Description of business, basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Use of estimates: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In doing so, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, fair value measurements, postretirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred tax assets, and contingencies.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control and variable interest entities if we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities for which we have significant influence, but do not have control, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Segment presentation

Segment presentation: We classify our operations into two reportable segments: Media Segment: consisting of 46 television stations and Digital Segment: consisting of our Cars.com, CareerBuilder and G/O Digital business units. Our reportable segments have been determined based on management and internal reporting structure, the nature of products and services offered by the businesses within the segments, and the financial information that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker.

Digital Segment revenues exclude online/digital revenues generated by digital platforms that are associated with our Media Segment’s properties. Such amounts are reflected within our Media Segment and included within media revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Noncontrolling interests presentation

Noncontrolling interests presentation: Noncontrolling interests are presented as a component of equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. This balance primarily relates to the noncontrolling owners of CareerBuilder that own a 47% interest. Net income in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects 100% of CareerBuilder’s results as we hold the controlling interest. Net income is subsequently adjusted to remove the noncontrolling interest to arrive at Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.

In addition, CareerBuilder has made three strategic acquisitions in which they own a controlling financial interest (see Note 3). The minority shareholders of these acquired businesses hold put rights that permit them to put their equity interest to CareerBuilder. Since redemption of the noncontrolling interest is outside of our control, the minority shareholders’ equity interest is presented on the consolidated balance sheet in the caption “Redeemable noncontrolling interests”. We recognize changes in the fair value of the minority interests redemption value as they occur.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts

Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts: Trade receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of our collection experience, aging of our receivables and any specific reserves needed for certain customers based on their credit risk.

Property and depreciation

Property and equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided generally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are generally: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; and machinery, equipment and fixtures, 3 to 25 years. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which, for example, could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income. Major building and leasehold improvements and interest incurred during the construction period of major additions are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Valuation of long-lived assets

Valuation of long-lived assets: We review the carrying amount of long-lived assets (mostly property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once an indicator of potential impairment has occurred, the impairment test is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of projected undiscounted future cash flows against the carrying amount of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the asset group would be deemed to be potentially impaired. The impairment, if any, would be measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose. We recognized impairment charges each fiscal year presented related to long-lived assets. See Note 12 for further discussion.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets: Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (first day of our fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount.

Before performing the annual two-step goodwill impairment test, we first have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the two-step quantitative test must be completed. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and specific reporting unit specifications. If after performing this assessment, we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform the two-step quantitative test. Otherwise, the two-step quantitative test is not required. In 2016, we elected not to perform the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill and instead performed the quantitative impairment test.

Our goodwill has been allocated to and is tested for impairment at a level referred to as the reporting unit. The level at which we test goodwill for impairment requires us to determine whether the operations below the operating segment level constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results. For Media, goodwill is accounted for at the segment level. For Digital, the reporting units are the stand-alone digital businesses such as Cars.com and CareerBuilder.

When performing the first step of the quantitative test, we determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill.

We estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using a combination of an income approach using the discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and a market-based valuation methodology using comparable public company trading values. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, long-term growth rates, discount rates and relevant comparable public company multiples. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis are based on our best estimate of future sales, earnings and cash flows after considering factors such as general market conditions and recent operating performance. The discount rates utilized in the DCF analysis are based on the respective reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital, which takes into account the relative weights of each component of its capital structure (equity and debt) and represents the expected cost of new capital, adjusted as appropriate to consider the risk inherent in future cash flows of the respective reporting unit.

During the third quarter of 2016, we performed an interim impairment test for a small reporting unit within our Digital Segment, and as a result recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $15.2 million within asset impairment and facility consolidation charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 4 for further discussion.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test for each of our reporting units. The results of these tests indicated that the estimated fair values of all of our reporting units significantly exceed their carrying values.

We also have intangible assets with indefinite lives associated with FCC broadcast licenses related to our acquisitions of television stations, and trade names from the Cars.com and CareerBuilder acquisitions. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, for impairment and written down to fair value as required. The estimates of fair value for the trade names are determined using the “relief from royalty” methodology, which is a variation of the income approach. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the intangible asset.

To estimate the fair values for the FCC broadcast licenses, we apply an income approach, using the Greenfield method. The Greenfield method involves a DCF model that incorporates several variables, including market revenues, long-term growth projections, estimated market share for a typical market participant, and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type.

The results of our 2016 annual impairment test of indefinite lived intangible assets indicated the fair values exceed their carrying amounts; and therefore, no impairment charge was recorded.

Investments and other assets

Investments and other assets: Investments where we have significant influence are recorded under the equity method of accounting. We recognized impairment charges in 2014 and 2016 related to such investments. See Note 5 for additional information.

Investments in non-public businesses in which we do not have control or do not exert significant influence are carried at cost and losses resulting from periodic evaluations of the carrying value of these investments are included as a non-operating expense. At December 31, 2016, such investments totaled approximately $21.8 million and at December 31, 2015, they totaled approximately $8.6 million.

Our television stations are party to program broadcasting contracts which provide the Media Segment with rights to broadcast syndicated programs, original series and films. These contracts are recorded at the gross amount of the related liability when the programs are available for telecasting. The related assets are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Program assets are classified as current (as a prepaid expense) or noncurrent (as an other asset) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the expected use of the programs in succeeding years. The amount charged to expense appropriately matches the cost of the programs with the revenues associated with them. The liability for these contracts is classified as current or noncurrent in accordance with the payment terms of the contracts. The payment period generally coincides with the period of telecast for the programs, but may be shorter.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition: We generate revenue from a diverse set of product and service offerings which include advertising, retransmission consent fees, and software and recruitment services. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, performance under the contract has begun, the contract price is fixed or determinable and collectibility of the related fee is reasonably assured. Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple deliverable elements is allocated to each element based on the relative best estimate of selling price. Elements are treated as separate units of accounting if there is standalone value upon delivery. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Below is a detailed discussion of revenue by our two reportable segments.

Media Segment: The primary source of revenue for our Media Segment is through the sale of advertising time on its television stations. Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period when the advertisements are aired. Our Media Segment also earns revenue from retransmission consent arrangements. Under these agreements, we receive cash consideration from multichannel video programming distributors (e.g., cable and satellite providers) in return for our consent to permit the cable/satellite provider to retransmit our television signal. Retransmission consent fees are recognized over the contract period based on a negotiated fee per subscriber. Retransmission consent fees revenues have increased as a percentage of overall Media Segment revenue in recent years. In 2016, such revenues accounted for approximately 30% of overall Media Segment revenue compared to 27% in 2015. In addition, our Media Segment also generates online advertising revenue through the display of digital advertisements across its various digital platforms. Online advertising agreements typically take the form of an impression-based contract, fixed fee time-based contract or transaction based contract. The customers are billed for impressions delivered or click-throughs on their advertisements. An impression is the display of an advertisement to an end-user on the website and is a measure of volume. A click-through occurs when an end-user clicks on an advertisement. Revenue is recognized evenly over the contract term for fixed fee contracts where a minimum number of impressions or click-throughs is not guaranteed. Revenue is recognized as the service is delivered for transaction based contracts.

Digital Segment: The primary source of revenue for our Digital Segment is through the sale of online subscription advertising products. Cars.com sells subscription advertising products to car dealerships, and CareerBuilder earns revenue through various types of recruitment subscription products. The transaction price for the subscription products is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term as the service is provided to our customers.

Revenue is recognized for our Digital Segment’s online display advertising arrangements (which includes Cars.com, CareerBuilder and G/O Digital) in the same manner as described above for the Media Segment’s online advertising revenue.

CareerBuilder service offerings also includes human capital software as a service (SaaS) and various other recruitment solutions (employment branding services and access to online resume databases). Generally, the human capital SaaS offering and access related to resume databases are subscription-based contracts for which revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period. SaaS contracts are generally two to three-year contracts. Recruitment solutions (which include sourcing and screening services) are more transactional based contracts, and therefore, revenue is recognized as delivery occurs.

Retirement plans

Retirement plans: Certain employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans and we provide certain medical and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees (collectively postretirement benefit plans). The amounts we record related to our postretirement benefit plans are computed using actuarial valuations that are based in part on certain key economic assumptions we make, including the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and other actuarial assumptions including mortality estimates, health care cost trend rates and employee turnover, each as appropriate based on the nature of the plans. Depending on the timing of the estimated payments, we recognize the funded status of our postretirement benefit plans as a current or non-current liability within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. There is a corresponding non-cash adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefits, recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Equity. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets and the benefit obligation of the plan.

Stock-based employee compensation

Stock-based employee compensation: We grant restricted stock units (RSU) and performance shares to employees as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award and is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is typically a four-year period for RSUs and a three-year period for performance shares. Performance share expense for participants meeting certain retirement eligible criteria as defined in the plan is recognized using the accelerated attribution method. See Note 10 for further discussion.

Advertising Costs

Advertising and marketing costs: We expense advertising and marketing costs as they are incurred.

Income taxes

Income taxes: Income taxes are presented on the consolidated financial statements using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as from operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred income taxes reflect expected future tax benefits (i.e. assets) and future tax costs (i.e. liabilities). The tax effect of net operating loss, capital loss and general business credit carryovers result in deferred tax assets. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established if, based upon the weight of available evidence, management determines it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

We periodically assess our tax filing exposures related to periods that are open to examination. Based on the latest available information, we evaluate our tax positions to determine whether it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. If we cannot reach a more likely than not determination, no benefit is recorded. If we determine the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, we record the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized when the tax position is settled. We record interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Interest and penalties were not material in each year presented.

Foreign currency translation

Foreign currency translation: The income statements of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and are classified as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Equity.

Loss contingencies

Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss, if material and estimable.

Discontinued operations

Discontinued operations: In determining whether a group of assets is disposed (or to be disposed) should be presented as a discontinued operation, we analyze whether the group of assets being disposed of represented a component of the entity; that is, whether it had historic operations and cash flows that were clearly distinguished (both operationally and for financial reporting purposes). In addition, we consider whether the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results.

We concluded that both the spin-off of our former publishing businesses on June 29, 2015, and the sale of our businesses constituting our former Other Segment during the fourth quarter of 2015 met all of the criteria to be presented as discontinued operations. As such, for all periods presented, we have recast our financial information to present the financial position and results of operations of the former publishing businesses and Other Segment as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (which include the cash flows from both continuing and discontinuing operations). See Note 14 for more information.

Accounting guidance adopted in 2016 and New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

Accounting guidance adopted in 2016: In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that changed the way companies present debt issuance costs on the balance sheet. Under the new guidance, debt issuance costs are reported as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, similar to debt discounts, rather than as an asset as recorded under the previous standard. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016 and have applied the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet for each date presented is adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. As disclosed in Note 7, as of December 31, 2016, and 2015, we had $27.6 million and $31.8 million, respectively, in debt issuance costs related to our term debt which was recorded as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the associated debt liability. Debt issuance costs related to our revolving credit facility remained in non-current assets on our balance sheet as permitted under the new guidance.

In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance that requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts recorded in a business combination in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Recognizing the entire impact of a measurement period adjustment in a single reporting period may introduce earnings volatility and reduces comparability between periods when the adjustments are material. Past measurement period adjustments for us have not been material. We adopted and applied this guidance in the first quarter of 2016, our required adoption period, with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes certain aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payments. The FASB permitted early adoption of this guidance, and we elected to early adopt in the first quarter of 2016. We believe the new guidance reduces the complexity of accounting for share-based payments which, in turn, improves the usefulness of the information provided to the users of our financial statements. Below is a summary of the most significant changes:

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All excess tax benefits and tax deduction shortfalls will be recognized as income tax benefit or expense in the income statement (under the prior guidance these amounts were generally recognized in additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet). The tax effects of exercised or vested awards will be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. This guidance was applied prospectively beginning in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this element of the accounting standard reduced our income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2016, by $6.4 million and the tax rate for the same period by approximately one percentage point, resulting in an increase to basic and diluted EPS of approximately $0.03. The reduction to the tax provision predominantly occurred in the first quarter of 2016 in connection with the settlement of performance share unit awards and the fourth quarter of 2016 in connection with the settlement of restricted stock units.

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The guidance updated the classification in the Statement of Cash Flows in two areas: 1) excess tax benefits will now be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity (under prior guidance it was separated from operating activities and presented as a financing activity), and 2) cash paid by an employer to taxing authorities when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes will be classified as a financing activity (prior to our adoption of the new guidance, we classified such payments as cash outflow from operating activities). Changes to the classification of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows were made on a retrospective basis, wherein each period presented was adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance.

The following table details the impact of adopting this element of the standard on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands):



	Year ended Dec. 31, 2016
	Previous Accounting Method			As Currently Reported			Effect of Accounting Change
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	$	(63,359	)	$	(34,352	)	$	29,007
Net cash flow from operating activities	$	654,422		$	683,429		$	29,007
Net settlement of stock for tax withholding and proceeds from stock option exercises	$	8,655		$	(20,352	)	$	(29,007	)
Net cash used for financing activities	$	(433,426	)	$	(462,433	)	$	(29,007	)



	Year ended Dec. 31, 2015
	Previous Accounting Method			As Currently Reported			Effect of Accounting Change
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	$	(40,117	)	$	(1,992	)	$	38,125
Net cash flow from operating activities	$	613,106		$	651,231		$	38,125
Net settlement of stock for tax withholding and proceeds from stock option exercises	$	31,284		$	(6,841	)	$	(38,125	)
Net cash used for financing activities	$	(819,666	)	$	(857,791	)	$	(38,125	)



	Year ended Dec. 28, 2014
	Previous Accounting Method			As Currently Reported		Effect of Accounting Change
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	$	(22,484	)	$	3,857	$	26,341
Net cash flow from operating activities	$	821,199		$	847,540	$	26,341
Net settlement of stock for tax withholding and proceeds from stock option exercises	$	26,672		$	331	$	(26,341	)
Net cash used for financing activities	$	490,464		$	464,123	$	(26,341	)

In May 2015, FASB issued new guidance that exempts investments measured using the net asset value (NAV) as a practical expedient from categorization within the fair value hierarchy. The guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for public business entities after December 15, 2015. Accordingly, the standard was retrospectively applied resulting in such investments no longer being reflected within the fair value hierarchy table in Note 9. However, the assets measured using the NAV are presented below the fair value table in Note 9 to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the line items presented in the statements of net assets available for benefits.

New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard related to revenue recognition. Under the standard, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB has recently issued several amendments to the standard, including clarification on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations.

We will adopt the standard beginning January 1, 2018. The two permitted transition methods are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown; and the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. We currently anticipate adopting the standard using the modified retrospective method.

While we continue to evaluate the full impact of the standard, after our initial evaluation, we do not believe the standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Below is a summary of our evaluation by reportable segment:

Media Segment: While our assessment is ongoing, we currently do not expect a material change to our television advertising revenue, which comprised approximately 60% of 2016 Media Segment revenue. Generally, our television spot advertisement contracts are short term in nature with transaction price consideration agreed upon in advance. We expect revenue will continue to be recognized when commercials are aired. Further, we expect that revenue earned under retransmission agreements will be recognized under the licensing of intellectual property guidance in the standard, which will not have a material change to our current revenue recognition. Retransmission revenue comprised approximately 30% of 2016 Media Segment revenue. We continue to evaluate the impact to Media’s online digital and other services revenue.

Digital Segment: Our Digital Segment is primarily comprised of our Cars.com and CareerBuilder business units. Cars.com’s primary source of revenue is through the sale of online subscription advertising products to car dealerships. We currently do not expect the standard to have a material impact on this revenue stream, which will continue to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term as the service is provided to our customers. CareerBuilder’s sources of revenue include various types of recruitment solutions which consist primarily of advertisements, access to CareerBuilder’s online resume database and SaaS. Generally, advertising revenue is recognized once delivery has occurred, and revenue related to access to the online resume database and SaaS is recognized ratably over the subscription period. Contracts with customers range from one to three years. We are evaluating the impact, if any, of the new standard on some of the features of CareerBuilder’s revenue streams, such as multi-year contracts and the combination of recruitment solutions.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that amended several elements surrounding the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Most notably for our company, the new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Under current GAAP, changes in fair value for our investment in Gannett, our only available-for-sale equity investment, are recorded as unrealized gains or losses through other comprehensive income until such investment is sold. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a cumulative-effect adjustment through retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. We recorded approximately $11.3 million in unrealized losses on our available for sale investment in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2016. Losses of this nature in the future will be recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Income under this new guidance.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP—which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet—the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are evaluating the effect it is expected to have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Currently all of our leases are classified as operating leases, and our future commitments under our operating leases are located at Note 13.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changes the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under current GAAP, credit losses on trade accounts receivable are recognized once it is probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we will be required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of allowance for doubtful accounts. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of today’s goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, companies will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on Step 1 of the impairment test). The standard has tiered effective dates, starting in 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017.