Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiaries (referred to herein collectively as the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  All intercompany accounts and transactions for the periods presented have been eliminated in consolidation.

On October 2, 2019, we completed the acquistion of North Italia and the remaining business of FRC, including Flower Child and all other FRC brands. The results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the acquired businesses are included in our consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date. See Note 2 for further discussion of the Acquisition.

We utilize a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31 for financial reporting purposes. Fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 each consisted of 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Business Combination

Business Combination

On October 2, 2019, we completed the acquisition of North Italia and the remaining business of FRC. Since the Acquisition represents a business combination achieved in stages, we remeasured our previously-held equity interests in North Italia and Flower Child immediately before the acquisition to acquisition-date fair value and recognized a resulting gain. In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, we allocated the purchase price of acquired businesses to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on preliminary estimated fair values. We estimated the fair value of assets and liabilities based upon widely-accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow, relief from royalty and Monte Carlo methods, depending on the nature of the assets acquired or liabilities assumed. We expect minor adjustments to our purchase accounting in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 as we finalize our valuation of the acquired intangible assets. (See Note 2 for further discussion of the Acquisition.)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Amounts receivable from credit card processors, totaling $21.2 million and $17.3 million at December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2019, respectively, are considered cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature and are typically converted to cash within three days of the sales transaction. Our cash management system provides for the funding of all major bank disbursement accounts on a daily basis as checks are presented for payment. Under this system, outstanding checks are in excess of the cash balances at certain banks, which creates book overdrafts. Book overdrafts are presented as a current liability in other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheet.

Accounts and Other Receivables

Accounts and Other Receivables

Our accounts receivable principally result from credit sales to bakery customers. Other receivables consist primarily of amounts due from our gift card distributors and landlords.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents and receivables. We maintain our day-to-day operating cash balances in non-interest-bearing transaction accounts, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000. We invest our excess cash in a money market deposit account, which is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000. Although we maintain balances that exceed the federally insured limit, we have not experienced any losses related to this balance, and we believe credit risk to be minimal.

We consider the concentration of credit risk for accounts receivable to be minimal due to the payment histories and general financial condition of our larger bakery customers. Concentration of credit risk related to other receivables is limited as this balance is comprised primarily of amounts due from our gift card distributors and landlords.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements are estimated based on valuation techniques and inputs categorized as follows:

● Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

● Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

● Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions

The following tables present the components and classification of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	December 31, 2019
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets (Liabilities)
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets	$	77,228	$	—	$	—
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities		(76,255)		—		—
Acquisition-related deferred consideration		—		(53,933)		—
Acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities		—		—		(13,218)

	January 1, 2019
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets (Liabilities)
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets	$	57,606	$	—	$	—
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities		(57,551)		—		—
Deemed landlord financing liabilities		—		(118,600)		—

Changes in the fair value of non-qualified deferred compensation assets and liabilities and deemed landlord financing liabilities are recognized in interest and other expense, net in our consolidated statements of income. Changes in the fair value of the acquisition-related deferred and contingent consideration and compensation liabilities are recognized in acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses in our consolidated statements of income.

The fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities was determined utilizing a Monte Carlo model based on estimated future revenues, margins and volatility factors, among other variables and estimates and has no minimum or maximum payment. The undiscounted range of outcomes per the Monte Carlo model was $0 to $69.2 million. Results could change materially if different estimates and assumptions were used. The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities, categorized as Level 3 (in thousands):

Balance, January 1, 2019	$	—
Acquisition-date fair value		12,786
Change in fair value		432
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	13,218

The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable, other receivables, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, income taxes payable and other accrued expenses approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories consist of restaurant food and other supplies, bakery raw materials and bakery finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on an average cost basis at the restaurants and on a first-in, first-out basis at the bakeries.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

We record property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. Improvements are capitalized while repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets or the lease term, whichever is shorter. Leasehold improvements include the cost of our internal development and construction department. Depreciation and amortization periods are as follows:

Buildings and land improvements	25 to 30 years
Leasehold improvements	10 to 30 years
Furnishings, fixtures and equipment	3 to 15 years
Computer software and equipment	5 years

Gains and losses related to property and equipment disposals are recorded in depreciation and amortization expenses.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, indefinite-lived trade names, trademarks and transferable alcoholic beverage licenses and definite-lived licensing agreements and non-transferable alcoholic beverage licenses. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If impaired, the asset or asset group is written down to fair value based on discounted future cash flows. Amortization is recorded in acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses in our consolidated statements of income.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are instead tested for impairment annually as of the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter or on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate a potential impairment. First, we determine if, based on qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that an impairment exists. Factors considered include, but are not limited to historical financial performance, a significant decline in expected future cash flows, unanticipated competition, changes in management or key personnel, macroeconomic and industry conditions and the legal and regulatory environment. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment exists, then a quantitative assessment is performed. The quantitative assessment requires an analysis of several best estimates and assumptions, including future sales and operating results and other factors that could affect fair value or otherwise indicate potential impairment. We also consider our reporting units’ projected ability to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods.

We evaluate the useful lives of our intangible assets, other than goodwill, at each reporting period to determine if they are definite or indefinite-lived. A determination on useful life requires judgments and assumptions regarding the future effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, other economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, legislative action that results in an uncertain or changing regulatory environment and expected changes in distribution channels), the level of required maintenance expenditures and the expected lives of other related groups of assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Lease Terminations

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Lease Terminations

We assess the potential impairment of our long-lived assets on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets or asset group may not be recoverable. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, negative cash flow, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner in which an asset is being used, an expectation that an asset will be disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life and significant negative industry or economic trends. At any given time, we may be monitoring a small number of locations, and future impairment charges could be required if individual restaurant performance does not improve or we make the decision to close or relocate a restaurant.

We have determined that our asset group for impairment testing is comprised of the assets and liabilities of each of our individual restaurants, as this is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. We have identified leasehold improvements as the primary asset because it is the most significant component of our restaurant assets, it is the principal asset from which our restaurants derive their cash flow generating capacity and it has the longest remaining useful life. The recoverability is assessed by comparing the carrying value of the assets to the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by these assets. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceed their fair value, which is determined based on discounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets.

In fiscal 2019, we recorded $18.2 million of impairment of assets and lease termination expense related to the impairment of two The Cheesecake Factory restaurants, one Grand Lux Cafe and Social Monk Asian Kitchen and the closure of one Grand Lux Cafe and one RockSugar Southeast Asian Kitchen. In fiscal 2018, we recorded $17.9 million of impairment of assets and lease termination expense related to the impairment of one The Cheesecake Factory restaurant, one Grand Lux Cafe and one RockSugar Southeast Asian Kitchen and the closure of two The Cheesecake Factory restaurants. In fiscal 2017, we recorded $10.3 million of impairment of assets and lease termination expense related to three The Cheesecake Factory restaurants, including one relocation and one lease expiration, and one Grand Lux Cafe. These amounts are recorded in impairment of assets and lease terminations on the consolidated statements of income.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

During fiscal years 2018, 2017 and until the Acquisition on October 2, 2019, we made minority equity investments in two restaurant concepts, North Italia and Flower Child, bringing our percentage of ownership to 49% in both concepts immediately prior to the Acquisition. Since we held a number of rights with regard to participation in policy-making processes, but did not control these entities prior to the Acquisition, we accounted for these investments under the equity method. Accordingly, we recognized our proportionate share of the reported earnings or losses of these entities on the consolidated statements of income and as an adjustment to our investments on the consolidated balance sheets.

Prior to the Acquisition, we assessed the potential impairment of our equity investments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that a decrease in value of the investment had occurred that was other than temporary, in which case we would recognize the decrease even though it is in excess of what would otherwise be recognized by application of the equity method. No impairment losses were recorded for these assets during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues consist of sales at our Company-owned restaurants, sales from our bakery operations to our licensees and other third-party customers, royalties from our licensees’ restaurant sales and from consumer packaged goods sales, and licensee development and site fees. Revenues are presented net of sales taxes. Sales tax collected is included in other accrued expenses until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Revenues from restaurant sales are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale. Revenues from bakery sales are recognized upon transfer of title and risk to customers. Royalty revenues are recognized in the period the related sales occur, utilizing the sale-based royalty exception available under current accounting guidance. Our consumer packaged goods minimum guarantees do not require distinct performance obligations. Therefore, related revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the applicable agreements, ranging from one to three years. As our development and site fee agreements do not contain distinct performance obligations, related revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the applicable agreements, ranging from eight to 30 years.

In fiscal 2019, we deferred revenue of $0.2 million for new minimum guarantees for consumer packaged goods and recognized minimum guarantee revenue of $0.5 million. In fiscal 2019, we deferred revenue of $0.3 million for new site and development agreements and recognized revenue of $0.5 million. In fiscal 2018, we deferred revenue of $0.9 million for new minimum guarantees for consumer packaged goods and recognized minimum guarantee revenue of $0.8 million. In fiscal 2018, we deferred revenue of $0.2 million for new site and development agreements and recognized revenue of $0.4 million. Prior to the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard in 2018, we recognized revenue for development fees upon execution of new development agreements and for site fees upon our approval of new restaurant sites.

We recognize a liability upon the sale of our gift cards and recognize revenue when these gift cards are redeemed in our restaurants. Based on our historical redemption patterns, we can reasonably estimate the amount of gift cards for which redemption is remote, which is referred to as “breakage.” Breakage is recognized over a three-year period in proportion to historical redemption trends and is classified as revenues in our consolidated statements of income. We recognized $8.0 million, $8.0 million and $7.9 million of gift card breakage in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Incremental direct costs related to gift card sales, including commissions and credit card fees, are deferred and recognized in earnings in the same pattern as the related gift card revenue. There were no changes to our accounting for gift card revenue and related costs upon adoption of the new revenue recognition standard.

Certain of our promotional programs include multiple element arrangements that incorporate various performance obligations. We allocate revenue using the relative selling price of each performance obligation considering the likelihood of redemption and recognize revenue upon satisfaction of each performance obligation. During fiscal 2019, we deferred revenue of $7.9 million related to promotional programs and recognized $7.3 million of previously deferred revenue related to promotional programs. During fiscal 2018, we deferred revenue of $7.0 million related to promotional programs and recognized $5.9 million of previously deferred revenue related to promotional programs.

(See Recent Accounting Pronouncements for further discussion of our adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting guidance.)

Leases

Leases

We currently lease all of our restaurant locations, generally with initial terms of 10 to 20 years plus two five-year renewal options. Our leases typically require contingent rent above the minimum base rent payments based on a percentage of revenues ranging from 2% to 10%, have escalating minimum rent requirements over the term of the lease and require payment for various expenses incidental to the use of the property. A majority of our leases provide for a reduced level of overall rent obligation should specified co-tenancy requirements not be satisfied. We expend cash for leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures, and equipment to build out and equip our leased premises. We may also expend cash for structural additions that we make to leased premises. Generally, a portion of the leasehold improvements and building costs are reimbursed to us by our landlords as construction contributions. If obtained, landlord construction contributions usually take the form of up-front cash, full or partial credits against our future minimum or percentage rents, or a combination thereof. We do not meet any of the accounting criteria under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, for being the owner of the asset under construction. Many of our leases provide early termination rights permitting us to terminate the lease prior to expiration in the event our revenues are below a stated level for a period of time, generally conditioned upon repayment of the unamortized landlord contributions.

In addition to leases for our restaurant locations, we also lease automobiles and certain equipment that is used in the restaurants, bakeries and corporate office. The automobile leases are the only non-real estate leases included in our operating lease assets and liabilities. All other leases are immaterial or qualify for the short-term lease exclusion.

The assessment of whether a contract is or contains a lease is performed at contract inception. A lease is defined as a contract that conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is defined as having both the right to obtain substantially all the economic benefits from the use of the asset and to direct how and for what purpose the asset is used.

At lease commencement, we evaluate each lease to determine its appropriate classification as an operating or finance lease. All of our restaurant and automobile leases are classified as operating leases. For restaurant leases existing at transition, we will continue to apply our historical practice of excluding executory costs, and only minimum base rent will be factored into the initial operating lease liability and corresponding lease asset. For restaurant leases beginning after adoption of ASC 842, we have elected the single lease component practical expedient. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet at lease commencement based on the present value of minimum base rent and other fixed payments over the reasonably certain lease term. The difference between the amounts we expend for structural costs and the construction contributions received from our landlords is recorded as an adjustment to the operating lease asset. Lease terms include the build-out period for our leases where no rent payments are typically due under the terms of the lease, as well as options to renew when we deem we have significant economic incentive to exercise the extension. When determining if we have a significant economic incentive, we consider relevant factors, such as contractual, asset, entity and market-based considerations. Option periods are included in the lease term for the majority of our leases. Termination rights have not been factored into the lease terms since based on our probability assessment we are reasonably certain we will not terminate our leases.

We cannot determine the interest rate implicit in our leases because we do not have access to the lessor’s estimated residual value or the amount of the lessor’s deferred initial direct costs. Therefore, we use our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for our leases. Our incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest we would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms. Because we do not generally borrow on a collateralized basis, we derive an appropriate incremental borrowing rate using the interest rate we pay on our non-collateralized borrowings, adjusted for the amount of the lease payments, the lease term and the effect of designating specific collateral with a value equal to the unpaid lease payments for that lease. We apply the incremental borrowing rate on a portfolio basis given the impact of applying it on a lease by lease basis would be immaterial.

We monitor for events or changes in circumstances that require reassessment of our leases. When a reassessment results in the re-measurement of a lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the operating lease asset. We also assess the potential impairment of our operating lease assets under long-lived asset impairment guidance in ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment: Impairment or disposal on long-lived assets.

Rent expense included in our operating lease assets is recognized on a straight-line basis. Contingent rent expense is recorded as incurred to the extent it exceeds minimum base rent per the lease agreement. Variable lease payments, which primarily consist of real estate taxes, common area maintenance charges, insurance cost and other operating expenses, are not included in the operating lease right-of-use asset or operating lease liability balances and are recognized as incurred. The reasonably certain lease term and the incremental borrowing rate for each restaurant location require judgment by management and can impact the classification and accounting for a lease as operating or finance, as well as the value of the operating lease asset and liability. These judgments may produce materially different amounts of rent expense than would be reported if different assumptions were used. Rent expense is included in other operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Self-Insurance Liabilities

Self-Insurance Liabilities

We retain the financial responsibility for a significant portion of our risks and associated liabilities with respect to workers’ compensation, general liability, staff member health benefits, employment practices and other insurable risks. The accrued liabilities associated with these programs are based on our estimate of the ultimate costs to settle known claims, as well as claims incurred but not yet reported to us (“IBNR”) as of the balance sheet date and are recorded in other accrued expenses. Our estimated liabilities, which are not discounted, are based on information provided by our insurance brokers and insurers, combined with our judgment regarding a number of assumptions and factors, including the frequency and severity of claims, claims development history, case jurisdiction, applicable legislation and our claims settlement practices.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We maintain stock-based incentive plans under which equity awards may be granted to staff members and consultants. We account for the awards based on fair value measurement guidance and amortize to expense over the vesting period using a straight-line or graded-vesting schedule, as applicable. (See Note 16 for further discussion of our stock-based compensation.)

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

We expense advertising production costs at the time the advertising first takes place. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Most of our advertising costs are included in other operating costs and expenses and were $10.6 million, $6.1 million and $6.1 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Preopening Costs

Preopening Costs

Preopening costs include all costs to relocate and compensate restaurant management staff members during the preopening period, costs to recruit and train hourly restaurant staff members, and wages, travel and lodging costs for our opening training team and other support staff members. Also included are expenses for maintaining a roster of trained managers for pending openings, the associated temporary housing and other costs necessary to relocate managers in alignment with future restaurant opening and operating needs, and corporate travel and support activities. We expense preopening costs as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We provide for federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable and for deferred taxes that result from differences between financial accounting rules and tax laws governing the timing of recognition of various income and expense items. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the future tax effects of such temporary differences based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities using the statutory rates expected in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of any enacted change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Income tax credits are recorded as a reduction of tax expense.

Uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are recognized (or derecognized) in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained on its technical merits upon examination by tax authorities, taking into account available administrative remedies and litigation. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We recognize interest related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded in general and administrative expenses.

Net Income per Share

Net Income per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, reduced by unvested restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2019, January 1, 2019 and January 2, 2018, 1.8 million shares, 1.7 million shares and 1.7 million shares, respectively, of restricted stock issued to staff members were unvested and, therefore, excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share for the fiscal years ended on those dates. Diluted net income per share includes the dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards, calculated using the treasury stock method. Shares of common stock equivalents of 2.3 million, 1.5 million and 1.6 million for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were excluded from the diluted calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

	Fiscal Year
	2019		2018		2017
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income	$	127,293	$	99,035	$	157,392
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		43,949		45,263		46,930
Dilutive effect of equity awards		596		952		1,222
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		44,545		46,215		48,152
Basic net income per share	$	2.90	$	2.19	$	3.35
Diluted net income per share	$	2.86	$	2.14	$	3.27

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investment by and distribution to owners. Our comprehensive income consists of net income and translation gains and losses related to our Canadian restaurant operations.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

The Canadian dollar is the functional currency for our Canadian restaurant operations. Revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the reporting period. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the reporting period end date. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates, except for the change in retained earnings which is the result of the income statement translation process. Translation gains and losses are reported as a separate component in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and would only be realized upon the sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the business. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recognized in our consolidated statements of income in interest and other expense, net.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

We adopted FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, as of January 2, 2019, using the alternative transition method and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings without restating prior periods. We elected the package of practical expedients which allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification, our assessment of whether a contract is or contains a lease and our initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption of the new standard. In addition, we elected the short-term lease exclusion and the hindsight practical expedient, which lengthened the lease term for certain of our leases to include renewal options. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease assets and liabilities of $975.1 million and $1,045.4 million, respectively, and a reduction to retained earnings of $41.5 million, net of tax. All prior lease-related balances of $39.2 million of prepaid rent, $140.2 million in property and equipment, net, $6.2 million of intangible assets, net, $82.1 million of deferred rent liabilities and $118.7 million of deemed landlord financing were reclassified into operating lease assets or eliminated upon ASC 842 adoption.

We adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as of January 3, 2018. This accounting guidance provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition requirements and requires entities to recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. Utilizing the cumulative-effect method of adoption, we recorded a $4.8 million increase to deferred revenue and a corresponding reduction of $3.6 million, net of tax, to retained earnings to reverse a portion of the previously-recognized development and site fees from our international licensees. Whereas previously we recognized income and received payment upon execution of the agreements and approval of new restaurant sites, respectively, future revenue for these items will be recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the applicable license agreements as the agreements do not contain distinct performance obligations. Comparative financial information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The impact of adopting this standard as compared to the previous revenue recognition guidance was not material to our consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The update eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2020. We have substantially completed our assessment of the new standard and do not expect its adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statement disclosures.