Assets that have been impaired will in the future have lower depreciation and cost of sale expenses. The impairment will have no impact on cash flow.

With respect to our Investment in Real Estate and Other Affiliates, a series of operating losses of an underlying asset or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value has occurred which is other‑than‑temporary. The investment in each Real Estate and Other Affiliate is evaluated periodically and as deemed necessary for recoverability and valuation declines that are other‑than‑temporary. If the decrease in value of an Investment in a Real Estate and Other Affiliate is deemed to be other‑than‑temporary, our investment is reduced to its estimated fair value. In addition to the property‑specific impairment analysis that we perform on the underlying assets of the investment, we also consider the ownership, distribution preferences, limitations, and rights to sell and repurchase our ownership interests.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents consist of highly-liquid investments with maturities at date of purchase of three months or less and are deposited with major banks throughout the United States. Such deposits are in excess of FDIC limits and are placed with high quality institutions in order to minimize concentration of counterparty credit risk.

Revenue Recognition and Related Matters

Revenue Recognition and Related Matters

Land Sales Revenue

Revenues from land sales are recognized using the full accrual method at closing, when title has passed to the buyer, adequate consideration for the land has been received and we have no continuing involvement with the property. Revenue that is not recognized under the full accrual method is deferred and recognized when the required obligations are met. Revenue related to builder price participation rights is recognized as the underlying homes are sold by homebuilders.

When developed residential or commercial land is sold, the cost of sales includes actual costs incurred and estimates of future development costs benefiting the property sold through completion. In accordance with ASC 970-360-30-1, when developed land is sold, costs are allocated to each sold superpad or lot based upon the relative sales value of each superpad or lot. For purposes of allocating development costs, estimates of future revenues and development costs are re-evaluated throughout the year, with adjustments being allocated prospectively to the remaining parcels available for sale. For certain parcels of land, however, the specific identification method is used to determine the cost of sales, including acquired parcels that we do not intend to develop or for which development was complete at the date of acquisition.

Rental Revenue

Revenue associated with our operating assets includes minimum rent, percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent, tenant recoveries and overage rent.

Minimum rent revenues are recognized on a straight‑line basis over the terms of the related leases when collectability is reasonably assumed and the tenant has taken possession of, or controls, the physical use of the leased asset. Percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent is recognized as sales are reported from tenants. Minimum rent revenues also include amortization related to above and below‑market tenant leases on acquired properties.

Recoveries from tenants are stipulated in the leases, are generally computed based upon a formula related to real estate taxes, insurance and other real estate operating expenses, and are generally recognized as revenues in the period the related costs are incurred.

Overage rent is recognized on an accrual basis once tenant sales exceed contractual thresholds contained in the lease and is calculated by multiplying the tenant sales in excess of the minimum amount by a percentage defined in the lease.

If the lease provides for tenant improvements, we determine whether the tenant improvements are owned by the tenant or by us. When we are the owner of the tenant improvements, rental revenue begins when the improvements are substantially complete. When the tenant is the owner of the tenant improvements, any tenant allowance funded by us is treated as a lease incentive and amortized as an adjustment to rental revenue over the lease term.

Condominium Rights and Unit Sales

Revenue recognition for contracted individual units in a condominium project are accounted for under the percentage of completion method when the following criteria are met: (a) construction is beyond a preliminary stage; (b) buyer is unable to require a refund of its deposit, except for non‑delivery of the unit; (c) sufficient units are sold to assure that it will not revert to a rental property; (d) sales prices are collectible; and (e) aggregate sales proceeds and costs can be reasonably estimated. Those units that do not meet the criteria use the full accrual method or deposit method which defers revenue recognition until the unit is closed.

Revenue recognized on the percentage-of-completion method is based upon the ratio of project costs incurred to date compared to total estimated project cost. Total estimated project costs include direct costs such as the carrying value of our land, site planning, architectural, construction costs, financing costs and indirect cost allocations for certain infrastructure and amenity costs which benefit the project based upon the relative sales value of the units. Changes in estimated project costs impact the amount of revenue and profit recognized on a percentage of completion basis during the period in which they are determined. Revenue recognized in excess of amounts collected from buyers is classified as Condominium receivables and amounts collected from buyers in excess of revenue recognized to date are classified as Condominium deposits liability.

Hospitality Revenue

Revenue from our hospitality properties is primarily related to room rentals and food and beverage sales and is recognized as services are performed.

Other Income

Other income for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily relates to a $0.3 million gain on insurance recoveries related to casualty losses at South Street Seaport from Superstorm Sandy and $0.5 million related to our participation interest in the golf courses at TPC Summerlin and TPC Las Vegas.

Other income for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily relates to a $27.0 million gain on insurance recoveries related to casualty losses at South Street Seaport from Superstorm Sandy and $2.4 million related to the sale of the Redlands Promenade property.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes tenant rents, tenant recoveries, other receivables, and straight‑line rent receivables.

Straight‑line rent receivables represent rental revenues recognized in excess of amounts currently due under lease agreements. Such amounts totaling $22.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and $13.5 million as of December 31, 2014, are included in Accounts receivable, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We record allowances against our receivables that we consider uncollectible. These allowances are reviewed periodically and are adjusted based on management’s estimate of receivables that will not be realized in subsequent periods. We also maintain an allowance for receivables arising from the straight‑lining of rents. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history, current credit status and if the tenant is currently occupying the space in developing these estimates. The allowance against our straight‑line rent receivable is based on historical experience with early lease terminations, as well as specific review of significant tenants and tenants that are having known financial difficulties.

The following table summarizes the changes in allowance for doubtful accounts against our accounts receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

    

2015

    

2014

    

2013

Balance as of January 1

 

$

7,619

 

$

7,390

 

$

8,914

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

4,030

 

 

1,404

 

 

836

Write-offs

 

 

(7,243)

 

 

(1,175)

 

 

(2,360)

Balance as of December 31, 

 

$

4,406

 

$

7,619

 

$

7,390

 

Municipal Utility District receivables

Municipal Utility District Receivables

In Houston, Texas, certain development costs are reimbursable through the creation of Municipal Utility Districts (“MUDs”, also known as Water Control and Improvement Districts) receivables, which are separate political subdivisions authorized by Article 16, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution and governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”). MUDs are formed to provide municipal water, waste water, drainage services, recreational facilities and roads to those areas where they are currently unavailable through the regular city services. Typically, the developer advances funds for the creation of the facilities, which must be designed, bid and constructed in accordance with the City of Houston’s and TCEQ requirements.

The developer initiates the MUD process by filing the applications for the formation of the MUD, and once the applications have been approved, a Board of Directors is elected for the MUD and given the authority to issue ad valorem tax bonds and the authority to tax residents. The MUD Board authorizes and approves all MUD development contracts and pay requests. MUD bond sale proceeds are used to reimburse the developer for its construction costs, including interest. MUD taxes are used to pay the debt service on the bonds and the operating expenses of the MUD. The Company estimates the costs it believes will be eligible for reimbursement as MUD receivables. Our MUD receivables are pledged as security to creditors under the debt facilities relating to our Bridgeland and The Woodlands MPCs. MUD receivables are shown net of an allowance of $0.9 million and $5.8 million for the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The significant decrease in the allowance for MUD receivables at December 31, 2015 as compared to December 31, 2014 relates to a large MUD

Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable include amounts due from homebuilders primarily at our Summerlin Master Planned Community, and a note from General Growth Properties (“GGP”).  The GGP note had a balance of $0.2 million and $6.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The GGP note is fully amortizing, carries an interest rate of 4.41%, and cash payments under the note were approximately $6.5 million per year through the end of 2015. Our Summerlin MPC Community held a $20.2 million note from a national homebuilder relating to a 2014 land sale bearing interest at 0.39%, which matured in November 2015, and payment was received in full.

Also included in Notes receivable are notes receivable from various tenants, net of an allowance for uncollectible notes receivable. We estimate the allowance for uncollectible notes receivable based on our assessment of expected receipts of future cash flows with consideration given to any collateral securing the respective note.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates currently in effect. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

A valuation allowance is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. An increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances, and which causes a change in our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset, is included in the deferred tax provision. There are events or circumstances that could occur in the future that could limit the benefit of deferred tax assets. In addition, we recognize and report interest and penalties, if necessary, related to uncertain tax positions within our provision for income tax expense.

I

Deferred Expenses

In our Master Planned Communities, gains with respect to land sales whether for commercial use or for single family residences are reported for tax purposes either on the modified accrual method or on the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, a gain is recognized for tax purposes as costs are incurred in satisfaction of contractual obligations. The method used for determining the percentage complete for income tax purposes is different than that used for financial statement purposes.

Deferred Expenses

Deferred expenses consist principally of leasing costs. Deferred leasing costs are amortized to amortization expense using the straight‑line method over periods that approximate the related lease terms. Deferred expenses in our Consolidated Balance Sheets are shown net of accumulated amortization of $10.8 million and $6.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Deferred financing fees are amortized to interest expense over the terms of the respective financing agreements using the effective interest method (or other methods which approximate the effective interest method).

Stock Plans

Stock Plans

We apply the provisions of ASC 718 Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”) in our accounting and reporting for stock‑based compensation. ASC 718 requires all share‑based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. All unvested options outstanding under our option plans have grant prices equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the dates of grant. Compensation cost for restricted stock is determined based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the date of grant.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, ‘‘Leases.’’ ASU 2016-02, codified in ASC 842, amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 will be effective beginning in the first quarter of 2019. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 as of its issuance is permitted. The new leases standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new leases standard on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” The standard eliminates the deferral of FAS 167, which allowed reporting entities with interests in certain investment funds to follow previous consolidation guidance in FIN 46(R), per ASC 810-10-65-2(a). The standard modifies whether: (1) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider represent a variable interest; (2) a limited partnership or similar entity has the characteristics of a VIE; and (3) a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 for public companies, and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect adoption to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The effective date of this standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted after December 15, 2016. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance in the ASU. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” Before the issuance of this ASU, there was no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance is expected to reduce the diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. This ASU requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards as specified in the guidance. This ASU becomes effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” The amendments in the ASU change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. The new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The new guidance also requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. We adopted this guidance and there has been no impact from the adoption on our historical Consolidated Financial Statements because we have not had any discontinued operations.