Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Landauer, Inc., together with the subsidiaries through which businesses are conducted (the “Company”), is a leading global provider of technical and analytical services to determine occupational and environmental radiation exposure, the leading domestic provider of outsourced medical physics services, and a provider of radiology related medical products. The Company operates in three primary business segments: Radiation Measurement; Medical Physics; and Medical Products (divested in May 2016). Additional information regarding the Company’s segments is contained in Note 16.

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Entities in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, but is considered to have significant influence, are accounted for on the equity method.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all unrestricted cash and highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, primarily short-term money market instruments.

Receivables, Net of Allowances

Receivables, principally trade accounts receivable, are generally due within 30 to 90 days and are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by a review of their current credit information. We continuously monitor aging reports, collections and payments from customers, and a provision for estimated credit losses is maintained based upon the Company’s historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that have been identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that the same credit loss rates will be experienced in the future. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they are determined to be uncollectible.

Inventories

Inventories primarily include the components associated with dosimetry devices, which are stated at lower of cost or market utilizing a first-in, first-out method.

Long-lived Assets

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Plant, equipment and internal use software are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Dosimetry devices, principally badges, and the accompanying software are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and renewals and betterments are capitalized. The following table provides a summary of estimated useful lives by asset category:



		Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings and improvements		30 years
Internal software		5- 10 years
Equipment		3 - 8 years
Dosimetry devices		30 months - 8 years

Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs undiscounted operating cash flow analyses to determine if an impairment exists. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment for assets held for use, the Company groups assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable. If an impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value. Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal. The Company also reviews the estimated remaining useful lives of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the lives may have changed.

Equity in Joint Ventures

Entities in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest but is considered to have significant influence are accounted for on the equity method. Under the equity method, a company records its share of net income or loss of an investment based on its percentage ownership. Additional information regarding the Company’s equity in joint ventures is contained in Note 6.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets must be assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. Triggering events include, but are not limited to a current period operating or cash flow loss; a product, technology or service introduced by a competitor; or a loss of key personnel.

Goodwill impairment testing first requires a comparison between the carrying value and fair value of a reporting unit with associated goodwill. Carrying value is based on the assets and liabilities associated with the operations of that reporting unit. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units using the income approach and the market approach. If the Company believes that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value by a substantial margin, the Company may perform a qualitative analysis instead.

If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with 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. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. That is, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination, and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the segment.

The impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill consists of first assessing qualitative factors, such as company, industry and economic trends. If determined to be necessary, the next step compares the fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference.

Additional information regarding the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets is contained in Note 7.

Long-term Investments

The Company had long-term investments of $4,140 and $3,509 at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively that are held in a Rabbi trust for benefits under the Company’s deferred compensation plan. Under the plan, participants designate investment options to serve as the basis for measurement of the notional value of their accounts. The investments, classified as trading securities, include a money market fund and mutual funds that are publicly traded. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. The fair values of the shares or underlying securities of these funds are based on quoted market prices.

The Company had long-term investments of $0 and $1,763 at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, consisting of fixed income mutual funds classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The investments are valued based on the net asset value of the underlying securities as provided by the investment account manager. The investments are not restricted or subject to a lockup and may be redeemed on demand. Notice within a certain period of time prior to redemption is not required.

Long-term investments are included in other long-term assets.

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Contract Revenue

The majority of the Radiation Measurement revenues are realized from radiation measurement services and other services incidental to radiation dose measurement. The measuring and monitoring services provided by the Company to its customers are of a subscription nature and are continuous. The Company views its business in the Radiation Measurement segment as services provided to customers over a period of time and the wear period is the period over which those services are provided. Badge production, wearing of badges, badge analysis, and report preparation are integral to the benefit that the Company provides to its customers. These services are provided to customers on an agreed-upon recurring basis (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually) that the customer chooses for the wear period. Revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the wear period. Revenues are recognized over the periods in which the customers wear the badges irrespective of whether invoiced in advance or in arrears.

Many customers pay for these services in advance. The amounts recorded as deferred contract revenue in the consolidated balance sheets represent customer deposits invoiced in advance during the preceding twelve months for services to be rendered over the succeeding twelve months, and are net of services rendered through the respective consolidated balance sheet date. Management believes that the amount of deferred contract revenue fairly represents the remaining business activity with customers invoiced in advance.

Other services incidental to measuring and monitoring augment the basic radiation measurement services that the Company offers, providing administrative and informational tools to customers for the management of their radiation detection programs. Other service revenues are recognized upon delivery of the reports to customers or as other such services are provided.

The Company sells radiation measurement products to its customers, principally InLight products, for their use in conducting radiation measurements or managing radiation detection programs. The Company recognizes Radiation Measurement segment product revenues upon shipment or delivery of goods when title and risk of loss pass to customers.

The Company, through its Medical Physics segment, offers full scope medical physics services to hospitals and radiation therapy centers. Services offered include, but are not limited to, clinical physics support in radiation oncology, commissioning services, special projects support and imaging physics services. Delivery of the medical physics services can be of a contracted, recurring nature or as a discrete project with a defined service outcome. Recurring services often are provided on the customer’s premises by a full-time employee or fraction of a full-time employee. Revenue is recognized for recurring services on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract unless there is another discernable pattern as the services are rendered. Revenue is recognized for fee for service projects when the service is delivered.

Contracted services are billed on an agreed-upon recurring basis, either in advance or arrears of the service being delivered. Customers may be billed monthly, quarterly, or at some other regular interval over the contracted period. The amounts recorded as deferred contract revenue represent amounts invoiced in advance of delivery of the service. Management believes that the amount of deferred contract revenue fairly represents remaining business activity with customers invoiced in advance.

Fee for service revenue is typically associated with much shorter contract periods, or with discrete individual projects, and revenue is recognized upon completion of the project and customer acceptance thereof.

Additional medical physics services under the full scope offering of the medical physics practice groups comprising the Medical Physics segment include radiation center design and consulting, accreditation work and quality assurance reviews.

The Company, through its Medical Products segment, offered high quality medical consumable accessories used in radiology, radiation therapy, and image guided surgery procedures. The Medical Products segment recognized revenues upon shipment or delivery of goods when title and risk of loss pass to customers. The Medical Products segment was divested in May 2016.

The amounts recorded as deferred contract revenue in the consolidated balance sheets represent invoiced amounts in advance of delivery of the service, and are net of services rendered through the respective consolidated balance sheet date. Deferred contract revenue was $13,932 and $13,904, respectively, as of September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited. The large diversified customer base results in no single customer representing greater than 5% of revenue. The Company routinely reviews outstanding customer balances and records allowances for bad debts as necessary.

Research and Development

The cost of research and development programs is charged to selling, general and administrative expense as incurred and amounted to $4,017, $4,579 and $5,813 in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Research and development costs include salaries and allocated employee benefits, third-party research contracts and supplies.

Advertising

The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense, primarily related to product shows and exhibits, amounted to $1,105, $1,023 and $1,191 in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company files income tax returns in the jurisdictions in which it has sufficient presence. The Company estimates the income tax provision for income taxes that are currently payable, and records deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences in tax consequences between the financial statements and tax returns. The Company records a valuation allowance in situations where the realization of deferred income tax assets is not more likely than not. The Company recognizes the financial statement effects of its tax positions in its current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. Additional information regarding the Company’s income taxes is contained in Note 9.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost at fair value as of the grant date for all share-based payments, including stock options.

The Company has not granted stock options subsequent to fiscal 2005. Awards of stock options in prior fiscal years were granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatility and the expected life of stock options were based on historical experience. The risk free interest rate was derived from the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term, as of the date of grant, equal to the expected term of the option. The dividend yield was based on annual dividends and the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense was recognized ratably over the vesting period of the stock option.

Subsequent to fiscal 2005, key employees and/or non-employee directors have been granted restricted share awards that consist of performance shares and time vested restricted stock. Performance shares represent a right to receive shares of common stock upon satisfaction of performance goals or other specified metrics. Restricted stock represents a right to receive shares of common stock upon the passage of a specified period of time. The fair value of performance shares and restricted stock is based on the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. Compensation expense for performance shares is recorded ratably over the vesting period, assuming that achievement of performance goals is deemed probable. Compensation expense for restricted stock is cliff vested and recognized ratably over the vesting period. The Company also retains the discretion to make additional awards to executives at other times for recruiting or retention purposes. Stock-based compensation for these awards can be either cliff or graded vested depending on the agreement, and recognized ratably over the vesting period.

Forfeitures of awards are estimated at the time of grant and stock-based compensation cost is recognized only for those awards expected to vest. The Company uses historical experience to estimate projected forfeitures. The Company recognizes the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the forfeiture rate, or actual forfeitures, as compensation cost or as a reduction of cost in the period of the revision.

Foreign Currency Translation

Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and weighted-average exchange rates for revenues and expenses. Adjustments resulting from translating net assets are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within common shareholders’ equity as currency translation adjustment.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year. Public companies would now be required to adopt the new guidance for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The FASB decided to allow earlier adoption of the new revenue standard, but not earlier than the original effective date. This guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity. To date, the Company has formed a committee to evaluate the impact and are in the initial stages of evaluation.

In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for share-based payments requiring a specific performance target to be achieved in order for employees to become eligible to vest in the awards when that performance target may be achieved after the requisite service period for the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has evaluated the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity and has concluded that the impact is nominal.

In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. This update requires a company to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. Currently, debt issuance costs are presented as a deferred asset. The recognition and measurement requirements will not change as a result of this guidance. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. This guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on a customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement (CCA). Under the new standard, customers will apply the same criteria as vendors to determine whether a CCA contains a software license or is solely a service contract. This standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company has evaluated the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity and has concluded that the impact is nominal.

In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on simplifying the measurement of inventory. This update requires a company to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In November 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of deferred income taxes. This update requires a company to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position rather than the current requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. This guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting treatment for leases. This guidance will require all leases with durations greater than twelve months to be recognized on the balance sheet of the lessee. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. This guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to improve the accounting for share-based payments. This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. The guidance also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to introduce a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. The update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The update is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance related to the presentation and classification of certain transactions in the Statement of Cash Flows where diversity in practice exists, making targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for the Company is the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this update will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.