New Accounting Standards

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

New Accounting Standards [Abstract]

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which will replace all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to all annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 provides for one of two methods of transition: retrospective application to each prior period presented or recognition of the cumulative effect of retrospective application of the new standard as of the beginning of the period of initial application. We plan to apply ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018. Presently, we are not yet in a position to conclude on the transition method we will choose. Based on our initial assessment, the impact of the application of the new standard will likely result in a change in the timing of our revenue recognition for performance incentives received from clients. Performance incentives are currently recognized in revenue when specific quantitative goals are achieved, or when our performance against qualitative goals is determined by the client. Under the new standard, we will be required to estimate the amount of the incentive that will be earned at the inception of the contract and recognize the incentive over the term of the contract. While performance incentives are not material to our revenue, this will result in an acceleration of revenue recognition for certain contract incentives compared to the current method. Additionally, in certain of our businesses we record revenue as a principal and include certain third-party pass-through and out-of-pocket costs, which are billed to clients in connection with our services, in revenue. In March 2016, the FASB issued further guidance on principal versus agent considerations. We are currently evaluating the impact of the principal versus agent guidance on our revenue and cost of services; however, we do not expect the change, if any, to have a material effect on our results of operations. ASU 2014-09 also includes additional disclosure requirements. Currently, we provide comprehensive revenue disclosures in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (“ASU 2017-07”). ASU 2017-07 requires that the service cost component of periodic benefit cost is included in compensation cost and included in operating profit. All other components of net periodic benefit cost are presented separately from the service cost component and outside of operating profit. ASU 2017-07 will affect operating profit but will not have any effect on income before income taxes and equity method investments, net income or earnings per share. ASU 2017-07 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented.