OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Financial Statement Preparation. References in this report to “we,” “us,” and “our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries, collectively. We prepare our financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These principles require management to make informed judgments, best estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Subsequent Events. The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the time of the financial statements issuance.

Principles of Consolidation. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ALLETE and all of our majority‑owned subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business Segments. We present three reportable segments: Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services. Our segments were determined in accordance with the guidance on segment reporting. We measure performance of our operations through budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated net income by each business segment.

Regulated Operations includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers. Minnesota Power also has 16 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated electric, natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility operations include retail and wholesale activities under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities.

ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in four states, approximately 535 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that is from PSAs under various durations. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy constructed and sold a 107 MW wind energy facility in 2015. On January 3, 2017, ALLETE Clean Energy announced that it will develop another wind energy facility of up to 50 MW after securing a 25‑year PSA. The PSA includes an option for the counterparty to purchase the facility upon development completion; construction is expected to begin in 2018.

U.S. Water Services provides integrated water management for industry by combining chemical, equipment, engineering and service for customized solutions to reduce water and energy usage, and improve efficiency.

Corporate and Other is comprised of BNI Energy, ALLETE Properties, other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, approximately 5,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.

BNI Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary, mines and sells lignite coal to two North Dakota mine-mouth generating units, one of which is Square Butte. In 2016, Square Butte supplied 50 percent (227.5 MW) of its output to Minnesota Power under long-term contracts. (See Note 11. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)

ALLETE Properties represents our legacy Florida real estate investment. Our strategy related to the real estate assets of ALLETE Properties is to sell individual parcels over time while also pursuing a bulk sale of our entire portfolio. Proceeds from a bulk sale would be strategically deployed to support growth in our energy infrastructure and related services businesses. ALLETE Properties will continue to maintain key entitlements and infrastructure without making additional investments or acquisitions. (See Note 8. Investments.)

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Supplemental Statement of Cash Flow Information.



Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31	2016		2015		2014
Millions
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest – Net of Amounts Capitalized		$68.2		$59.0		$51.3
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes		$0.5		$0.4		$5.1
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable for Capital Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	$(22.0)		$(40.6)			$21.7
Capitalized Asset Retirement Costs		$3.7		$12.4	$22.4
Camp Ripley Solar Project Financing		$15.0	—		—
AFUDC–Equity		$2.1		$3.3		$7.8
ALLETE Common Stock Contributed to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan	—		—		$19.5
Contingent Consideration	—			$35.7	—
ALLETE Common Stock Received for Sale of Land Inventory		$8.0	—		—
Long-Term Finance Receivable for Land Inventory		$12.0	—		—

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is based on our evaluation of the receivable portfolio under current conditions, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problems and such other factors that, in our judgment, deserve recognition in estimating losses.



Accounts Receivable
As of December 31	2016		2015
Millions
Trade Accounts Receivable
Billed		$106.5		$105.3
Unbilled	19.1		16.9
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	3.1		1.0
Total Accounts Receivable		$122.5		$121.2

Concentration of Credit Risk. We are subject to concentration of credit risk primarily as a result of accounts receivable. Minnesota Power sells electricity to 9 Large Power Customers. Receivables from these customers totaled $9.5 million as of December 31, 2016 ($9.2 million at December 31, 2015). Minnesota Power does not obtain collateral to support utility receivables, but monitors the credit standing of major customers. In addition, Minnesota Power, as permitted by the MPUC, requires its taconite-producing Large Power Customers to pay weekly for electric usage based on monthly energy usage estimates, which allows us to closely manage collection of amounts due. One of these customers accounted for 8 percent of consolidated operating revenue in 2016 (8 percent in 2015; 12 percent in 2014).

Long-Term Finance Receivables. Long-term finance receivables relating to our real estate operations are collateralized by property sold, accrue interest at market-based rates and are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We assess delinquent finance receivables by comparing the balance of such receivables to the estimated fair value of the collateralized property. If the fair value of the property is less than the finance receivable, we record a reserve for the difference. We estimate fair value based on recent property tax assessed values or current appraisals.

Available-for-Sale Securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Unrealized losses that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings. We use the specific identification method as the basis for determining the cost of securities sold. Our policy is to review available-for-sale securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis by assessing such factors as the share price trends and the impact of overall market conditions. (See Note 8. Investments.)

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Inventories – Net. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in our Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy segments are carried at an average cost or first-in, first-out basis. Inventories in our U.S. Water Services segment and Corporate and Other are carried at an average cost, first-in, first-out or specific identification basis. Fuel for generation is carried at an average cost basis. Certain other inventories, including capital spares, are carried at specific cost.



Inventories – Net
As of December 31	2016			2015
Millions
Fuel (a)		$43.9			$58.1
Materials and Supplies	48.7			49.1
Raw Materials	2.9			2.7
Work in Progress	1.0			—
Finished Goods	8.6			7.5
Reserve for Obsolescence	(0.9		)	(0.3		)
Total Inventories		$104.2			$117.1


(a)	Fuel consists primarily of coal inventory at Minnesota Power.



Prepayments and Other Current Assets
As of December 31	2016		2015
Millions
Deferred Fuel Adjustment Clause		$18.6		$10.6
Restricted Cash (a)	2.2		5.6
Other	19.5		19.5
Total Prepayments and Other Current Assets		$40.3		$35.7


(a)	Restricted Cash includes collateral deposits required under ALLETE Clean Energy’s loan agreements and collateral deposits required for U.S. Water Services’ standby letters of credit.

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at original cost and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for additions, significant replacements, improvements and major plant overhauls are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on non-utility property, plant and equipment are recognized when they are retired or otherwise disposed. When utility property, plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed, no gain or loss is recognized in accordance with the accounting standards for component depreciation. Our Regulated Operations capitalize AFUDC, which includes both an interest and equity component. AFUDC represents the cost of both debt and equity funds used to finance utility plant additions during construction periods. AFUDC amounts capitalized are included in rate base and are recovered from customers as the related property is depreciated. Upon MPUC approval of cost recovery, the recognition of AFUDC ceases. (See Note 2. Property, Plant and Equipment.)

We believe that long-standing ratemaking practices approved by applicable state and federal regulatory commissions allow for the recovery of the remaining book value of retired plant assets. In 2015, Minnesota Power retired Taconite Harbor Unit 3 and converted Laskin to natural gas which were actions included in Minnesota Power’s MPUC-approved 2013 IRP. In an order dated July 18, 2016, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s 2015 IRP with modifications which contains the next steps in Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward plan including the economic idling of Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2, which occurred in September 2016, and the ceasing of coal-fired operations at Taconite Harbor in 2020. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.) The MPUC order for the 2015 IRP also directs Minnesota Power to retire Boswell Units 1 and 2 no later than 2022, and on October 19, 2016, Minnesota Power announced that Boswell Units 1 and 2 will be retired in 2018. We do not expect to record any impairment charge as a result of the retirement of Taconite Harbor Unit 3 or Boswell Units 1 and 2, the ceasing of coal-fired operations at Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2, or the conversion of Laskin. In addition, we expect to be able to continue depreciating these assets for at least their established remaining useful lives; however, we are unable to predict the impact of regulatory outcomes resulting in changes to their established remaining useful lives. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.) The net book values for Taconite Harbor and Boswell Units 1 and 2 as of December 31, 2016, were approximately $90 million and $30 million, respectively. We would seek recovery in a general rate case of additional depreciation expense as a result of material changes in useful lives.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We review our long-lived assets, which include the legacy real estate assets of ALLETE Properties, for indicators of impairment in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment on a quarterly basis. Land inventory is accounted for as held for use and is recorded at cost or estimated fair value.

In accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment, if indicators of impairment exist, we test our long‑lived assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Cash flows are assessed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. The undiscounted future net cash flows are impacted by trends and factors known to us at the time they are calculated and our expectations related to: management’s best estimate of future sales prices; holding period and timing of sales; method of disposition; and future expenditures necessary to maintain the operations.

Real Estate Assets. In recent years, market conditions for real estate in Florida have required us to review our land inventories for impairment. In 2015, the Company reevaluated its strategy related to the real estate assets of ALLETE Properties in response to market conditions and transaction activity. The revised strategy incorporated the possibility of a bulk sale of its entire portfolio which, if consummated, would likely result in sales proceeds below the book value of the real estate assets. Proceeds from such a sale would be strategically deployed to support growth in our energy infrastructure and related services businesses. ALLETE Properties also continues to pursue sales of individual parcels over time. ALLETE Properties will continue to maintain key entitlements and infrastructure without making additional investments or acquisitions.

In connection with implementing the revised strategy, management evaluated its impairment analysis for its real estate assets using updated assumptions to determine estimated future net cash flows on an undiscounted basis. Estimated fair values were based upon current market data and pricing for individual parcels. Our impairment analysis incorporates a probability-weighted approach considering the alternative courses of sales noted above.

Based on the results of the 2015 undiscounted cash flow analysis, the undiscounted future net cash flows were not adequate to recover the carrying value of the real estate assets leading to an adjustment of carrying value to estimated fair value. Estimated fair value was derived using Level 3 inputs, including current market interest in the property for a bulk sale of its entire portfolio, and discounted cash flow analysis of estimated selling price for sales over time. As a result, a non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million was recorded in 2015 to reduce the carrying value of the real estate to its estimated fair value.

In 2016 and 2014, impairment analyses of estimated undiscounted future net cash flows were conducted and indicated that the cash flows were adequate to recover the carrying value of ALLETE Properties real estate assets. As a result, no impairment was recorded in 2016 or 2014.

ALLETE Clean Energy’s Wind Turbine Generators. During our annual impairment assessment of ALLETE Clean Energy’s goodwill (see Goodwill), management determined an impairment of goodwill was required primarily due to lower estimated energy prices in periods not under PSAs. As a result of these lower estimated energy prices in periods not under PSAs, the Company has reviewed ALLETE Clean Energy’s WTGs for impairment. Based on the results of the undiscounted cash flow analysis, the undiscounted future cash flows were adequate to recover the carrying value of the WTGs. The significant assumptions utilized in the undiscounted future cash flows were consistent with those utilized in our annual goodwill impairment assessment. There were no indicators of impairment in 2015 or 2014.

Derivatives. ALLETE is exposed to certain risks relating to its business operations that can be managed through the use of derivative instruments. ALLETE may enter into derivative instruments to manage those risks including interest rate risk related to certain variable-rate borrowings.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. We apply the fair value recognition guidance for share-based payments. Under this guidance, we recognize stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payments granted, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. (See Note 16. Employee Stock and Incentive Plans.)

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

Goodwill. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair value of net assets of acquired businesses. In accordance with GAAP, goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is assessed annually in the fourth quarter for impairment and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at the reporting unit level. As of the date of our annual goodwill impairment testing in 2016, the ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services reporting units had positive equity and the Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment of goodwill for impairment, proceeding directly to the two-step impairment test.

In performing Step 1 of the impairment test, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill were to exceed the fair value of a reporting unit, Step 2 of the impairment test test would be performed. Step 2 of the impairment test requires the carrying value of goodwill to be reduced to its fair value, if lower, as of the test date.

ALLETE Clean Energy. Our annual impairment analysis indicated the Step 2 analysis was necessary. Step 2 of the impairment test is performed to measure the impact of the goodwill impairment loss. Step 2 requires that the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill be compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, up to the entire amount of goodwill. After performing Step 2, it was determined that the implied value of goodwill was less than the carrying amount, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $3.3 million in 2016, which is presented within Operating Expenses – Other in the Consolidated Statement of Income (none in 2015 or 2014). The impairment charge represented the entire carrying amount of goodwill for ALLETE Clean Energy. The facts and circumstances that led to an impairment of goodwill primarily relate to lower estimated energy prices in periods not under PSAs. The fair value of the reporting unit was determined based on a discounted cash flow model. Significant assumptions in the discounted cash flow model included annual generation, operation and maintenance expenses, income tax rates, discount rates ranging from 8.25 percent to 9.25 percent and forward energy price curves. ALLETE Clean Energy’s goodwill was primarily related to the acquisition of Storm Lake II in January 2014.

U.S. Water Services. For Step 1 of the impairment test, we estimated the reporting unit's fair value using standard valuation techniques, including techniques which use estimates of projected future results and cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. Such techniques generally include a terminal value that utilizes a growth rate on debt-free cash flows. These cash flow valuations involve a number of estimates that require broad assumptions and significant judgment by management regarding future performance. Our annual impairment test in 2016 indicated that the estimated fair value of U.S. Water Services exceeded its carrying value, and no impairment existed (none in 2015). Significant assumptions in the discounted cash flow model included a discount rate of 10.75 percent, cash flow forecasts through 2021, annual revenue growth rates ranging from 8 percent to 11 percent and a terminal growth rate of 5.0 percent. Forecasted annual revenue growth assumes an increase in market share and growth in the industry. The calculated fair value of equity for the U.S. Water Services reporting unit exceeds carrying value by less than 10 percent. If U.S. Water Services fails to meet expected cash flow forecasts by a nominal margin, the results of future impairment tests could result in an impairment of goodwill. Additionally, an increase in interest rates could have an adverse impact on the discount rate used in the Company’s valuation under the income approach, potentially resulting in an impairment of goodwill.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets include customer relationships, patents, non-compete agreements and trademarks and trade names. Intangible assets with definite lives consist of customer relationships, which are amortized using an attrition model, and patents and non-compete agreements, which are amortized on a straight-line basis with estimated remaining useful lives ranging from approximately 2 years to approximately 21 years. We review definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and trade names, which are tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment is calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Our annual impairment test in 2016 indicated that the estimated fair value of trademarks and trade names exceeded the asset carrying values. As a result, no impairment was recorded in 2016 (none in 2015).

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)



Other Non-Current Assets
As of December 31	2016		2015
Millions
Contract Payment (a)		$29.6	—
Finance Receivable (b)	11.5		—
Restricted Cash (c)	8.6			$8.1
Other	56.8		60.0
Total Other Non-Current Assets		$106.5		$68.1


(a)	Contract Payment includes a $31.0 million payment made to Cliffs as part of a long-term PSA between Minnesota Power and Silver Bay Power. The contract payment is being amortized over the term of the PSA. (See Note 11. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)

(b)

On September 22, 2016, ALLETE Properties sold its Ormond Crossings project and Lake Swamp wetland mitigation bank for consideration of approximately $21 million. The consideration included a down payment in the form of 0.1 million shares of ALLETE common stock with a value of $8.0 million. The remaining purchase price will be paid under the terms of a finance receivable due over a five-year period which bears interest at market rates and is collateralized by the property sold.


(c)	Restricted Cash includes collateral deposits required under ALLETE Clean Energy’s loan agreements and PSAs, and deposits from SWL&P customers in aid of future capital expenditures.



Other Current Liabilities
As of December 31	2016		2015
Millions
Customer Deposits		$5.4		$15.1
Power Sales Agreements	24.6		23.3
Other	43.7		47.7
Total Other Current Liabilities		$73.7		$86.1



Other Non-Current Liabilities
As of December 31	2016		2015
Millions
Asset Retirement Obligation		$136.6		$131.4
Power Sales Agreements	113.8		138.1
Contingent Consideration (a)	25.0		36.6
Other	47.3		42.9
Total Other Non-Current Liabilities		$322.7		$349.0


(a)	Contingent Consideration relates to the estimated fair value of the earnings-based payment resulting from the U.S. Water Services acquisition. (See Note 6. Acquisitions and Note 9. Fair Value.)

Environmental Liabilities. We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based on current law and existing technologies. Accruals are adjusted as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are expensed unless recoverable in rates from customers. (See Note 11. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Revenue Recognition.

Regulated Operations utility rates are under the jurisdiction of Minnesota, Wisconsin and federal regulatory authorities. Customers are billed on a cycle basis. Revenue is accrued for service provided but not yet billed. Regulated utility electric rates include adjustment clauses that: (1) bill or credit customers for fuel and purchased energy costs above or below the base levels in rate schedules; (2) bill retail customers for the recovery of conservation improvement program expenditures not collected in base rates; and (3) bill customers for the recovery of certain transmission, renewable, and environmental improvement expenditures. Fuel and purchased power expense is deferred to match the period in which the revenue for fuel and purchased power expense is billed to customers pursuant to the fuel adjustment clause.

Revenue from cost recovery riders (transmission, renewable and environmental improvement) is accounted for in accordance with the accounting standards for alternative revenue programs. These standards allow for recognizing revenue under an alternative revenue program if the program is established by an order from the utility’s regulatory commission, the order allows automatic adjustment of future rates, the amount of the revenue recognized is objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and the revenue will be collected within 24 months following the end of the annual period in which it is recognized. Revenue recognized using the alternative revenue program guidance is included in Operating Revenue on the Consolidated Statement of Income and Regulatory Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet until it is subsequently collected from customers.

Minnesota Power participates in MISO. MISO transactions are accounted for on a net hourly basis in each of the day-ahead and real-time markets. Minnesota Power records net sales in Operating Revenue and net purchases in Fuel and Purchased Power expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

ALLETE Clean Energy recognizes revenue from the sale of energy from PSAs under various durations. Revenue is recognized when delivered to an agreed upon point or production is curtailed at the request of its customers at specified prices. As part of wind energy facilities acquisitions in 2014 and 2015, ALLETE Clean Energy assumed various PSAs that were above or below estimated market prices at the time of acquisition and amortizes the resulting differences between contract prices and estimated market prices to Operating Revenue. In 2016, we recognized $22.3 million of non-cash revenue amortization relating to the difference between contract prices and estimated market prices as an increase in Operating Revenue on the Consolidated Statement of Income ($23.2 million in 2015; $12.7 million in 2014).

U.S. Water Services recognizes revenue from the sale of products when the earnings process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the contract or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed and determinable. Revenue from services is recognized as the services are performed.

Corporate and Other

BNI Energy recognizes coal sales when delivered at the cost of production plus a specified profit per ton of coal delivered.

ALLETE Properties records full profit recognition on sales of real estate upon closing, provided that cash collections are at least 20 percent of the contract price and the other requirements under the guidance for sales of real estate are met. From time to time, certain contracts with customers allow us to receive participation revenue from land sales to third parties if various formula-based criteria are achieved.



Operating Expenses – Other
Year Ended December 31	2016			2015		2014
Millions
Impairment of Real Estate (a)	—				$36.3	—
Impairment of Goodwill (b)		$3.3		—		—
Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration (c)	(13.6		)	—		—
Total Operating Expenses – Other	$(10.3)				$36.3	—


(a)	See Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.


(b)	See Goodwill and Intangible Assets.


(c)	See Note 9. Fair Value.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Unamortized Discount and Premium on Debt. Discount and premium on debt are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments using a method which approximates the effective interest method.

Income Taxes. ALLETE and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return as well as combined and separate state income tax returns. We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with the accounting standards for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for all temporary differences in the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the taxes become payable.

Due to the effects of regulation on Minnesota Power and SWL&P, certain adjustments made to deferred income taxes are, in turn, recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Federal investment tax credits have been recorded as deferred credits and are being amortized to income tax expense over the service lives of the related property. In accordance with the accounting standards for uncertainty in income taxes, we are required to recognize in our financial statements the largest tax benefit of a tax position that is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained on audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position as of the reporting date. The term “more-likely-than-not” means more than 50 percent likely. (See Note 13. Income Tax Expense.)

Excise Taxes. We collect excise taxes from our customers levied by government entities. These taxes are stated separately on the billing to the customer and recorded as a liability to be remitted to the government entity. We account for the collection and payment of these taxes on a net basis.

Purchase Accounting. In accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance, the purchase price of an acquired business is generally allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Any unallocated purchase price amount is recognized as goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheet if it exceeds the estimated fair value and as a bargain purchase gain on the Consolidated Income Statement if it is below the estimated fair value. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment, and the utilization of independent valuation experts as well as the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives, among other items. The judgments made in the determination of the estimated fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the estimated useful life of each asset and the duration of each liability, can materially impact the financial statements in periods after acquisition, such as through depreciation and amortization expense. (See Note 6. Acquisitions.)

New Accounting Standards.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued amended revenue recognition guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required regarding customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. The Company is considering the impact of the new guidance on its ability to recognize revenue from certain contracts where collectibility is in question, its accounting for contributions in aid of construction, bundled sales contracts and contracts with pricing provisions that may require it to recognize revenue at prices other than the contract price (e.g., straight line or estimated future market prices). The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018.

Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. In February 2015, the FASB issued revised guidance which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The new standard affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. This guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2016 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

New Accounting Standards (Continued)

Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued revised guidance addressing the presentation requirements for debt issuance costs. Under the revised guidance, all costs incurred to issue debt are to be presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2016 resulting in the reclassification of unamortized debt issuance costs from Other Non-Current Assets to Long-Term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The effect of the adoption decreased Total Assets and Total Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet by $12.6 million as of December 31, 2015.

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). In May 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. The guidance applies to investments for which there is not a readily determinable fair value (market quote) or the investment is in a mutual fund without a publicly available net asset value. This guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2016 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard which requires entities that measure inventory using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017; early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which revises the existing guidance for leases. Under the revised guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a “right-of-use” asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The new standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures by lessees and lessors to enable users of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The accounting for leases by lessors and the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from leases are not expected to significantly change as a result of the updated guidance. The revised guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended lease guidance on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions by requiring all excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be recognized in income tax expense or benefit in earnings, thus eliminating the requirement to classify the excess tax benefit and deficiencies as additional paid-in capital. Under the new guidance, an entity makes an accounting policy election to either estimate the expected forfeiture awards or account for forfeitures as they occur. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance is expected to result in a less than $1 million impact to income tax expense (benefit) annually.

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018. The Company plans to adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018, and the guidance will result in changes to the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows relating to debt prepayments, contingent consideration payments, proceeds from insurance settlements, proceeds from corporate-owned life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

New Accounting Standards (Continued)

Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to the presentation of restricted cash in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The update requires that the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows explain the change during the period in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018. The Company plans to adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018, and the guidance will result in changes to the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows such that restricted cash amounts will be included in the beginning-of-period and end-of-period cash and cash equivalents totals.

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The guidance requires a goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted on a prospective basis. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended guidance on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.