Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Nature of the Business MasTec, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, “MasTec” or the “Company”) is a leading infrastructure construction company operating mainly throughout North America across a range of industries. The Company’s primary activities include the engineering, building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of communications, energy and utility infrastructure, such as: wireless, wireline/fiber and satellite communications; petroleum and natural gas pipeline infrastructure; electrical utility transmission and distribution; power generation; and industrial infrastructure. MasTec’s customers are primarily in these industries. MasTec reports its results under five reportable segments: (1) Communications; (2) Oil and Gas; (3) Electrical Transmission; (4) Power Generation and Industrial; and (5) Other. See Note 16 - Segments and Related Information for discussion of change in segment reporting. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include MasTec, Inc. and its subsidiaries and include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Other parties’ interests in companies for which MasTec exercises control and has a controlling financial interest are reported as non-controlling interests within equity. Net income or loss attributable to non-controlling interests is reported as a separate line item below net income. The Company’s investments in entities in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, but for which it has the ability to exert significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are recorded as other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Income or loss from these investments is recorded within other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The cost method is used for investments in entities in which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, with resulting translation gains or losses accumulated within other comprehensive income or loss. Revenue and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average rates of exchange during the applicable period. Substantially all of our foreign operations use the local currency as the functional currency. Gains or losses resulting from transactions executed in a foreign currency are included in other income or expense, net. The Company does not currently have subsidiaries that operate in highly inflationary environments. The results of operations and financial position of any discontinued operations are aggregated and presented separately from the Company’s continuing operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Investments in Affiliates and Other Entities In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into various investment arrangements, which may include equity or other interests in business entities, including contractual joint ventures or other forms of equity participation. These investment arrangements may include financing arrangements, such as the extension of loans. See Note 4 - Acquisitions for discussion pertaining to certain of the Company’s equity method investments and other investment arrangements. In connection with certain of these investment arrangements, the Company provides infrastructure construction services to or through its equity investees and/or contractual joint ventures. Management determines whether such investment arrangements involve a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based on the characteristics of the particular entity. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, then management determines if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity and whether or not consolidation of the VIE within the Company's financial statements is required. The primary beneficiary consolidating the VIE must normally have both (i) the power to direct the primary activities of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE, which, in either case, could be significant to the VIE. If management determines that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, then the VIE would be consolidated, and the other party’s equity interest in the VIE would be accounted for as a non-controlling interest. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has determined that certain of its investment arrangements are VIEs, but that it is not the primary beneficiary of its VIE(s). In arrangements in which the Company has an undivided interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and profits or losses of an unincorporated entity, such amounts are consolidated on a basis proportional to the Company’s ownership interest in the unincorporated entity. Management Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Key estimates include: the recognition of revenue and project profit or loss (which the Company defines as project revenue less project costs of revenue, including depreciation), in particular, on long-term construction contracts or other projects accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, for which the recorded amounts require estimates of costs to complete projects, ultimate project profit and the amount of contract price adjustments that are probable; allowances for doubtful accounts; estimated fair values of goodwill and intangible assets and liabilities, acquisition-related contingent consideration and investments in cost and equity method investees; asset lives used in computing depreciation and amortization; accrued self-insured claims; share-based compensation; accounting for income taxes; and the estimated impact of contingencies and ongoing litigation. While management believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole, actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements. Significant Accounting Policies The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition Revenue is derived from projects performed under master and other service agreements as well as from fixed price contracts for specific projects or jobs requiring the construction and installation of an entire infrastructure system or specified units within an entire infrastructure system. The Company frequently provides maintenance, installation and repair work under unit price or fixed price master service or other service agreements that are renewed on a periodic basis. Revenue and related costs for master and other service agreements billed on a time and materials basis are recognized as the services are rendered. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 49%, 46% and 43% of revenue, respectively, was derived from projects performed under master service and other service agreements. The Company also performs services under master and other service agreements on a fixed fee basis, under which MasTec furnishes specified units of service for a fixed price per unit of service and revenue is recognized as the services are rendered. Revenue from fixed price contracts provides for a fixed amount of revenue for the entire project, subject to certain additions for changed scope or specifications. Revenue from these contracts, as well as for certain projects pursuant to master and other service agreements, is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method, under which the percentage of revenue to be recognized for a given project is measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date on the contract to the total estimated costs for the contract. Such contracts provide that the customer accept completion of progress to date and compensate the Company for services rendered, which may be measured in terms of costs incurred, units installed, hours expended or some other measure of progress. Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and subcontracted costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and the operational costs of capital equipment (excluding depreciation). Much of the materials associated with the Company’s work are customer-furnished and are therefore not included in contract revenue and costs. The estimation process for revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method is based on the professional knowledge and experience of the Company’s engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Management reviews estimates of contract revenue and costs on an ongoing basis. Changes in job performance, job conditions and final contract settlements are factors that influence management’s assessment of total contract value and total estimated costs to complete those contracts and, therefore, the Company’s profit recognition. Changes in these factors may result in revisions to costs and income, and their effects are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined, which could materially affect the Company’s results of operations in the period in which such changes are recognized. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, project profit was affected by less than 5% as a result of changes in contract estimates included in projects that were in process as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The majority of fixed price contracts are generally completed within one year. The Company may incur costs subject to change orders, whether approved or unapproved by the customer, and/or claims related to certain contracts. Management determines the probability that such costs will be recovered based upon engineering studies and legal opinions, past practices with the customer, specific discussions, correspondence or preliminary negotiations with the customer. The Company treats project costs as a cost of contract performance in the period incurred if it is not probable that the costs will be recovered, or defers costs and/or recognizes revenue up to the amount of the related cost if it is probable that the contract price will be adjusted and can be reliably estimated. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had approximately $87 million and $79 million, respectively, of change orders and/or claims that had been included in contract price adjustments on certain contracts that were in the process of being resolved in the normal course of business, including through negotiation, arbitration and other proceedings. These contract price adjustments, which are included within costs and earnings in excess of billings or billed accounts receivable, as appropriate, represent management’s best estimate of contract revenue that has been or will be earned and that management believes is probable of collection. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, revenue related to unapproved change orders totaled $29 million and $43 million, respectively, for which a significant portion of the related change orders were subsequently resolved or in the process of resolution. As of December 31, 2014, outstanding change orders were primarily derived from contracts in the Electrical Transmission segment, and as of December 31, 2013, outstanding change orders were primarily derived from contracts in the Oil and Gas segment. The Company actively engages in substantive meetings with these customers to complete the final approval process, and expects these processes to be completed within one year. The amounts ultimately realized upon final acceptance by its customers could be higher or lower than such estimated amounts. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are classified as current liabilities. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, or work in process, is classified within current assets for the majority of the Company’s projects. Work in process on contracts is based on work performed but not yet billed to customers as per individual contract terms. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Management analyzes the collectibility of accounts receivable and the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis based on the aging of account balances, historical bad debt experience, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, customer financial condition and credit reports, availability of mechanics’ and other liens, existence of payment bonds and other sources of payment and current economic trends. For reporting units where losses have occurred historically and are considered to be ordinary course, reserves are established for anticipated losses based on an analysis of the accounts receivable portfolio. For reporting units where historical losses have been immaterial, reserves are established when it is probable that a specific receivable is not collectible and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Amounts are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible. If estimates of the collectibility of accounts receivable change, or should customers experience unanticipated financial difficulties, or if anticipated recoveries in existing bankruptcies or other work-out situations fail to materialize, additional reserves may be required. Estimates of collectibility are subject to significant change during times of economic weakness or uncertainty in either the overall economy or within the industries served by MasTec. Management actively monitors the economic environment and its impact on MasTec’s customers in connection with its evaluation of accounts receivable aging, collections and the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash consisting of interest-bearing demand deposits is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents, which are carried at fair value. On a daily basis, available funds are swept from the Company’s depository accounts into a concentration account and used to repay outstanding revolving loans under the Company’s credit facility. Other cash balances maintained by certain operating subsidiaries that are not swept into the concentration account, as well as deposits made subsequent to the daily cash sweep, are classified as cash. The Company generally does not fund its disbursement accounts for checks it has written until the checks are presented to the bank for payment. Outstanding checks that have not yet cleared through the banking system represent book overdrafts, which are classified within accounts payable. There are no compensating balance requirements associated with the Company’s depository accounts and there are no other restrictions on the transfer of cash associated with the Company’s depository accounts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, book overdrafts, which are included within accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $31.3 million and $21.4 million, respectively. Inventories Inventories consist of materials and supplies for construction and installation projects, which are valued at the lower of cost or market using either the average cost or specific identification methods of costing. For materials or supplies purchased on behalf of specific customers or projects, loss of the customer or cancellation of the project could result in an impairment of the value of materials purchased. Technological or market changes can also render certain materials obsolete. Allowances for inventory obsolescence are determined based upon specific facts and circumstances and market conditions. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, inventory obsolescence reserves were $6.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Long-Lived Assets The Company’s long-lived assets consist primarily of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets. Property and equipment are recorded at cost, or if acquired in a business combination, at the acquisition date fair value. Certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software are capitalized within office furniture and equipment. Depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Property and equipment under capital leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for betterments and major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the assets. The carrying amounts of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated in the year of disposal, with resulting gains or losses included in other income or expense. Acquired intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives, which are generally based on contractual or legal rights. Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared with the asset’s carrying amount to determine if there has been an impairment, which is calculated as the difference between the fair value of an asset and its carrying value. Estimates of future undiscounted cash flows are based on expected growth rates for the business, anticipated future economic conditions and estimates of residual values. Fair values take into consideration management estimates of risk-adjusted discount rates, which are believed to be consistent with assumptions that marketplace participants would use in their estimates of fair value. For the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, there were no material impairment charges associated with long-lived assets of the Company’s continuing operations. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets The Company has goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets that have been recorded in connection with its acquisitions of businesses. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment reviews of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of each year. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at the operating segment level or one level below the operating segment level, which is referred to as a component. Management identifies its reporting units by assessing whether components (i) have discrete financial information available; (ii) engage in business activities; and (iii) whether a segment manager regularly reviews the component’s operating results. Net assets and goodwill of acquired businesses are allocated to the reporting unit associated with the acquired business based on the anticipated organizational structure of the combined entities. If two or more components are deemed economically similar, those components are aggregated into one reporting unit when performing the annual goodwill impairment review. For each operating segment other than the Company’s Electrical Transmission operating segment, each of the Company’s reporting units comprises one component. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company combined the four components of its Electrical Transmission operating segment into one reporting unit, based on a review of segment operations, which indicated increased shared operational, sales and general and administrative resources across the four components. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, no components were aggregated for the annual impairment reviews. For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company performed a qualitative assessment for its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by examining relevant events and circumstances that could have an effect on their fair values, such as: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, entity-specific events, financial performance and other relevant factors or events that could affect earnings and cash flows. For businesses acquired, there were no significant changes in forecast assumptions between the initial valuation date and the date of the annual impairment tests in the respective years of acquisition. As a result, the estimated fair values of the respective reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets were determined to equal their carrying values as of the date of the annual impairment tests. Based on the qualitative assessments for the year ended December 31, 2014, additional testing was performed for two reporting units, one within our Communications operating segment and the other within our Power Generation and Industrial operating segment. We performed additional testing for an indefinite-lived intangible asset in our Power Generation and Industrial segment as well. Based on the qualitative assessments for the year ended December 31, 2013, additional testing was performed for three reporting units, one each within our Oil and Gas, Power Generation and Industrial and Electrical Transmission operating segments. Additional testing was also performed for the indefinite-lived intangible asset for which a quantitative test was performed in 2014. For the reporting units for which additional testing was required in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as discussed above, the Company performed a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Management estimated their respective fair values using a discounted cash flow methodology incorporating Level 3 fair value assumptions, including: (i) management estimates, such as projections of revenue, operating costs and cash flows, taking into consideration historical and anticipated financial results; (ii) general economic and market conditions; and (iii) the impact of planned business and operational strategies. Management applied a discounted cash flow technique with an average terminal value in both years equal to 5.5 times normalized year five EBITDA, which is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The estimated discount rate is the Company’s average cost of capital at the time of the analysis, taking into consideration risks inherent within each reporting unit individually, which is greater than the risk inherent in the Company as a whole. The discount rate was estimated to range from 9.25% to 10.5% per annum for the year ended December 31, 2014 and was estimated to be 7.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Management believes the assumptions used in its quantitative goodwill impairment tests are reflective of the risks inherent in the business models of its reporting units and within its industry. The estimated fair values of the reporting units for which quantitative impairment tests were performed for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were determined to substantially exceed their carrying values. A 100 basis point change in the discount rate would not have had a material impact on the results of these impairment tests as of the date the testing was performed. For the indefinite-lived intangible asset in the Power Generation and Industrial segment for which additional testing was performed in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as discussed above, management estimated its fair value using the relief-from-royalty method, which incorporated royalty savings over the estimated lives of the respective intangible asset and a terminal value capitalization rate based on the discount rate and estimated long-term growth rate. The discount rate was estimated to be 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 7.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeded its fair value by just over 10% in 2014. Should management’s expectations prove to be incorrect, in particular, with respect to the discount rate, it could lead to an impairment of this asset. In 2013, the estimated fair value of this indefinite-lived intangible asset was determined to substantially exceed its carrying value. Subsequent to the Company’s fourth quarter 2014 impairment test, due to a significant decline in oil prices, management performed additional impairment testing for the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of its Oil and Gas segment. For two of this operating segment’s reporting units, the Company performed a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, as described above. Significant assumptions included an average terminal value equal to 5.5 times normalized year five EBITDA and discount rates ranging from 12% to 13.5%, in addition to forecast timing of, and projected success rates and profitability of, project awards, as well as revenue growth and profitability rates consistent with those achieved historically. The estimated fair values of the subsequently tested reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 15% each. Should management’s expectations prove to be incorrect due to: (i) further declines in oil prices and/or instability in worldwide energy markets; (ii) unanticipated delays in project awards, including unplanned project cancellations, or (iii) an increase in interest rates, management’s estimates of future earnings, cash flows and the estimated fair values of these reporting units would be negatively impacted, which could lead to an impairment of goodwill. The Company monitors goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment triggers on a quarterly basis. For the indefinite-lived intangible asset of our Oil and Gas segment, the Company estimated its fair value using a cost methodology, incorporating an estimate of the opportunity cost associated with its loss based on a three-year discounted cash flow methodology. This impairment test incorporated Level 3 fair value assumptions consistent with those discussed above, no terminal value and an estimated discount rate of 13.5%. Based on the subsequent impairment test, the estimated fair value of this indefinite-lived intangible asset was determined to substantially exceed its carrying value. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, management believes that its recorded balances of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are recoverable; however, significant changes in the assumptions or estimates used in the Company’s impairment analyses, such as a reduction in profitability and/or cash flows, could result in impairment charges in future periods. Valuation of Net Assets Acquired and Estimated Future Earn-Out Obligations in Business Combinations The determination of the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination requires estimates and judgments of future cash flow expectations for the acquired business and related identifiable tangible and intangible assets. Fair values are calculated using expected cash flows and industry-standard valuation techniques. For current assets and current liabilities, book value is generally assumed to equal fair value. Goodwill is the amount by which consideration paid exceeds the fair value of acquired net assets. Acquisition costs, including acquisition integration costs, are expensed as incurred and are included within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Consideration paid generally consists of cash, common stock and potential future payments that are contingent upon the acquired business achieving certain levels of earnings in the future, also referred to as “contingent consideration” or “earn-out” payments. Contingent consideration liabilities are measured at their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition, with subsequent changes in fair value recorded within other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Fair value as of the date of acquisition is estimated based on projections of expected future cash flows of the acquired business. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, if future earn-out payments are expected to exceed earn-out payments estimated as of the date of acquisition, then a loss would be recognized in the period in which that expectation is considered probable. Conversely, if future earn-out payments are expected to be less than earn-out payments estimated as of the date of acquisition, a gain would be recognized in the period in which that expectation is considered probable. Due to the time required to gather and analyze the necessary data for each acquisition, U.S. GAAP provides a “measurement period” of up to one year in which to finalize the determination of the fair value of net assets acquired. Adjustments to initial valuations and estimates during the measurement period that reflect newly discovered information that existed as of the date of acquisition are recorded as if the adjustments had been taken into account as of the date of acquisition, which results in the revision of comparative prior period information when presented in subsequent periods. All other adjustments are reflected as income or expense, as appropriate, in the period during which the adjustment is considered probable. See Note 4 - Acquisitions for details of measurement period adjustments associated with the Company’s acquisitions. Deferred Financing Costs Deferred financing costs relate to the Company’s debt instruments, the short and long-term portions of which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the related terms of the debt using the effective interest method. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred $2.6 million and $9.6 million, respectively, of debt-related deferred financing costs. No material debt-related deferred financing costs were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2012. Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $13.2 million and $14.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 10 - Debt. Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured up to the amount of its deductible for its insurance policies. MasTec maintains insurance policies subject to per claim deductibles of $1.5 million for its workers’ compensation policy, $2.0 million for its general liability policy and $2.0 million for its automobile liability policy. The Company has excess umbrella coverage up to $100.0 million per claim and in the aggregate. Liabilities under these insurance programs are accrued based upon management’s estimates of the ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported with assistance from third-party actuaries. MasTec also maintains an insurance policy with respect to employee group medical claims, which is subject to annual per employee maximum losses of $0.5 million. MasTec’s liability for employee group medical claims is based on statistical analysis of historical claims experience and specific knowledge of actual losses that have occurred. The Company is also required to post letters of credit and provide cash collateral to certain of its insurance carriers and to obtain surety bonds in certain states. Cash collateral deposited with insurance carriers is included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The present value of the Company’s self-insurance liability is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets within current and other long-term liabilities, as appropriate. The determination of such claims and expenses and the appropriateness of the related liability is reviewed and updated quarterly, however, these insurance liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. Accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends and management believes its accruals are adequate. However, a change in experience or actuarial assumptions could materially affect results of operations in a particular period. Income Taxes The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequence of temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Income taxes are estimated in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating the tax exposure, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as deferred revenue, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the consolidated balance sheets as net current and net long-term assets and/or liabilities, as appropriate. The recording of a deferred tax asset assumes the realization of such asset in the future. Otherwise, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the asset to its estimated net realizable value. If management determines that the Company may not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset is charged to income tax expense in the period the determination is made. Management considers future pretax income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the estimated net realizable value of tax assets and the corresponding need for a valuation allowance. In determining the provision for income taxes, management uses an effective tax rate based on annual pre-tax income, statutory tax rates, permanent tax differences and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Significant factors that impact the annual effective tax rate include management’s assessment of certain tax matters, the location and amount of taxable earnings, changes in certain non-deductible expenses and expected credits. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has not made a provision for U.S. income taxes on unremitted foreign earnings because such earnings, which generally become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and certain other circumstances, are considered to be insignificant and are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. The Company expects that domestic cash resources will be sufficient to fund its domestic operations and cash commitments in the future. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, most U.S. states and certain foreign jurisdictions. Although management believes its calculations for tax returns are correct and the positions taken thereon are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits could be materially different from the resolution management currently anticipates, and those differences could result in significant costs or benefits to the Company. If applicable, any interest or penalties pertaining to the Company’s income tax returns, if assessed, would be recorded within interest expense or general and administrative expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has granted to employees and others restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (together “restricted shares”) as well as options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Non-cash stock compensation expense is included within general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Share-based payments, to the extent they are compensatory, are recognized based on their grant date fair values and the estimated number of shares ultimately expected to vest. The Company records a deferred tax asset, or future tax benefit, based on the amount of share-based compensation recognized in the financial statements over the vesting period of share-based awards. If the fair value on the date of exercise of a stock option, or the fair value on the date of vesting of a restricted share grant, exceeds its fair value on the date of grant, then the tax effect of this difference (“excess tax benefit”) is recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”), creating an “APIC Pool.” If the fair value on the date of exercise of a stock option, or the fair value on the date of vesting of a restricted share grant, is less than its fair value on the date of grant, then the tax effect of this difference would reduce the APIC Pool. If the APIC Pool is reduced to zero, subsequent shortfalls would increase income tax expense. Grants of restricted shares are valued based on the closing share price of MasTec’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (the “closing share price”) on the date of grant. Compensation expense arising from restricted shares is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period. Grants of restricted shares have cliff vesting terms ranging from day of issuance to 3 years. As of December 31, 2014, all outstanding stock options were fully vested. Upon vesting of restricted shares or upon exercise of options, some of the underlying shares are generally sold to cover the required withholding taxes. However, some participants may choose the net share settlement method to cover withholding tax requirements, in which case shares are not issued, but are treated as common stock repurchases in the consolidated financial statements, as they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting. The Company then pays the corresponding withholding taxes to the appropriate taxing authorities in cash on behalf of the recipient. In addition, shares may also be withheld to pay the exercise price of shares in a cashless option exercise. Withheld shares, which are valued at the closing share price on the date of vesting or exercise, as applicable, are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital and are reflected as a financing activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows. Total shares withheld were approximately 97,389, 71,620, and 38,650 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total payments for employee tax obligations to taxing authorities were $2.7 million, $1.2 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company has certain employee stock purchase plans under which shares of the Company’s common stock are available for purchase by eligible employees. These plans allow qualified employees to purchase MasTec, Inc. common stock at 85% of its fair market value at the lower of (i) the date of commencement of the offering period or (ii) the last day of the exercise period, as defined in the plan documents. Through June 30, 2013, the offering period was an annual period, composed of four interim exercise periods. Effective July 1, 2013, the offering period became quarterly. The fair value of purchases under the Company’s employee stock purchase plans is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing valuation model. The determination of fair value of stock-based awards using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions pertaining to several variables, including expected stock price volatility, the expected term of the award and the risk-free rate of interest. In the option-pricing model for the Company’s employee stock purchase plans, expected stock price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected term of the award is based on historical and expected exercise patterns and the risk-free rate of interest is based on U.S. Treasury yields. The Company has not paid dividends in the past, and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future, and therefore uses an expected dividend yield of zero. Litigation and Contingencies Litigation and contingencies are reflected in the consolidated financial statements based on management’s assessment, including advice of legal counsel, of the expected outcome of litigation proceedings and/or the expected resolution of contingencies. Liabilities for estimated losses are accrued if the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability of exposure and the determination as to whether the amount is reasonably estimable. Accruals are based only on information available at the time of the assessment due to the uncertain nature of such matters. As additional information becomes available, management reassesses potential liabilities related to pending claims and litigation and may revise its previous estimates, which could materially affect the Company’s results of operations in a given period. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, cash collateral deposited with insurance carriers, life insurance assets, cost and equity method investments, deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities, accounts payable and other current liabilities, acquisition-related contingent consideration, certain intangible assets and liabilities, including off-market contracts, debt obligations and assets and liabilities classified as held-for-sale. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used are: (i) Level 1 - quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; (ii) Level 2 - observable market-based inputs or other observable inputs; and (iii) Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data, which are generally determined using valuation models incorporating management estimates of market participant assumptions. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Management’s assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability. Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using public market prices, quotes from financial institutions and other available information. Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable and accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate their fair values. Management believes the carrying values of cash collateral deposited with insurance carriers, deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities and outstanding balances on its credit facilities approximate their fair values. Cost and equity method investments are initially recorded at their cost basis. New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than last-in, first out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Under this ASU, subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. ASU 2015-11 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”). ASU 2015-05 provides guidance for determining whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license and requires that all software licenses within the scope of Subtopic 350-40 be accounted for in a manner consistent with other licenses of intangible assets. ASU 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. Retrospective application is permitted for all relevant prior periods. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. Retrospective application is required for all relevant prior periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 changes the evaluation that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities, reduces the number of consolidation models and places emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. Under ASU 2015-02, all entities are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 810, Consolidation, including limited partnerships and similar legal entities, unless a scope exception applies. The presumption that a general partner controls a limited partnership has been eliminated. In addition, fees paid to decision makers that meet certain conditions no longer cause consolidation of VIEs in certain instances. The amendments place more emphasis on variable interests other than fee arrangements and reduce the extent to which related party arrangements cause an entity to be considered a primary beneficiary. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items (“ASU 2015-01”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the presentation and disclosure requirements of extraordinary items because it was unclear when an item should be considered both unusual and infrequent and it was extremely rare in practice. ASU 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2014-16”). The amendments in ASU 2014-16 do not change the current criteria in U.S. GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. Rather, ASU 2014-16 clarifies how current U.S. GAAP should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. ASU 2014-16 is effective for existing hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share on a modified retrospective basis for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Retrospective application is permitted for all relevant prior periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of this ASU is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers 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 and will be required to disclose information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including disclosure of assumptions and estimates where significant judgment has been applied. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is effective using either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted, but not before fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently determining which transition method will be used and evaluating the potential impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Only disposals of components of an entity representing a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results should be reported as discontinued operations under ASU 2014-08. Examples include a disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. ASU 2014-08 also requires expanded disclosure about discontinued operations and requires disclosure about individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 may impact whether future disposals qualify as discontinued operations. Beginning in 2015, the Company will apply the new guidance, as applicable. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation in the financial statements of an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, and explains that unrecognized tax benefits should be presented as a reduction to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses or tax credit carryforwards. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward is not available as of the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists as of the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 was effective prospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with retrospective application permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 as of January 1, 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Note 1 – Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of the Business

MasTec, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, “MasTec” or the “Company”) is a leading infrastructure construction company operating mainly throughout North America across a range of industries. The Company’s primary activities include the engineering, building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of communications, energy and utility infrastructure, such as: wireless, wireline/fiber and satellite communications; petroleum and natural gas pipeline infrastructure; electrical utility transmission and distribution; power generation; and industrial infrastructure. MasTec’s customers are primarily in these industries. MasTec reports its results under five reportable segments: (1) Communications; (2) Oil and Gas; (3) Electrical Transmission; (4) Power Generation and Industrial; and (5) Other. See Note 16 - Segments and Related Information for discussion of change in segment reporting.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include MasTec, Inc. and its subsidiaries and include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Other parties’ interests in companies for which MasTec exercises control and has a controlling financial interest are reported as non-controlling interests within equity. Net income or loss attributable to non-controlling interests is reported as a separate line item below net income. The Company’s investments in entities in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, but for which it has the ability to exert significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are recorded as other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Income or loss from these investments is recorded within other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The cost method is used for investments in entities in which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, with resulting translation gains or losses accumulated within other comprehensive income or loss. Revenue and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average rates of exchange during the applicable period. Substantially all of our foreign operations use the local currency as the functional currency. Gains or losses resulting from transactions executed in a foreign currency are included in other income or expense, net. The Company does not currently have subsidiaries that operate in highly inflationary environments. The results of operations and financial position of any discontinued operations are aggregated and presented separately from the Company’s continuing operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Investments in Affiliates and Other Entities

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into various investment arrangements, which may include equity or other interests in business entities, including contractual joint ventures or other forms of equity participation. These investment arrangements may include financing arrangements, such as the extension of loans. See Note 4 - Acquisitions for discussion pertaining to certain of the Company’s equity method investments and other investment arrangements. In connection with certain of these investment arrangements, the Company provides infrastructure construction services to or through its equity investees and/or contractual joint ventures. Management determines whether such investment arrangements involve a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based on the characteristics of the particular entity. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, then management determines if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity and whether or not consolidation of the VIE within the Company's financial statements is required. The primary beneficiary consolidating the VIE must normally have both (i) the power to direct the primary activities of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE, which, in either case, could be significant to the VIE. If management determines that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, then the VIE would be consolidated, and the other party’s equity interest in the VIE would be accounted for as a non-controlling interest. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has determined that certain of its investment arrangements are VIEs, but that it is not the primary beneficiary of its VIE(s). In arrangements in which the Company has an undivided interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and profits or losses of an unincorporated entity, such amounts are consolidated on a basis proportional to the Company’s ownership interest in the unincorporated entity.

Management Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Key estimates include: the recognition of revenue and project profit or loss (which the Company defines as project revenue less project costs of revenue, including depreciation), in particular, on long-term construction contracts or other projects accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, for which the recorded amounts require estimates of costs to complete projects, ultimate project profit and the amount of contract price adjustments that are probable; allowances for doubtful accounts; estimated fair values of goodwill and intangible assets and liabilities, acquisition-related contingent consideration and investments in cost and equity method investees; asset lives used in computing depreciation and amortization; accrued self-insured claims; share-based compensation; accounting for income taxes; and the estimated impact of contingencies and ongoing litigation. While management believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole, actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is derived from projects performed under master and other service agreements as well as from fixed price contracts for specific projects or jobs requiring the construction and installation of an entire infrastructure system or specified units within an entire infrastructure system. The Company frequently provides maintenance, installation and repair work under unit price or fixed price master service or other service agreements that are renewed on a periodic basis. Revenue and related costs for master and other service agreements billed on a time and materials basis are recognized as the services are rendered. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 49%, 46% and 43% of revenue, respectively, was derived from projects performed under master service and other service agreements. The Company also performs services under master and other service agreements on a fixed fee basis, under which MasTec furnishes specified units of service for a fixed price per unit of service and revenue is recognized as the services are rendered. Revenue from fixed price contracts provides for a fixed amount of revenue for the entire project, subject to certain additions for changed scope or specifications. Revenue from these contracts, as well as for certain projects pursuant to master and other service agreements, is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method, under which the percentage of revenue to be recognized for a given project is measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date on the contract to the total estimated costs for the contract. Such contracts provide that the customer accept completion of progress to date and compensate the Company for services rendered, which may be measured in terms of costs incurred, units installed, hours expended or some other measure of progress. Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and subcontracted costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and the operational costs of capital equipment (excluding depreciation). Much of the materials associated with the Company’s work are customer-furnished and are therefore not included in contract revenue and costs.

The estimation process for revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method is based on the professional knowledge and experience of the Company’s engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Management reviews estimates of contract revenue and costs on an ongoing basis. Changes in job performance, job conditions and final contract settlements are factors that influence management’s assessment of total contract value and total estimated costs to complete those contracts and, therefore, the Company’s profit recognition. Changes in these factors may result in revisions to costs and income, and their effects are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined, which could materially affect the Company’s results of operations in the period in which such changes are recognized. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, project profit was affected by less than 5% as a result of changes in contract estimates included in projects that were in process as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Provisions for losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined to be probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The majority of fixed price contracts are generally completed within one year.

The Company may incur costs subject to change orders, whether approved or unapproved by the customer, and/or claims related to certain contracts. Management determines the probability that such costs will be recovered based upon engineering studies and legal opinions, past practices with the customer, specific discussions, correspondence or preliminary negotiations with the customer. The Company treats project costs as a cost of contract performance in the period incurred if it is not probable that the costs will be recovered, or defers costs and/or recognizes revenue up to the amount of the related cost if it is probable that the contract price will be adjusted and can be reliably estimated. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had approximately $87 million and $79 million, respectively, of change orders and/or claims that had been included in contract price adjustments on certain contracts that were in the process of being resolved in the normal course of business, including through negotiation, arbitration and other proceedings. These contract price adjustments, which are included within costs and earnings in excess of billings or billed accounts receivable, as appropriate, represent management’s best estimate of contract revenue that has been or will be earned and that management believes is probable of collection. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, revenue related to unapproved change orders totaled $29 million and $43 million, respectively, for which a significant portion of the related change orders were subsequently resolved or in the process of resolution. As of December 31, 2014, outstanding change orders were primarily derived from contracts in the Electrical Transmission segment, and as of December 31, 2013, outstanding change orders were primarily derived from contracts in the Oil and Gas segment. The Company actively engages in substantive meetings with these customers to complete the final approval process, and expects these processes to be completed within one year. The amounts ultimately realized upon final acceptance by its customers could be higher or lower than such estimated amounts.

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are classified as current liabilities. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, or work in process, is classified within current assets for the majority of the Company’s projects. Work in process on contracts is based on work performed but not yet billed to customers as per individual contract terms.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Management analyzes the collectibility of accounts receivable and the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis based on the aging of account balances, historical bad debt experience, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, customer financial condition and credit reports, availability of mechanics’ and other liens, existence of payment bonds and other sources of payment and current economic trends. For reporting units where losses have occurred historically and are considered to be ordinary course, reserves are established for anticipated losses based on an analysis of the accounts receivable portfolio. For reporting units where historical losses have been immaterial, reserves are established when it is probable that a specific receivable is not collectible and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Amounts are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible.

If estimates of the collectibility of accounts receivable change, or should customers experience unanticipated financial difficulties, or if anticipated recoveries in existing bankruptcies or other work-out situations fail to materialize, additional reserves may be required. Estimates of collectibility are subject to significant change during times of economic weakness or uncertainty in either the overall economy or within the industries served by MasTec. Management actively monitors the economic environment and its impact on MasTec’s customers in connection with its evaluation of accounts receivable aging, collections and the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash consisting of interest-bearing demand deposits is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents, which are carried at fair value. On a daily basis, available funds are swept from the Company’s depository accounts into a concentration account and used to repay outstanding revolving loans under the Company’s credit facility. Other cash balances maintained by certain operating subsidiaries that are not swept into the concentration account, as well as deposits made subsequent to the daily cash sweep, are classified as cash. The Company generally does not fund its disbursement accounts for checks it has written until the checks are presented to the bank for payment. Outstanding checks that have not yet cleared through the banking system represent book overdrafts, which are classified within accounts payable. There are no compensating balance requirements associated with the Company’s depository accounts and there are no other restrictions on the transfer of cash associated with the Company’s depository accounts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, book overdrafts, which are included within accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $31.3 million and $21.4 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories consist of materials and supplies for construction and installation projects, which are valued at the lower of cost or market using either the average cost or specific identification methods of costing. For materials or supplies purchased on behalf of specific customers or projects, loss of the customer or cancellation of the project could result in an impairment of the value of materials purchased. Technological or market changes can also render certain materials obsolete. Allowances for inventory obsolescence are determined based upon specific facts and circumstances and market conditions. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, inventory obsolescence reserves were $6.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company’s long-lived assets consist primarily of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets. Property and equipment are recorded at cost, or if acquired in a business combination, at the acquisition date fair value. Certain costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software are capitalized within office furniture and equipment. Depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Property and equipment under capital leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for betterments and major improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the assets. The carrying amounts of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated in the year of disposal, with resulting gains or losses included in other income or expense. Acquired intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives, which are generally based on contractual or legal rights.

Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared with the asset’s carrying amount to determine if there has been an impairment, which is calculated as the difference between the fair value of an asset and its carrying value. Estimates of future undiscounted cash flows are based on expected growth rates for the business, anticipated future economic conditions and estimates of residual values. Fair values take into consideration management estimates of risk-adjusted discount rates, which are believed to be consistent with assumptions that marketplace participants would use in their estimates of fair value. For the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, there were no material impairment charges associated with long-lived assets of the Company’s continuing operations.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company has goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets that have been recorded in connection with its acquisitions of businesses. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment reviews of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of each year. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at the operating segment level or one level below the operating segment level, which is referred to as a component. Management identifies its reporting units by assessing whether components (i) have discrete financial information available; (ii) engage in business activities; and (iii) whether a segment manager regularly reviews the component’s operating results. Net assets and goodwill of acquired businesses are allocated to the reporting unit associated with the acquired business based on the anticipated organizational structure of the combined entities. If two or more components are deemed economically similar, those components are aggregated into one reporting unit when performing the annual goodwill impairment review. For each operating segment other than the Company’s Electrical Transmission operating segment, each of the Company’s reporting units comprises one component. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company combined the four components of its Electrical Transmission operating segment into one reporting unit, based on a review of segment operations, which indicated increased shared operational, sales and general and administrative resources across the four components. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, no components were aggregated for the annual impairment reviews.

For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company performed a qualitative assessment for its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by examining relevant events and circumstances that could have an effect on their fair values, such as: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, entity-specific events, financial performance and other relevant factors or events that could affect earnings and cash flows. For businesses acquired, there were no significant changes in forecast assumptions between the initial valuation date and the date of the annual impairment tests in the respective years of acquisition. As a result, the estimated fair values of the respective reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets were determined to equal their carrying values as of the date of the annual impairment tests. Based on the qualitative assessments for the year ended December 31, 2014, additional testing was performed for two reporting units, one within our Communications operating segment and the other within our Power Generation and Industrial operating segment. We performed additional testing for an indefinite-lived intangible asset in our Power Generation and Industrial segment as well. Based on the qualitative assessments for the year ended December 31, 2013, additional testing was performed for three reporting units, one each within our Oil and Gas, Power Generation and Industrial and Electrical Transmission operating segments. Additional testing was also performed for the indefinite-lived intangible asset for which a quantitative test was performed in 2014.

For the reporting units for which additional testing was required in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as discussed above, the Company performed a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Management estimated their respective fair values using a discounted cash flow methodology incorporating Level 3 fair value assumptions, including: (i) management estimates, such as projections of revenue, operating costs and cash flows, taking into consideration historical and anticipated financial results; (ii) general economic and market conditions; and (iii) the impact of planned business and operational strategies. Management applied a discounted cash flow technique with an average terminal value in both years equal to 5.5 times normalized year five EBITDA, which is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The estimated discount rate is the Company’s average cost of capital at the time of the analysis, taking into consideration risks inherent within each reporting unit individually, which is greater than the risk inherent in the Company as a whole. The discount rate was estimated to range from 9.25% to 10.5% per annum for the year ended December 31, 2014 and was estimated to be 7.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Management believes the assumptions used in its quantitative goodwill impairment tests are reflective of the risks inherent in the business models of its reporting units and within its industry. The estimated fair values of the reporting units for which quantitative impairment tests were performed for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were determined to substantially exceed their carrying values. A 100 basis point change in the discount rate would not have had a material impact on the results of these impairment tests as of the date the testing was performed.

For the indefinite-lived intangible asset in the Power Generation and Industrial segment for which additional testing was performed in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as discussed above, management estimated its fair value using the relief-from-royalty method, which incorporated royalty savings over the estimated lives of the respective intangible asset and a terminal value capitalization rate based on the discount rate and estimated long-term growth rate. The discount rate was estimated to be 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 7.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeded its fair value by just over 10% in 2014. Should management’s expectations prove to be incorrect, in particular, with respect to the discount rate, it could lead to an impairment of this asset. In 2013, the estimated fair value of this indefinite-lived intangible asset was determined to substantially exceed its carrying value.

Subsequent to the Company’s fourth quarter 2014 impairment test, due to a significant decline in oil prices, management performed additional impairment testing for the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of its Oil and Gas segment. For two of this operating segment’s reporting units, the Company performed a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, as described above. Significant assumptions included an average terminal value equal to 5.5 times normalized year five EBITDA and discount rates ranging from 12% to 13.5%, in addition to forecast timing of, and projected success rates and profitability of, project awards, as well as revenue growth and profitability rates consistent with those achieved historically. The estimated fair values of the subsequently tested reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 15% each. Should management’s expectations prove to be incorrect due to: (i) further declines in oil prices and/or instability in worldwide energy markets; (ii) unanticipated delays in project awards, including unplanned project cancellations, or (iii) an increase in interest rates, management’s estimates of future earnings, cash flows and the estimated fair values of these reporting units would be negatively impacted, which could lead to an impairment of goodwill. The Company monitors goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for potential impairment triggers on a quarterly basis.

For the indefinite-lived intangible asset of our Oil and Gas segment, the Company estimated its fair value using a cost methodology, incorporating an estimate of the opportunity cost associated with its loss based on a three-year discounted cash flow methodology. This impairment test incorporated Level 3 fair value assumptions consistent with those discussed above, no terminal value and an estimated discount rate of 13.5%. Based on the subsequent impairment test, the estimated fair value of this indefinite-lived intangible asset was determined to substantially exceed its carrying value.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, management believes that its recorded balances of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are recoverable; however, significant changes in the assumptions or estimates used in the Company’s impairment analyses, such as a reduction in profitability and/or cash flows, could result in impairment charges in future periods.

Valuation of Net Assets Acquired and Estimated Future Earn-Out Obligations in Business Combinations

The determination of the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination requires estimates and judgments of future cash flow expectations for the acquired business and related identifiable tangible and intangible assets. Fair values are calculated using expected cash flows and industry-standard valuation techniques. For current assets and current liabilities, book value is generally assumed to equal fair value. Goodwill is the amount by which consideration paid exceeds the fair value of acquired net assets. Acquisition costs, including acquisition integration costs, are expensed as incurred and are included within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Consideration paid generally consists of cash, common stock and potential future payments that are contingent upon the acquired business achieving certain levels of earnings in the future, also referred to as “contingent consideration” or “earn-out” payments. Contingent consideration liabilities are measured at their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition, with subsequent changes in fair value recorded within other income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Fair value as of the date of acquisition is estimated based on projections of expected future cash flows of the acquired business. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, if future earn-out payments are expected to exceed earn-out payments estimated as of the date of acquisition, then a loss would be recognized in the period in which that expectation is considered probable. Conversely, if future earn-out payments are expected to be less than earn-out payments estimated as of the date of acquisition, a gain would be recognized in the period in which that expectation is considered probable.

Due to the time required to gather and analyze the necessary data for each acquisition, U.S. GAAP provides a “measurement period” of up to one year in which to finalize the determination of the fair value of net assets acquired. Adjustments to initial valuations and estimates during the measurement period that reflect newly discovered information that existed as of the date of acquisition are recorded as if the adjustments had been taken into account as of the date of acquisition, which results in the revision of comparative prior period information when presented in subsequent periods. All other adjustments are reflected as income or expense, as appropriate, in the period during which the adjustment is considered probable. See Note 4 - Acquisitions for details of measurement period adjustments associated with the Company’s acquisitions.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs relate to the Company’s debt instruments, the short and long-term portions of which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the related terms of the debt using the effective interest method. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred $2.6 million and $9.6 million, respectively, of debt-related deferred financing costs. No material debt-related deferred financing costs were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2012. Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $13.2 million and $14.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 10 - Debt.

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured up to the amount of its deductible for its insurance policies. MasTec maintains insurance policies subject to per claim deductibles of $1.5 million for its workers’ compensation policy, $2.0 million for its general liability policy and $2.0 million for its automobile liability policy. The Company has excess umbrella coverage up to $100.0 million per claim and in the aggregate. Liabilities under these insurance programs are accrued based upon management’s estimates of the ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported with assistance from third-party actuaries. MasTec also maintains an insurance policy with respect to employee group medical claims, which is subject to annual per employee maximum losses of $0.5 million. MasTec’s liability for employee group medical claims is based on statistical analysis of historical claims experience and specific knowledge of actual losses that have occurred. The Company is also required to post letters of credit and provide cash collateral to certain of its insurance carriers and to obtain surety bonds in certain states. Cash collateral deposited with insurance carriers is included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

The present value of the Company’s self-insurance liability is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets within current and other long-term liabilities, as appropriate. The determination of such claims and expenses and the appropriateness of the related liability is reviewed and updated quarterly, however, these insurance liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other parties and the number of incidents not reported. Accruals are based upon known facts and historical trends and management believes its accruals are adequate. However, a change in experience or actuarial assumptions could materially affect results of operations in a particular period.

Income Taxes

The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequence of temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Income taxes are estimated in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating the tax exposure, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as deferred revenue, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the consolidated balance sheets as net current and net long-term assets and/or liabilities, as appropriate. The recording of a deferred tax asset assumes the realization of such asset in the future. Otherwise, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the asset to its estimated net realizable value. If management determines that the Company may not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset is charged to income tax expense in the period the determination is made. Management considers future pretax income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the estimated net realizable value of tax assets and the corresponding need for a valuation allowance.

In determining the provision for income taxes, management uses an effective tax rate based on annual pre-tax income, statutory tax rates, permanent tax differences and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Significant factors that impact the annual effective tax rate include management’s assessment of certain tax matters, the location and amount of taxable earnings, changes in certain non-deductible expenses and expected credits. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has not made a provision for U.S. income taxes on unremitted foreign earnings because such earnings, which generally become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and certain other circumstances, are considered to be insignificant and are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. The Company expects that domestic cash resources will be sufficient to fund its domestic operations and cash commitments in the future.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, most U.S. states and certain foreign jurisdictions. Although management believes its calculations for tax returns are correct and the positions taken thereon are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits could be materially different from the resolution management currently anticipates, and those differences could result in significant costs or benefits to the Company. If applicable, any interest or penalties pertaining to the Company’s income tax returns, if assessed, would be recorded within interest expense or general and administrative expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has granted to employees and others restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (together “restricted shares”) as well as options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Non-cash stock compensation expense is included within general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Share-based payments, to the extent they are compensatory, are recognized based on their grant date fair values and the estimated number of shares ultimately expected to vest. The Company records a deferred tax asset, or future tax benefit, based on the amount of share-based compensation recognized in the financial statements over the vesting period of share-based awards. If the fair value on the date of exercise of a stock option, or the fair value on the date of vesting of a restricted share grant, exceeds its fair value on the date of grant, then the tax effect of this difference (“excess tax benefit”) is recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”), creating an “APIC Pool.” If the fair value on the date of exercise of a stock option, or the fair value on the date of vesting of a restricted share grant, is less than its fair value on the date of grant, then the tax effect of this difference would reduce the APIC Pool. If the APIC Pool is reduced to zero, subsequent shortfalls would increase income tax expense.

Grants of restricted shares are valued based on the closing share price of MasTec’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (the “closing share price”) on the date of grant. Compensation expense arising from restricted shares is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period. Grants of restricted shares have cliff vesting terms ranging from day of issuance to 3 years. As of December 31, 2014, all outstanding stock options were fully vested.

Upon vesting of restricted shares or upon exercise of options, some of the underlying shares are generally sold to cover the required withholding taxes. However, some participants may choose the net share settlement method to cover withholding tax requirements, in which case shares are not issued, but are treated as common stock repurchases in the consolidated financial statements, as they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting. The Company then pays the corresponding withholding taxes to the appropriate taxing authorities in cash on behalf of the recipient. In addition, shares may also be withheld to pay the exercise price of shares in a cashless option exercise. Withheld shares, which are valued at the closing share price on the date of vesting or exercise, as applicable, are recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital and are reflected as a financing activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows. Total shares withheld were approximately 97,389, 71,620, and 38,650 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total payments for employee tax obligations to taxing authorities were $2.7 million, $1.2 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company has certain employee stock purchase plans under which shares of the Company’s common stock are available for purchase by eligible employees. These plans allow qualified employees to purchase MasTec, Inc. common stock at 85% of its fair market value at the lower of (i) the date of commencement of the offering period or (ii) the last day of the exercise period, as defined in the plan documents. Through June 30, 2013, the offering period was an annual period, composed of four interim exercise periods. Effective July 1, 2013, the offering period became quarterly. The fair value of purchases under the Company’s employee stock purchase plans is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing valuation model. The determination of fair value of stock-based awards using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions pertaining to several variables, including expected stock price volatility, the expected term of the award and the risk-free rate of interest. In the option-pricing model for the Company’s employee stock purchase plans, expected stock price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected term of the award is based on historical and expected exercise patterns and the risk-free rate of interest is based on U.S. Treasury yields. The Company has not paid dividends in the past, and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future, and therefore uses an expected dividend yield of zero.

Litigation and Contingencies

Litigation and contingencies are reflected in the consolidated financial statements based on management’s assessment, including advice of legal counsel, of the expected outcome of litigation proceedings and/or the expected resolution of contingencies. Liabilities for estimated losses are accrued if the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability of exposure and the determination as to whether the amount is reasonably estimable. Accruals are based only on information available at the time of the assessment due to the uncertain nature of such matters. As additional information becomes available, management reassesses potential liabilities related to pending claims and litigation and may revise its previous estimates, which could materially affect the Company’s results of operations in a given period.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, cash collateral deposited with insurance carriers, life insurance assets, cost and equity method investments, deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities, accounts payable and other current liabilities, acquisition-related contingent consideration, certain intangible assets and liabilities, including off-market contracts, debt obligations and assets and liabilities classified as held-for-sale.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used are: (i) Level 1 - quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; (ii) Level 2 - observable market-based inputs or other observable inputs; and (iii) Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data, which are generally determined using valuation models incorporating management estimates of market participant assumptions. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement classification is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Management’s assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using public market prices, quotes from financial institutions and other available information. Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable and accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate their fair values. Management believes the carrying values of cash collateral deposited with insurance carriers, deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities and outstanding balances on its credit facilities approximate their fair values. Cost and equity method investments are initially recorded at their cost basis.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than last-in, first out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. Under this ASU, subsequent measurement of inventory using the LIFO and retail inventory method is unchanged. ASU 2015-11 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”). ASU 2015-05 provides guidance for determining whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license and requires that all software licenses within the scope of Subtopic 350-40 be accounted for in a manner consistent with other licenses of intangible assets. ASU 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. Retrospective application is permitted for all relevant prior periods. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. Retrospective application is required for all relevant prior periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 changes the evaluation that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities, reduces the number of consolidation models and places emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. Under ASU 2015-02, all entities are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 810, Consolidation, including limited partnerships and similar legal entities, unless a scope exception applies. The presumption that a general partner controls a limited partnership has been eliminated. In addition, fees paid to decision makers that meet certain conditions no longer cause consolidation of VIEs in certain instances. The amendments place more emphasis on variable interests other than fee arrangements and reduce the extent to which related party arrangements cause an entity to be considered a primary beneficiary. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items (“ASU 2015-01”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates the presentation and disclosure requirements of extraordinary items because it was unclear when an item should be considered both unusual and infrequent and it was extremely rare in practice. ASU 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2014-16”). The amendments in ASU 2014-16 do not change the current criteria in U.S. GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. Rather, ASU 2014-16 clarifies how current U.S. GAAP should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. ASU 2014-16 is effective for existing hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share on a modified retrospective basis for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Retrospective application is permitted for all relevant prior periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of this ASU is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers 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 and will be required to disclose information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including disclosure of assumptions and estimates where significant judgment has been applied. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is effective using either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted, but not before fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently determining which transition method will be used and evaluating the potential impact of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Only disposals of components of an entity representing a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results should be reported as discontinued operations under ASU 2014-08. Examples include a disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. ASU 2014-08 also requires expanded disclosure about discontinued operations and requires disclosure about individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 may impact whether future disposals qualify as discontinued operations. Beginning in 2015, the Company will apply the new guidance, as applicable.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation in the financial statements of an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, and explains that unrecognized tax benefits should be presented as a reduction to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses or tax credit carryforwards. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward is not available as of the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists as of the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 was effective prospectively for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with retrospective application permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 as of January 1, 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.