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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business—FARO Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “FARO,” the “Company,” “us,” “we” or “our”) design, develop, manufacture, market and support software driven, three-dimensional (“3D”) measurement, imaging and realization systems. This technology permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and complex structures within production and quality assurance processes. Our devices are used for inspection of components and assemblies, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, documenting large volume or structures in 3D, surveying and construction as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes. We sell the majority of our products through a direct sales force across a broad number of customers in a range of manufacturing, industrial, architecture, surveying, building information modeling, construction, public safety forensics, cultural heritage and other applications. Our FaroArm®, FARO ScanArm®, FARO Gage®, FARO Laser TrackerTM, FARO Cobalt Array Imager, FARO Laser Projector, and their companion CAM2®, BuildIT, and RayTracerTM software solutions, provide for Computer-Aided Design (“CAD”) based inspection, factory-level statistical process control, high-density surveying and laser-guided assembly and production. Together, these products integrate the measurement, quality inspection, and reverse engineering functions with CAD and 3D software to improve productivity, enhance product quality, and decrease rework and scrap in the manufacturing process, mainly supporting applications in our Factory Metrology vertical. Our FARO Focus and FARO Scanner Freestyle3DX laser scanners, and their companion FARO SCENE, FARO PointSense, and FARO Zone public safety forensics software offerings, are utilized for a wide variety of 3D modeling, documentation and high-density surveying applications in our Construction Building Information Modeling-Construction Information Management (“Construction BIM-CIM”) and Public Safety Forensics verticals. Our FARO ScanArm®, FARO Cobalt Array Imager, FARO Scanner Freestyle3DX laser scanners and their companion SCENE software also enable a fully digital workflow used to capture real world geometry for the purpose of empowering design, enabling innovation, and speeding up the design cycle, supporting our Product Design vertical. FARO Visual InspectTM enables large, complex 3D CAD data to be transferred to a tablet device and then used for mobile visualization and comparison to real world conditions, facilitating in-process inspection, assembly, guidance and positioning for applications in our Factory Metrology and Construction BIM-CIM verticals. Our line of galvanometer-based scan heads and laser scan controllers are used in a variety of laser applications and are integrated into larger components and systems.
Reportable Segments—During fiscal 2016, we evaluated our reportable segment structure based on our new management organization and the changes implemented in connection with our initiatives to reorganize our business around certain vertical markets. As a result of this assessment, we report our activities in the following three reportable segments:
The Factory Metrology segment provides solutions for manual and automated measurement and inspection in an industrial or manufacturing environment. Applications include alignment, part inspection, dimensional analysis, first article inspection, incoming and in-process inspection, machine calibration, non-contact inspection, robot calibration, tool building and set-up, and assembly guidance.
The Construction BIM-CIM segment provides solutions for as-built data capturing and 3D visualization in building information modeling and construction information management applications, allowing our customers in our architecture, engineering and construction markets to quickly and accurately extract 2D and 3D measurement points. Applications include as-built documentation, construction monitoring, surveying, asset and facility management, and heritage preservation.
The Other segment includes our Product Design, Public Safety Forensics and 3D Machine Vision operating segments. Our Product Design operating segment provides advanced 3D solutions to assist in the engineering or design of a movable object, enabling a full digital workflow for applications that include reverse engineering and virtual simulation. Our Public Safety Forensics operating segment provides solutions to public safety officials and professionals to capture environmental or situational scenes in 2D and 3D for crime, crash and fire scene investigations and environmental safety evaluations. Our 3D Machine Vision operating segment provides solutions to customers who require customized 3D measurement and realization solutions not otherwise addressed by our off-the-shelf product offerings.

All operating segments that do not meet the criteria to be reportable segments are aggregated in the Other category and have been combined based on the aggregation criteria and quantitative thresholds in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, “Segment Reporting” (“FASB ASC Topic 280”). Our reportable segments have been determined in accordance with our internal management structure, which is based on operating activities. We evaluate business performance based upon several metrics, using profitable revenue growth and segment profit as the primary financial measure.
We report our segment information in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 280. See Note 16, “Segment Reporting” for further information.
Principles of Consolidation—Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FARO Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at period-end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for results of operations. Adjustments resulting from financial statement translations are reflected as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net (loss) income.
Revenue Recognition, Product Warranty and Extended Warranty Contracts—Revenue is recognized when the price is fixed, collectability is reasonably assured, the title and risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer, and the earnings process is complete. Revenue related to our measurement, imaging, and realization equipment and related software is generally recognized upon shipment, as we consider the earnings process complete as of the shipping date. The related software sold with our equipment function together and deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality. Fees billed to customers associated with the distribution of products are classified as revenue. We warrant our products against defects in design, materials and workmanship for one year. A provision for estimated future costs relating to warranty expense is recorded when products are shipped. We separately sell extended warranties. Extended warranty revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the warranty. Costs relating to extended warranties are recognized as incurred. Revenue from sales of software only is recognized when no further significant production, modification or customization of the software is required and when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of a sales agreement exists, delivery has occurred, and the sales price is fixed or determinable and deemed collectible. These software arrangements generally include short-term maintenance that is considered post-contract support (“PCS”). We generally establish vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value for this PCS component based on our maintenance renewal rate. Maintenance renewals, when sold, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the maintenance agreement. Revenues resulting from sales of comprehensive support, training and technology consulting services are recognized as such services are performed and are deferred when billed in advance of the performance of services. Revenues are presented net of sales-related taxes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—We consider cash on hand and amounts on deposit with financial institutions with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. We have deposits with foreign banks totaling $98.8 million and $87.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accounts Receivable and Related Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 to 90 days and are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. We make judgments as to the collectability of accounts receivable based on historical trends and future expectations. Management estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts, which adjusts gross trade accounts receivable to its net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an analysis of all receivables for possible impairment issues and historical write-off percentages. We write off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. We do not generally charge interest on past due receivables.
Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in first-out (“FIFO”) method. Shipping and handling costs are classified as a component of cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Sales demonstration inventory is comprised of measuring, imaging and realization devices utilized by sales representatives to present our products to customers. Management expects sales demonstration inventory to be held by our sales representatives for up to three years, at which time it is refurbished and transferred to finished goods as used equipment, stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Management expects these refurbished units to remain in finished goods inventory and be sold within 12 months at prices that produce reduced gross margins. Sales demonstration inventory remains classified as inventory, as it is available for sale and any required refurbishment prior to sale is minimal.
Service inventory is typically used to provide a temporary replacement product to a customer covered by a premium warranty when the customer’s unit requires service or repair and as training equipment. Service inventory is available for sale; however, management does not expect service inventory to be sold within 12 months and, as such, classifies this inventory as a long-term asset. Service inventory that we utilize for training or repairs which we deem as no longer available for sale is transferred to fixed assets at the lower of cost or net realizable value and depreciated over its remaining useful life, typically three years. See Note 5, "Inventories" for further information regarding inventories.
Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventory—Since the value of inventory that will ultimately be realized cannot be known with exact certainty, we rely upon both past sales history and future sales forecasts to provide a basis for the determination of the reserve. Inventory is considered potentially obsolete if we have withdrawn those products from the market or had no sales of the product for the past 12 months and have no sales forecasted for the next 12 months. Inventory is considered potentially excess if the quantity on hand exceeds 12 months of expected remaining usage. The resulting obsolete and excess parts are then reviewed to determine if a substitute usage or a future need exists. Items without an identified current or future usage are reserved in an amount equal to 100% of the FIFO cost of such inventory. Our products are subject to changes in technologies that may make certain of our products or their components obsolete or less competitive, which may increase our historical provisions to the reserve.
Property and Equipment—Property and equipment purchases exceeding a thousand dollars are capitalized and recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed beginning on the date that the asset is placed into service using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets as follows:
 
 
Machinery, equipment and software
2 to 5 years
Furniture and fixtures
3 to 10 years

Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease.
Depreciation expense was $12.3 million, $10.9 million and $9.2 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income tax purposes in contrast to book purposes, and as a result, appropriate provisions are made for the related deferred income taxes.
Business Combinations—We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of these assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing intangible assets include, but are not limited to, expected future cash flows, which includes consideration of future growth rates and margins, customer attrition rates, future changes in technology and brand awareness, loyalty and position, and discount rates. Fair value estimates are based on the assumptions management believes a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Amounts recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.
Goodwill and Intangible AssetsGoodwill represents the excess cost of a business acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We do not amortize goodwill; however, we perform an annual review each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the carrying value of the recorded goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets is impaired. We have historically evaluated goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31, or when an indicator of impairment exists. During 2017, we changed the date of annual impairment assessment for our reporting units to October 1. This voluntary change in the annual goodwill testing date is a change in accounting policy, which we concluded is preferable as it better aligns the timing of the assessment with our annual budgeting process. This change in the date of the annual impairment assessment was applied prospectively and did not accelerate, delay or avoid a potential impairment charge. If an asset is impaired, the difference between the value of the asset reflected in the financial statements and its current fair value is recognized as an expense in the period in which the impairment occurs. See Note 6, "Goodwill" and Note 7, "Intangible Assets" for further information regarding goodwill and intangible assets, respectively.
Each period, and for any of our reporting units, we can elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we believe, as a result of our qualitative assessment, that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit containing goodwill is less than its carrying amount, then the first and second steps of the quantitative goodwill impairment test are unnecessary. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment option, or if the qualitative assessment was performed and resulted in the Company being unable to conclude that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit containing goodwill is greater than its carrying amount, we will perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. We perform the first step of the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow method and market approach method, and then comparing the respective fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we perform the second step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Management has concluded there was no goodwill impairment for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Other intangible assets principally include patents, existing product technology and customer relationships that arose in connection with our acquisitions. Other intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Product technology and patents are recorded at cost. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the lives of the product technology and patents of 7 to 20 years.
The remaining weighted-average amortization period for all our intangible assets is eight years.
Long-Lived Assets—Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be fully recoverable, comparing projected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. Management has concluded that there were no indicators of impairment of these assets during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Research and Development—Research and development costs incurred in the discovery of new knowledge and the resulting translation of this new knowledge into plans and designs for new products, prior to the attainment of the related products’ technological feasibility, are recorded as expenses in the period incurred. To date, the time incurred between the attainment of the related products' technological feasibility and general release to customers has been short.
Reserve for Warranties—We establish at the time of sale a liability for the one year warranty included with the initial purchase price of our products, based upon an estimate of the repair expenses likely to be incurred for the warranty period. The warranty period is measured in installation-months for each major product group. The warranty reserve is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The warranty expense is estimated by applying the actual total repair expenses for each product group in the prior period and determining a rate of repair expense per installation-month. This repair rate is multiplied by the number of installation-months of warranty for each product group to determine the provision for warranty expenses for the period. We evaluate our exposure to warranty costs at the end of each period using the estimated expense per installation-month for each major product group, the number of units remaining under warranty, and the remaining number of months each unit will be under warranty. We have a history of new product introductions and enhancements to existing products, which may result in unforeseen issues that increase our warranty costs. While such expenses have historically been within expectations, we cannot guarantee this will continue in the future.

Income Taxes—We review our deferred tax assets on a regular basis to evaluate their recoverability based upon expected future reversals of deferred tax assets and liabilities, projections of future taxable income, and tax planning strategies that we might employ to utilize such assets, including net operating loss carryforwards. Based on the positive and negative evidence for recoverability, we establish a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets of a taxing jurisdiction in which we operate unless it is “more likely than not” that we will recover such assets through the above means. In the future, our evaluation of the need for the valuation allowance will be significantly influenced by our ability to maintain profitability and our ability to predict and achieve future projections of taxable income over at least a two-year period.

We recognize tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. For those positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. In the ordinary course of business, we are examined by various federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. See Note 11, "Income Taxes" for further information regarding income taxes.
(Loss) Earnings Per Share (EPS)—Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by also considering the impact of potential common stock on both net income and the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Our potential common stock consists of employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-based awards. Our potential common stock is excluded from the basic earnings per share calculation and is included in the diluted earnings per share calculation when doing so would not be anti-dilutive. Performance-based awards are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share only to the extent that the underlying performance conditions (and any applicable market condition) (i) are satisfied as of the end of the reporting period or (ii) would be considered satisfied if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the result would be dilutive under the treasury stock method. When we report a loss for the period presented, the diluted loss per share calculation does not include our potential common stock as the inclusion of these shares in the calculation would have an anti-dilutive effect. A reconciliation of the number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS is presented in Note 14, “(Loss) Earnings Per Share.”
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—We have two stock-based employee and director compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 13, “Stock Compensation Plans.”
We measure and record compensation expense using the applicable accounting guidance for share-based payments related to stock options, restricted stock, and performance-based awards granted to our directors and employees. The fair value of stock options, including performance awards, without a market condition is estimated, at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock awards and stock options with a market condition is estimated, at the date of grant, using the Monte Carlo Simulation model. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo Simulation valuation models incorporate assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of options or awards, a risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. In valuing our stock options, significant judgment is required in determining the expected volatility of our common stock and the expected life that individuals will hold their stock options prior to exercising. Expected volatility for stock options is based on the historical and implied volatility of our own common stock while the volatility for our restricted stock units with a market condition is based on the historical volatility of our own stock and the stock of companies within our defined peer group. The expected life of stock options is derived from the historical actual term of option grants and an estimate of future exercises during the remaining contractual period of the option. While volatility and estimated life are assumptions that do not bear the risk of change subsequent to the grant date of stock options, these assumptions may be difficult to measure as they represent future expectations based on historical experience. Further, our expected volatility and expected life may change in the future, which could substantially change the grant-date fair value of future awards of stock options and, ultimately, the expense we record. The fair value of restricted stock, including performance awards, without a market condition is estimated using the current market price of our common stock on the date of grant.
We expense stock-based compensation for stock options, restricted stock awards, and performance awards over the requisite service period. For awards with only a service condition, we expense stock-based compensation using the straight-line method over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with both performance and service conditions, we expense the stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award, taking into account the probability that we will satisfy the performance conditions. Furthermore, we expense awards with a market condition over the three-year vesting period regardless of the value that the award recipients ultimately receive. Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), simplifying several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The impacts of adopting ASU 2016-09 are described more fully within the Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards section below.
Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments that expose us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of short-term investments and operating demand deposit accounts. Our policy is to place our operating demand deposit accounts with high credit quality financial institutions, the balances of which at times may exceed federally insured limits. We continually monitor our banking relationships and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on our operating demand deposit accounts.
Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”) in order to clarify the definition of a business and provide additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Currently, ASC Topic 805 recognizes three elements of a business: inputs, processes, and outputs. While an integrated set of assets and activities (collectively referred to as a “set”) that is a business usually has outputs, outputs are not required to be present. Additionally, all the inputs and processes that a seller uses in operating a set are not required if market participants can acquire the set and continue to produce outputs. ASU 2017-01 provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. If the screen is not met, the new guidance (1) requires that to be considered a business, a set must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and (2) removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The new guidance provides a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present. This framework includes two sets of criteria to consider that depend on whether a set has outputs. Although outputs are not required for a set to be a business, outputs generally are a key element of a business. ASU 2017-01 provides more stringent criteria for sets without outputs and more narrowly defines the term output. ASU 2017-01 became effective for us on January 1, 2018 and was applied prospectively. Our adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
    
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”), which removes the prohibition in ASC 740 against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This ASU requires the tax effects of intercompany transactions, other than sales of inventory, to be recognized when the transfer occurs, instead of deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through use of the asset. The new guidance must be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim period therein. ASU 2016-16 became effective for us on January 1, 2018 and was applied on a modified retrospective basis. Our adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”), which clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 became effective for us on January 1, 2018 and was applied on a modified retrospective basis. Our adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), amending its accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. Under this ASU and subsequently issued amendments, revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additional disclosures are required to provide the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.
We have evaluated the effect that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements by analyzing both transactional and analytical data for each of our revenue streams. The following is a status of our evaluation of impacts by significant revenue stream:
• Measurement equipment and related software: Under the prior accounting guidance, sales of measurement, imaging and realization equipment and related software sales were generally recognized upon shipment, as we considered the earnings process complete as of the shipping date. The related software sold with our measurement, imaging and realization equipment functions together with such equipment to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality. Our adoption of the new guidance did not result in material changes to our accounting for revenue related to our measurement, imaging and realization equipment and related software.
• Extended warranties: Under the prior accounting guidance, extended warranty sales were recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the warranty. Our adoption of the new guidance did not result in material changes to our accounting for revenue related to extended warranties.
• Software: Under the prior accounting guidance, software only sales were recognized when no further significant production, modification or customization of the software was required and when the following criteria were met: persuasive evidence of a sales agreement existed, delivery had occurred, and the sales price was fixed or determinable and deemed collectible. These software arrangements generally include short-term maintenance that is considered post-contract support. Maintenance renewals, when sold, were recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the maintenance agreement. Our adoption of the new guidance did not result in material changes to our accounting for revenue related to software only sales and maintenance renewals.
Under the prior accounting guidance, we recognized sales commission expense as incurred. Under the new guidance, we will capitalize the commission expense for those sales arrangements that extend beyond one year and amortize such costs ratably over the term of the contract. As a result, we will recognize a deferred cost asset on our consolidated balance sheet upon the adoption of the new guidance; however, the impact of this change on our consolidated balance sheet is not material. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material change to our results of operations or cash flows. We adopted this guidance utilizing the modified retrospective method but are applying it only to contracts that are not completed as of the date of initial adoption, an option that is available under ASC Topic 606.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for 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. ASU 2016-09 became effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein (our fiscal year 2017). We adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. Under the new guidance, excess tax benefits that were not previously recognized because the related tax deduction had not reduced current taxes payable are to be recorded on a modified retrospective basis.  This is achieved through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period in which the new guidance is adopted. Historically, we recognized all excess tax benefits when an option was exercised or a share vested since we did not have a U.S. net operating loss carryforward. Therefore, the tax benefit will be allowed under the current guidance and no adjustment to retained earnings is required.

Under the new guidance, all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted this portion of the guidance on a prospective basis.  This approach incorporates the net of the inflow and outflow from all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments in the deferred income tax (benefit) expense line item and presents it along with other income tax cash flows as operating activities in the statement of cash flows.

We also elected to account for forfeitures related to the service condition-based awards as they occur effective January 1, 2017, which is a change from our treatment of estimating forfeitures in previous years. However, we continue to assess performance condition-based awards quarterly as required. In adopting the new policy using a modified retrospective approach, we assessed the cumulative effect adjustment and recorded to retaining earnings the difference between the amount of compensation cost previously recorded and the amount that would have been recorded without assuming forfeitures. The cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings was not material. We will continue to assess the impact of the adopted guidance on a quarterly basis and do not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 defines net realizable value as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new guidance must be applied on a prospective basis. We adopted ASU 2015-11 effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”), which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in a classified balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 became effective for us on January 1, 2017. We adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis, which resulted in the reclassification of current deferred tax assets totaling approximately $7.6 million as of December 31, 2016 from current to non-current in our consolidated financial statements.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards —In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangible - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), which is intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the current guidance, performance of Step 2 requires us to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by following procedures that would be required to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Under the new guidance, we will perform our goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value up to the amount of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it fails the qualitative assessment. As a result, all reporting units will be subject to the same impairment assessment. We will still have the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 becomes effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests after January 1, 2017. The amendments in this ASU will be applied on a prospective basis. Disclosure of the nature and reason for the change in accounting principle is required upon transition. This disclosure is required in the first annual period and in the interim period within the first annual period when we initially adopt the amendments in this ASU. We plan to adopt this guidance for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. We do not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements to enable users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 must be applied on a modified retrospective basis and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of 2019. Although we are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements, we currently believe the most significant changes will be related to the recognition of new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet for real estate operating leases.
Reclassifications—Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. For example:
Deferred income tax assets, net were reclassified from current to non-current in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 as a result of adopting ASU No. 2015-17.
Certain reclassifications were made between reporting segments for segment profit during the year ended December 31, 2016 in Note 16, “Segment Reporting” as a result of changes to our methodology for allocating manufacturing variances to our segments. These reclassifications only impacted our segment reporting footnote disclosure.