XML 26 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.3.1.900
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Kaman Corporation, headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, was incorporated in 1945 and is a diversified company that conducts business in the aerospace and distribution markets. Kaman Corporation reports information for itself and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") in two business segments, Distribution and Aerospace.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in prior year financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets; valuation allowances for receivables, inventories and income taxes; valuation of share-based compensation; vendor incentives; assets and obligations related to employee benefits; estimates of environmental remediation costs; and accounting for long-term contracts including claims. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company has certain operations outside the United States that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. For these operations, results of operations and cash flows are translated using the average exchange rate throughout the period. Assets and liabilities are generally translated at end of period rates. The gains and losses associated with these translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable. The carrying amounts of these items, as well as trade accounts payable and notes payable, approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated accounts receivable or consolidated net sales. Foreign sales associated with continuing operations were approximately 15.6%, 13.6% and 13.9% of the Company’s net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are concentrated in the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand and Asia.

Additional Cash Flow Information

Non-cash investing activities in 2015 include $5.4 million in earn-out payments to the former owners of an aerospace acquisition. The Company describes these earn-out payments in more detail in Note 3, Acquisitions. Non-cash financing activities in 2015 include an adjustment to other comprehensive income related to the underfunding of the pension and SERP plans and changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that qualified for hedge accounting. The total net adjustment was $11.9 million, net of tax of $7.2 million. Additionally, non-cash financing activities in 2015 include $4.9 million of dividends declared but not yet paid. Non-cash investing activities in 2014 include an accrual of $1.5 million for capital leases and $1.5 million in earn-out payments to the former owners of an aerospace acquisition. Non-cash financing activities in 2014 include an adjustment to other comprehensive income related to the underfunding of the pension and SERP plans and changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that qualified for hedge accounting. The total net adjustment was $38.7 million, net of tax of $23.4 million. Additionally, non-cash financing activities in 2014 include $4.3 million of dividends declared but not yet paid. Non-cash investing activities in 2013 include an accrual of $0.9 million for purchases of property and equipment and $3.5 million in earn-out payments to the former owners of an aerospace acquisition. Non-cash financing activities in 2013 include an adjustment to other comprehensive income related to the underfunding of the pension and SERP plans and changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that qualified for hedge accounting. The total adjustment was $39.0 million, net of tax of $23.6 million. The Company describes its pension obligations in more detail in Note 14, Pension Plans. Additionally, non-cash financing activities in 2013 include $4.3 million of dividends declared but not yet paid.
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Revenue Recognition

Sales and estimated profits under long-term contracts are generally recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, using as a measurement basis either the ratio that costs incurred bear to estimated total costs (after giving effect to estimates of costs to complete based upon most recent information for each contract) or units-of-delivery. Reviews of contracts are made routinely throughout their lives and the impact of revisions in profit estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which the revisions are made. Anticipated contract losses are charged to operations when they are probable. In cases where we have multiple contracts with a single customer, each contract is generally treated as a separate profit center and accounted for as such. Except in the case of contracts accounted for using the cost-to-cost method of percentage of completion accounting, revenues are recognized when the product has been shipped or delivered, depending upon when title and risk of loss have passed. For certain USG contracts delivery is deemed to have occurred when work is substantially complete and acceptance by the customer has occurred by execution of a Material Inspection and Receiving Report, DD Form 250 or Memorandum of Shipment.

Sales contracts are initially reviewed to ascertain if they involve multiple element arrangements. If such an arrangement exists and there is no evidence of stand-alone value for each element of the undelivered items, recognition of sales for the arrangement is deferred until all elements of the arrangement are delivered and risk of loss and title have passed. For elements that do have stand-alone value or contracts that are not considered multiple element arrangements, sales and related costs of sales are recognized as services are performed or when the product has been shipped or delivered depending upon when title and risk of loss have passed.

Pre-contract costs incurred for items such as materials or tooling for anticipated contracts are included in inventory if recovery of such costs is considered probable. Thereafter, if the Company determines it will not be awarded an anticipated contract and the associated pre-contract costs cannot be applied to another program the costs are expensed immediately. Learning or start-up costs incurred in connection with existing or anticipated follow-on contracts are charged to the existing contract unless the terms of the contract permit recovery of these costs over a specific contractual term and provide for reimbursement if the contract is canceled. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $2.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of pre-contract costs were included in inventory, which, in both cases, represented less than 1% of total inventory.

If it is probable that a claim with respect to change orders will result in additional contract revenue and the amount of such additional revenue can be reliably estimated, then the additional contract revenue is considered in our accounting for the program, but only if the contract provides a legal basis for the claim, the additional costs were unforeseen and not caused by deficiencies in our performance, the costs are identifiable and reasonable in view of the work performed and the evidence supporting the claim is objective and verifiable. If these requirements are met, the claim portion of the program is accounted for separately to ensure revenue from the claim is recorded only to the extent claim related costs have been incurred; accordingly, no profit with respect to such costs is recorded until the change order is formally approved. If these requirements are not met, the forecast of total contract cost at completion (which is used to calculate the gross margin rate) for the basic contract is generally increased to include all incurred and anticipated claim related costs.

Recognition of sales not accounted for under the cost-to-cost method of percentage of completion accounting occurs when the sales price is fixed, collectability is reasonably assured and the product’s title and risk of loss has transferred to the customer. The Company includes freight costs charged to customers in net sales and the correlating expense as a cost of sales. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from net sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Cost of sales includes costs of products and services sold (i.e., purchased product, raw material, direct labor, engineering labor, outbound freight charges, depreciation and amortization, indirect costs and overhead charges). Selling expenses primarily consist of advertising, promotion, bid and proposal, employee payroll and corresponding benefits and commissions paid to sales and marketing personnel. General and administrative expenses primarily consist of employee payroll including executive, administrative and financial personnel and corresponding benefits, incentive compensation, independent research and development, consulting expenses, warehousing costs, depreciation and amortization. Legal costs are expensed as incurred and are generally included in general and administrative expenses. The Aerospace segment includes general and administrative expenses as an element of program cost and inventory for certain government contracts.

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses - continued

Certain inventory related costs, including purchasing costs, receiving costs and inspection costs, for the Distribution segment are not included in cost of sales. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, $3.2 million, $3.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of such costs are included in general and administrative expenses.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term cash investments. These investments are liquid in nature and have original maturities of three months or less. Book overdraft positions, which occur when total outstanding issued checks exceed available cash balances at a single financial institution at the end of a reporting period, are reclassified to accounts payable within the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had book overdrafts of $4.0 million and $7.3 million, respectively, included in accounts payable.

Accounts Receivable

The Company has three types of accounts receivable: (a) Trade receivables, which consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers; (b) USG contracts, which consist of (1) amounts billed, and (2) costs and accrued profit – not billed; and (c) Commercial and other government contracts, which consist of (1) amounts billed, and (2) costs and accrued profit – not billed.

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the trade accounts receivable and billed contracts balance. Management determines the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.

Inventories

Inventory of merchandise for resale is stated at cost (using the average costing method) or market, whichever is lower. Contracts and other work in process and finished goods are valued at production cost represented by raw material, labor and overhead. For certain government contracts, allowable general and administrative expenses are also included in inventory. Initial tooling and startup costs may be included, where applicable. Contracts and other work in process and finished goods are not reported at amounts in excess of net realizable values. The Company includes raw material amounts in the contracts in process and other work in process balances. Raw material includes certain general stock materials but primarily relates to purchases that were made in anticipation of specific programs for which production has not been started as of the balance sheet date.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed primarily on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives for buildings range from 15 to 40 years and for leasehold improvements range from 1 to 20 years, whereas machinery, office furniture and equipment generally have useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years. At the time of retirement or disposal, the acquisition cost of the asset and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated and any gain or loss is credited to or charged against income.

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.

Maintenance and repair items are charged against income as incurred, whereas renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated.

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a purchase business combination and is reviewed for impairment at least annually.

Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other", ("ASC 350") permits the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances lead to the conclusion that it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test required under ASC 350. The qualitative assessment management performs takes into consideration the following factors: general economic conditions, industry specific performance, changes in carrying values of the reporting units, the assessment of assumptions used in the previous fair value calculation and changes in transaction multiples.

In the first step of the two-step test, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the enterprise must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). In step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.

Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using an income methodology based on management’s estimates of forecasted cash flows for each business unit, with those cash flows discounted to present value using rates commensurate with the risks associated with those cash flows. In addition, management uses a market-based valuation method involving analysis of market multiples of revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for (i) a group of comparable public companies and (ii) recent transactions, if any, involving comparable companies. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two need not be performed.

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated annually for impairment in the fourth quarter, based on annual forecast information. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit. Goodwill and other intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment whenever changes in conditions indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not below its carrying value. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net, for discussion of the goodwill impairment charge recorded in 2013. No such charges were recorded in 2015 or 2014.

Vendor Incentives

The Company’s Distribution segment enters into agreements with certain vendors providing for inventory purchase incentives that are generally earned upon achieving specified volume-purchasing levels. The Company recognizes rebate income relative to specific rebate programs as a reduction of the cost of inventory based on a systematic and rational allocation of the cash consideration offered to each of the underlying transactions that results in progress toward earning the rebate, provided that the amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, total vendor incentive receivables, included in other current assets, were approximately $16.4 million and $17.7 million, respectively.

Self-Insured Retentions

To limit exposure to losses related to group health, workers’ compensation, auto and product general liability claims, the Company obtains third-party insurance coverage. The Company has varying levels of deductibles for these claims. The total liability/deductible for group health is limited to $0.3 million per claim, workers’ compensation is limited to $0.4 million per claim and for product/general liability and auto liability the limit is $0.3 million per claim. The cost of such benefits is recognized as expense based on claims filed in each reporting period and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) during such period. The estimates for the IBNR are based upon historical trends and information provided to us by the claims administrators, and are periodically revised to reflect changes in loss trends. These amounts are included in other accruals and payables on the consolidated balance sheets.

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Self-Insured Retentions - continued

Liabilities associated with these claims are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Projections of future losses are inherently uncertain because of the random nature of insurance claim occurrences and the potential for differences between actual developments and actuarial assumptions. Such self-insurance accruals will likely include claims for which the ultimate losses will be settled over a period of years.

Restructuring Costs

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company initiated restructuring activities at its Distribution segment in order to align the cost structure of the organization to its current revenue levels. Such actions include workforce reductions and the consolidation of field operations where its Distribution segment has multiple facilities in the same location.

The restructuring has resulted in net workforce reductions of 63 employees and the exiting of four facilities. As of December 31, 2015, we had communicated the workforce reductions to affected employees. The Company incurred all workforce reduction costs and facility related costs during 2015.

The following table summarizes the accrual balances by cost type for the 2015 restructuring actions:
 
 
Severance
 
Other
 
Total
In thousands
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring accrual balance at December 31, 2014
 
$

 
$

 
$

   Provision
 
1,044

 
452

 
1,496

   Cash payments
 
(390
)
 
(77
)
 
(467
)
Restructuring accrual balance at December 31, 2015
 
$
654

 
$
375

 
$
1,029



The above accrual balance associated with severance is included in "Accrued salaries and wages" and the above accrual balance associated with other restructuring costs is included in "Other accruals and payables" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Restructuring expense for 2015 is included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Research and Development

Customer funded research expenditures (which are included in cost of sales) were $0.4 million in 2015, $1.6 million in 2014, and $3.3 million in 2013. Research and development costs not specifically covered by contracts are charged against income as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Such costs amounted to $6.7 million, $6.7 million and $7.2 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records a benefit for uncertain tax positions in the financial statements only when it determines it is more likely than not that such a position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. Unrecognized tax benefits represent the difference between the position taken in the tax return and the benefit reflected in the financial statements.
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Share-Based Payment Arrangements

The Company records compensation expense for share-based awards based upon an assessment of the grant date fair value of the awards. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. A number of assumptions are used to determine the fair value of options granted. These include expected term, dividend yield, volatility of the options and the risk free interest rate. See Note 18, Share-Based Arrangements, for further information.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including market risks relating to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Derivative financial instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities and are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded each period in earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is effective as part of a hedged transaction. Gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in accumulated other comprehensive income are subsequently included in earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the hedged item. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes. See Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further information.

Pension Accounting

The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension plan by recognizing the overfunded or underfunded status of the plan, calculated as the difference between the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, as an asset or liability on the balance sheet, with changes in the funded status recognized in comprehensive income in the year in which they occur.

Expenses and liabilities associated with the plan are determined based upon actuarial valuations. Integral to the actuarial valuations are a variety of assumptions including expected return on plan assets and discount rate. The Company regularly reviews the assumptions, which are updated at the measurement date, December 31st. The impact of differences between actual results and the assumptions are accumulated and generally amortized over future periods, which will affect expense recognized in future periods. See Note 14, Pension Plans, for further information.

Recent Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. The objective of this standard update is to provide a complete and understandable representation of an entity’s leasing activities. This standard requires that lease assets and lease liabilities be recognized on the balance sheet and all key information about leasing arrangements be disclosed. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The objective of this standard update is to remove inconsistent practices with regards to the accounting for financial instruments between US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The standard intends to improve the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information. The provisions of this ASU are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these changes to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes." The objective of this standard update is to improve the usefulness of the presentation of deferred income taxes. The new standard requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position to align the classification with the time period in which the recognized deferred tax amounts are expected to be recovered or settled. The update is effective for financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 2016; however, as permitted by ASU No. 2015-17, the Company elected to adopt this standard for the year ended December 31, 2015. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Recent Accounting Standards - continued

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This ASU requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The standard becomes effective the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this standard which did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements,” which amends ASC 835-30, “Interest - Imputation of Interest”. The ASU clarifies the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with lines of credit. These costs may be presented as an asset and amortized ratably over the term of the line of credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are outstanding borrowings under the arrangement. The standard becomes effective the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." ASU 2015-11 requires an entity to measure inventory within the scope of the standard at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU No. 2015-03 amends the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the "Codification") to require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability. Such treatment is consistent with the current presentation of debt discounts or premiums. As it stood prior to the amendment, debt issuance costs were reported in the balance sheet as an asset (i.e., a deferred charge), whereas debt discounts and premiums were, and continue to be, reported as deductions from or additions to the debt itself. Recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs is not affected by these amendments to the Codification. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810)." ASU 2015-02 focuses on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20)." The new standard eliminates the concept of extraordinary items and their segregation from the results of ordinary operations and expands presentation and disclosure guidance to include items that are both unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (ASC Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." The new standard provides guidance regarding management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (ASC Topic 718) - Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." The objective of this standard update is to eliminate inconsistent practices with regards to the accounting treatment of share-based payment awards. The provisions of this ASU are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Recent Accounting Standards - continued

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606)." The objective of this standard update is to remove inconsistent practices with regards to revenue recognition between US GAAP and IFRS. The standard intends to improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets.

On August 12, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, deferring the effective date by one year for ASU No. 2014-09. The provisions of ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." This standard update requires that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's financial results or a business activity classified as held for sale should be reported as discontinued operations. The standard also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's 2015 financial statements, and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements in the future.