Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), and include the accounts of our parent company, all majority-owned subsidiaries where we have control, certain fifty-percent owned subsidiaries where we possess the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies and certain veterinary medical groups to which we provide services as discussed below. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances in consolidation.

We provide management and other administrative services to certain veterinary practices in states and Canadian provinces with laws, rules and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states and Canadian provinces, we provide management and other administrative services to the veterinary medical practices. At December 31, 2016, we operated 228 animal hospitals in 16 of these states and 86 animal hospitals in five Canadian provinces, under management agreements with these veterinary practices. Pursuant to the management agreements, the veterinary medical practices are each solely responsible for all aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined by their respective state or province.

We have determined that the veterinary medical practices are variable interest entities as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and that we have a variable interest in those entities through our management agreements. We also determined that our variable interests in these veterinary medical practices, in aggregate with the variable interests held by our related parties, provide us with the power to direct the activities of these practices that most significantly impact their economic performance and obligate us to absorb losses that could potentially be significant or the right to receive



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benefits from the veterinary medical practices that could potentially be significant. Based on these determinations, we consolidated the veterinary medical practices in our consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of our Canadian subsidiaries is their local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date, whereas revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the reporting period.

Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and realized transaction gains and losses are recorded in the results of operations.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and our reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from our estimates. Amounts subject to significant judgment and estimates include, but are not limited to, collectability of receivables, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of goodwill, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, estimated redemption value of mandatorily redeemable partnership interests and inputs used for computing stock-based compensation.

Revenue and Related Cost Recognition

General

We recognize revenue, barring other facts, when the following revenue recognition criteria are met:


•	persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists;


•	delivery of goods has occurred or services have been rendered;


•	the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable; and


•	collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue is reported net of sales discounts and excludes sales taxes.

We generally recognize revenue and costs as follows:


•	For non-contractual services provided by our business units, at the time services are rendered.


•	For the sale of merchandise, when delivery of the goods has occurred.


•	For services under defined support and maintenance contracts, on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, recognizing costs as incurred; these services include, but are not limited to, technical support, when-and-if available product updates for software and extended warranty coverage.


•	For the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and ultrasound imaging equipment sold on a standalone basis, at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer, which is generally upon delivery or upon installation and customer acceptance if required per the sale arrangement.



2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued


•	For revenue related to bundled products and services, sales arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method, whereby any discount in the arrangement is allocated proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price.

Deferred Revenue

We defer revenue for certain transactions as follows:


•	We defer revenue for pre-paid services such as our veterinarian wellness, franchise fees and education services and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract period or as the services are provided depending on the nature of the service.


•	We defer revenue for services provided as part of the purchase of equipment and software and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the service period.

We record reductions to revenue related to customer incentive programs, which include various forms of cash consideration. Incentives may be provided in the form of credits, coupons or loans and are earned by customers upon entering into an agreement to purchase products or services in future periods while maintaining defined volume purchase or utilization levels. These incentives are capitalized and recognized as a reduction to revenue over the term of the customer agreement. We monitor customer purchases over the term of their agreement to assess the realizability of our capitalized customer acquisition costs.

Direct Costs

Direct costs are comprised of all service and product costs, including but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, technicians and other hospital-based, laboratory-based personnel, and content-development personnel, transportation and delivery costs, facilities rent, occupancy costs, supply costs, depreciation and amortization, certain marketing and promotional expenses and costs of goods sold.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider only highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents. We maintain balances in our bank accounts that are in excess of FDIC insured levels.

Inventory

Our inventory consists primarily of finished goods and includes imaging equipment, pet food and products and medical supplies. It is valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method and is adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments and market conditions.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Equipment held under capital leases is recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the equipment at the beginning of the lease term.

We develop and implement new software to be used internally, or enhance our existing internal software. We develop the software using our own employees and/or outside consultants. We capitalize software development costs when application development begins, it is probable that the project will be completed, and the software will be used as intended. We expense costs associated with preliminary project stage activities, training, maintenance and all other post implementation stage activities as we incur these costs. The capitalized costs are amortized over the expected useful lives of the software. Costs related to upgrades or enhancements of existing systems are capitalized if the modifications result in additional functionality.

Depreciation and amortization are recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:



Buildings and improvements	5 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or 15 years
Furniture and equipment	3 to 10 years
Software	3 to 10 years
Equipment held under capital leases	5 to 10 years

Operating Leases

Most of our facilities are under operating leases. The minimum lease payments, including predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined in the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to leases. The lease term includes contractual renewal options that are reasonably assured based on significant leasehold improvements acquired. Any leasehold improvement incentives paid to us by a landlord are recorded as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the net of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.

Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a component). In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to goodwill and other intangibles, we have determined that we have five reporting units: Animal Hospital, Laboratory, Medical Technology, Vetstreet and Camp Bow Wow. Annually, or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units and compare their estimated fair value against the net book value of those reporting units to determine if our goodwill is impaired.

The recognition and measurement of a goodwill impairment loss involves either a qualitative assessment of the fair value of each reporting unit or a more detailed quantitative two-step process. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its net book value. If we elect to not use this option, or we determine, using the qualitative method, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its net book value, we then perform the more detailed two-step impairment test. Step one of the two-step test compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit’s assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is required to be recorded as an impairment.

Our estimated reporting unit fair values are calculated using valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums, which are based upon the best available market information and are consistent with our long-term strategic plans. Negative changes in our projected cash flows related to variables such as revenue growth rates, margins, or the discount rate could result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of our reporting units and could ultimately result in a substantial goodwill impairment charge. The performance of our reporting units, and in turn the risk of goodwill impairment, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside of our control.

Consumer spending habits for our business are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. We believe these factors have and may continue to impact consumer spending for our products and services. Deterioration in consumer spending habits for our business would negatively impact the value of our reporting units and could result in additional goodwill impairment. Any potential impairment charge could be material and would be reflected as expense in our consolidated statements of income. We provide no assurance that forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and discount

rates will not deteriorate in the near term. We will continue to analyze changes to these assumptions in future periods.

We adopted the end of October as our annual impairment testing date although, as mentioned above, we test our reporting units sooner if an event or circumstances change that would more than likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.



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As of October 31, 2016, we evaluated our goodwill for impairment. Based on this analysis, we concluded that goodwill was not impaired for any of our reporting units.

Other Intangible Assets

The recoverability of the carrying values of all intangible assets with finite lives are re-evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's value may be impaired. We perform a quarterly review of identified intangible assets to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life.

Amortization is recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:



Non-contractual hospital customer relationships		5 to 7 years
Non-contractual laboratory customer relationships		10 to 25 years
All other non-contractual customer relationships		5 years
Covenants not-to-compete		3 to 25 years
Favorable lease assets		8 to 27 years
Technology		4 to 10 years
Trademarks		2 to 10 years
Client list		3 years
Franchise rights		10 years

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes. In accordance with the guidance, we record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, which represent taxes to be recovered or settled in the future. We adjust our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities to reflect changes in tax rates or other statutory tax provisions. We make judgments in assessing our ability to realize future benefits from our deferred tax assets, which include operating and capital loss carryforwards. As such, we have a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets for the portion we believe will not be realized. Changes in tax rates or other statutory provisions are recognized in the period the change occurs. We also assess differences between our probable tax bases and the as-filed tax bases of certain assets and liabilities.

We account for unrecognized tax benefits also in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes which prescribe a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are financial instruments issued in the normal course of business and are not market traded. The amounts recorded approximate fair value and are shown net of valuation allowances.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are presented as a reduction of the related debt, and are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk

The carrying amount reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Our policy is to place our cash and cash equivalents in highly-rated financial instruments and institutions, which we believe mitigates our credit risk. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the diversity of our customer base. We routinely review the collection of our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for potential credit losses, but historically have not experienced any significant losses related to an individual customer or groups of customers in a geographic area.

Our operations depend, in some cases, on the ability of single source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers, to deliver products and supplies on a timely basis. We have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of or difficulties in acquiring products and supplies in the quantities and of the quality needed. Shortages in the availability of products and supplies for an extended period of time could have a negative impact on our operating results.

Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Insurance and Self-Insurance

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance with high-retention or high-deductible provisions for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, property insurance and our group health insurance benefits.

Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on an undiscounted basis by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions.

Product Warranties

We accrue the cost of basic product warranties included with the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and our ultrasound imaging equipment at the time we sell these units to our customers. Our warranty costs are primarily for our assistance in helping our customers resolve issues with the warranties they have with the original equipment manufacturers. We estimate our warranty costs based on historical warranty claim experience.

Calculation of Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation in accordance with FASB’s accounting guidance for stock compensation. Accordingly, we measure the cost of share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments and recognize the cost over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period.

Acquisitions

We account for acquisitions based upon the provisions of the FASB’s accounting guidance on business combinations. Accordingly, acquisitions are accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred; noncontrolling interests are valued at fair value at the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally affect income tax expense.

Litigation

We are party to various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. We closely monitor these claims and lawsuits and frequently consult with our legal counsel to determine whether they may, when resolved, have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations and accrue and/or disclose loss contingencies as appropriate.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” as part of the Board’s ongoing project on its agenda about Technical Corrections and Improvements to clarify the Codification or to correct unintended application of guidance. A separate Update for technical corrections and improvements to Topic 606 and other Topics amended by Update 2014-09 was issued to increase awareness of the proposals and to expedite improvements to Update 2014-09. This Update affects various areas of ASU 2014-09 including: Loan Guarantee Fees, Contract Costs-Impairment Testing, Contract Costs-Interaction of Impairment Testing with Guidance in Other Topics, Scope of Topic 606, Disclosure of Remaining Performance Obligations,



2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Disclosure of Prior-Period Performance Obligations, Contract Modifications Example, Contract Asset versus Receivable, Refund Liability, and Advertising Costs. The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU for public entities would be the same as the effective date for ASU 2014-09 as amended by ASU 2015-04, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-19, “Technical Corrections and Improvements,” that affect a wide variety of Topics in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) including amendments to Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software, Subtopic 360-20, Property, Plant, and Equipment- Real Estate Sales, Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, Subtopic 405-40, Liabilities-Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements, Subtopic 860-20, Transfers and Servicing-Sales of Financial Assets, Subtopic 860-50, Transfers and Servicing-Servicing Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in this Update represent changes to clarify, correct errors, or make minor improvements to the ASC, making it easier to understand and easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. Most of the amendments in this Update do not require transition guidance and are effective upon issuance of this Update. For the six amendments mentioned above, early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” to address the diversity that exists on how entities classify and present changes in restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. Other than limited guidance for not-for-profit entities, current GAAP does not include specific guidance on the cash flow classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in this update now provide guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We do not think that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, “Consolidation (Topic 810) Interests held through Related Parties That are under Common Control,” to amend the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity (VIE) should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the reporting entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE and, therefore, consolidates the VIE. A reporting entity has an indirect interest in a VIE if it has a direct interest in a related party that, in turn, has a direct interest in the VIE. The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU for public entities are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Since this update is related to ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” the amendments should be applied retrospectively if ASU 2015-02 has already been adopted. If not, amendments of both these ASUs should be adopted at the same time, with the same transition method elected for ASU 2015-02. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 710) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. While current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party, this ASU requires the entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendments in this Update are part of the Board’s Simplification initiative and align the recognition of income tax consequences for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU for public entities are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” to provide guidance on eight specific cash flow issues where current GAAP is unclear or does not have specific guidance. The cash flow issues covered by this ASU are: 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; 2)



2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

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; 3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; 4)

proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; 5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; 6) distributions received from equity method investees; 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and 8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU for public entities are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This new standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is the recognition of revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount an entity expects to receive for those goods and services. This ASU requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and estimates and changes in those estimates. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date" that delayed the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to January 1, 2018, as the Company’s annual reporting period begins after December 15, 2017.

The Company has begun to analyze the impact of the new standard on its financial results based on an inventory of the Company’s current contracts with customers. The Company has obtained an understanding of the new standard and currently believes that it will retain much of the same accounting treatment as used to recognize revenue under current standards. Revenue on a significant portion of our contracts is currently recognized at the time the related services are rendered. Under the new standard the Company will continue to recognize revenue on these contracts using a similar approach as the performance obligations, transaction prices and related allocations are not expected to differ in comparison to the new standard.

In certain other cases we defer revenue related to multiple element arrangements. Based on the contracts currently in place, the Company does not anticipate a significant acceleration of revenue upon applying the new standard to its current contracts under these fact patterns.

The Company continues to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our financial results and prepare for the adoption of the standard on January 1, 2018, including readying its internal processes and control environment for new requirements, particularly around enhanced disclosures, under the new standard. The standard allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption. The Company is in the process of determining the method of adoption it will elect and the impact on our consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, and will continue to provide enhanced disclosures as we continue our assessment.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” as part of the Board’s Simplification Initiative. The areas for simplification in this Update involves several aspects of share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Variables such as timing of award settlements or expirations, changes in stock price over time, ultimate payout levels for awards with performance contingencies, shares cancelled before vesting, and the tax rules in effect at the time of settlement will impact both the timing and the amount of the tax deductions. Thus, this ASU is likely to add more volatility to our effective tax rate. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures as we prepare to adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2017.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting.” The amendments in this Update eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified



2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments in this Update require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that

becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier adoption is permitted. No additional disclosures are required at transition. We do not expect this adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842) Section A-Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®; Section B-Conforming Amendments Related to Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®; Section C-Background Information and Basis for Conclusions.” The amendments in this Update affect any entity that enters into a lease with some specified scope exemptions and supersedes Topic 840, Leases. The main difference between previous GAAP and Topic 842 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases. The lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases should be recognized in the statement of financial position. A lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. When measuring assets and liabilities arising from a lease, a lessee (and a lessor) should include payments to be made in optional periods only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We have made progress toward completing our evaluation of potential changes from adopting the new standard on our leasing activities and continue to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements. We expect to have our evaluation completed by the end of 2017.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” An entity should present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. For public business entities, this Update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made herein to prior year balances to conform to the 2016 financial statement presentation.

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value, and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are Level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in our consolidated statements of income.



13.	Noncontrolling Interests, continued

Segment Reporting

Our Animal Hospital and Laboratory business segments are each considered reportable segments in accordance with the FASB's guidance related to Segment Reporting. Our Animal Hospital segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our other operating segments included in the “All Other” category in the following tables are our Medical Technology business, which sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market, and our Camp Bow Wow business, which primarily franchises a premier provider of pet services including dog day care, overnight boarding, grooming and other ancillary services at specially designed pet care facilities. Also included in the



15.	Lines of Business, continued

"All Other" category in 2015 and 2014 was our Vetstreet business, which provided online and printed communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. These operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for reportable segments. Our operating segments are strategic business units that have different services, products and/or functions. The segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our other segments.

The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit and operating income. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany sales and purchases are generally accounted for as if they were transactions with independent third parties at current market prices.