SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Business Activities— Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 28 schools in 15 states, offers programs in automotive technology, skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding and computerized numerical control and electronic systems technology, among other programs), healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant, medical administrative assistant and pharmacy technician, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology and aesthetics) and business and information technology (which includes information technology and criminal justice programs). The schools operate under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln College of New England, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences and associated brand names. Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally or regionally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid.

In the first quarter of 2015, we reorganized our operations into three reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, (b) Healthcare and Other Professions (“HOPS”), and (c) Transitional which refers to businesses that have been or are currently being taught out. In November 2015 the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to divest the schools included in the HOPS business segment. Divestiture of the Company’s HOPS business segment marks a strategic shift in business strategy that will enable us to focus energy and resources predominantly on the Transportation and Skilled Trades business segment. The Company continues to actively market the schools comprising the HOPS business segment and has offers which are under consideration. The results of operations of the campuses included in the HOPS business segment are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements.

The following table lists the schools that are included in the HOPS and Transitional Segments and their status as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

	Segment		Status
School	2015	2016	2015	2016
Allentown, PA	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Edison, NJ	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Moorestown, NJ	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Paramus, NJ	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Lincoln, RI	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Brockton, MA	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Somerville, MA	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Lowell, MA	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
New Britain, CT	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Shelton, CT	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Las Vegas (Summerlin), NV	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Southington, CT	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Marietta, GA	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Held for sale	1
Hartford, CT	Transitional (Continuing Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Teach-out	Closed	2
Henderson (Green Valley), NV	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Held for sale	Closed	3
Center City Philadelphia, PA	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Transitional (Continuing Operations)	Held for sale	Teach-out	4
Northeast Philadelphia, PA	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Transitional (Continuing Operations)	Held for sale	Teach-out	4
West Palm Beach, FL	HOPS (Discontinued Operations)	Transitional (Continuing Operations)	Held for sale	Teach-out	5
Fern Park, FL	Transitional (Continuing Operations)	Transitional (Continuing Operations)	Teach-out	Closed	6

1	In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools and thus they are included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school. The school was included in the Transitional Segment and included in continuing operations until it closed in the fourth quarter of 2016; it is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016.

3	In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016.

In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest these schools. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at these schools which are being taught-out and expected to be closed in 2017. These schools are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016.

In November 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to divest this school. In the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach–out certain programs at this school. Then, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out the remainder of the programs at this school. The school is expected to be closed in 2017. This school’s operations are included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. However, as part of this plan, the Board of Directors approved the divestiture of the properties for this school and therefore the properties are included in held for sale as of December 31, 2016.

On February 27, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at this school, which was fully taught out and officially closed as of March 31, 2016 and is included in the Transitional segment and continuing operations as of December 31, 2016. The plan to teach out this school was approved prior to the plan to exit the HOPS segment and as such does not meet the discontinued operations criteria.

Liquidity

Liquidity—For the last several years, the Company and the proprietary school sector have faced deteriorating earnings. Government regulations have negatively impacted earnings by making it more difficult for potential students to obtain loans, which, when coupled with the overall economic environment, have discouraged potential students from enrolling in post-secondary schools. In light of these factors, the Company has incurred significant operating losses as a result of lower student population. Despite these events, the Company believes that its likely sources of cash should be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s sources of cash primarily included cash and cash equivalents of $47.7 million (of which $26.7 million is restricted). The Company is also continuing to take actions to improve cash flow by aligning its cost structure to its student population.

In addition to the current sources of capital discussed above that provides short term liquidity, the Company plans to sell approximately $13.2 million in assets net of liabilities, which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year from the date of classification in which up to $10 million will be required to pay down debt. The Company continues to actively market these schools and has offers which are under consideration.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition— Revenues are derived primarily from programs taught at the Company’s schools. Tuition revenues, textbook sales and one-time fees, such as nonrefundable application fees and course material fees, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the applicable program as the student proceeds through the program, which is the period of time from a student’s start date through his or her graduation date, including internships or externships that take place prior to graduation, and the Company completes the performance of teaching the student which entitles the Company to the revenue. Other revenues, such as tool sales and contract training revenues are recognized as services are performed or goods are delivered. On an individual student basis, tuition earned in excess of cash received is recorded as accounts receivable, and cash received in excess of tuition earned is recorded as unearned tuition. Refunds are calculated and paid in accordance with federal, state and accrediting agency standards.

The Company evaluates whether collectability of revenue is reasonably assured prior to the student attending class and reassesses collectability of tuition and fees when a student withdraws from a course. The Company calculates the amount to be returned under Title IV and its stated refund policy to determine eligible charges and, if there is a balance due from the student after this calculation, the Company expect payment from the student and the Company has a process to pursue uncollected accounts whereby, based upon the student’s financial means and ability to pay, a payment plan is established with the student to ensure that collectability is reasonable. The Company continuously monitors its historical collections to identify potential trends that may impact our determination that collectability of receivables for withdrawn students is realizable. If a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any paid but unearned tuition is refunded. Refunds are calculated and paid in accordance with federal, state and accrediting agency standards. Generally, the amount to be refunded to a student is calculated based upon the period of time the student has attended classes and the amount of tuition and fees paid by the student as of his or her withdrawal date. These refunds typically reduce deferred tuition revenue and cash on our consolidated balance sheets as the Company generally does not recognize tuition revenue in its consolidated statements of income (loss) until the related refund provisions have lapsed. Based on the application of its refund policies, the Company may be entitled to incremental revenue on the day the student withdraws from one of its schools. Prior to the year-ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded this incremental revenue, any related student receivable and any estimate of the amount it did not expect to collect as bad debt expense during the quarter a student withdrew based on its analysis of the collectability of such amounts on an aggregate student portfolio basis, for which the Company had significant historical experience. Beginning in October 2015, the Company recorded revenue for students who withdraw from one of its schools when payment is received because collectability on an individual student basis is not reasonably assured. The Company determined incremental revenue recognized for students who withdrew during the nine-months ended September 30, 2015 to be an immaterial error which was corrected during the fourth quarter of 2015. This resulted in a reduction of net revenues by $0.3 million and bad debt expense by $0.2 million, which resulted in an increase to the loss from continuing operations of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, this correction reduced net student receivables from continuing operations by $0.1 million. Prior year amounts, including quarterly financial results were not restated because the effects were not material.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid short-term investments, which contain original maturities within three months of purchase. Pursuant to the Department of Education’s cash management requirements, the Company retains funds from financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act in segregated cash management accounts. The segregated accounts do not require a restriction on use of the cash and, as such, these amounts are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash—Restricted cash consists of deposits maintained at financial institutions under a cash collateralized agreement under the Company’s credit agreement and cash collateralized for letters of credit. $20.3 million of restricted cash is included in long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet as the restriction is greater than one year. Refer to Note 8 for more information on the Company’s term loan.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable—The Company reports accounts receivable at net realizable value, which is equal to the gross receivable less an estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts. Noncurrent accounts receivable represent amounts due from graduates in excess of 12 months from the balance sheet date.

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

Allowance for uncollectible accounts—Based upon experience and judgment, an allowance is established for uncollectible accounts with respect to tuition receivables. In establishing the allowance for uncollectible accounts, the Company considers, among other things, current and expected economic conditions, a student's status (in-school or out-of-school), whether or not a student is currently making payments, and overall collection history. Changes in trends in any of these areas may impact the allowance for uncollectible accounts. The receivables balances of withdrawn students with delinquent obligations are reserved for based on our collection history.

Inventories

Inventories—Inventories consist mainly of textbooks, computers, tools and supplies. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis.

Property, Equipment and Facilities - Depreciation and Amortization

Property, Equipment and Facilities—Depreciation and Amortization—Property, equipment and facilities are stated at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. Upon the retirement, sale or other disposition of assets, costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in operating (loss) income. For financial statement purposes, depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the lesser of the term of the lease or its estimated useful life.

Rent Expense

Rent Expense—Rent expense related to operating leases where scheduled rent increases exist, is determined by expensing the total amount of rent due over the life of the operating lease on a straight-line basis. The difference between the rent paid under the terms of the lease and the rent expensed on a straight-line basis is included in accrued rent and other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs—Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred and approximated $18.2 million, $17.9 million and $18.0 million from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets— The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred, by comparing its reporting unit’s carrying value to its implied fair value. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations, reductions in market value of the Company, including changes that restrict the activities of the acquired business, and a variety of other circumstances. If the Company determines that an impairment has occurred, it is required to record a write-down of the carrying value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period the determination is made. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the acquired assets. Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments in the future and require an adjustment to the recorded balances.

At December 31, 2016, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment for continuing operations. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. Our disposal group assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of the consideration of offers received on our disposal group assets held for sale, we concluded that an pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $9.9 million was required for our goodwill and intangible assets relating to this group ($9.9 million was included in discontinued operations).

At December 31, 2016, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach.

At December 31, 2015, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2015 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment. The test indicated that one of the Company’s reporting units was impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $0.2 million ($0.2 million of which is included in the transportation and skilled trades segment) for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

At December 31, 2014, the Company conducted its annual test for goodwill impairment and determined it did not have an impairment. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units were determined using Level 3 inputs included in its multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow approach. The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2014 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment. The test indicated that ten of the Company’s reporting units were impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $39.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 ($0.2 million and $38.8 million of which is included in the transportation and skilled trades segment and discontinued operations, respectively).

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment by examining estimated future cash flows using Level 3 inputs. These cash flows are evaluated by using weighted probability techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be evaluated by identifying independent market values. If the Company determines that an asset’s carrying value is impaired, it will record a write-down of the carrying value of the asset and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made.

The Company concluded that, for the three months ended December 31, 2016, there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there was an impairment of certain long-lived assets at two of the Company’s campuses for continuing operations. The long-lived assets impairment resulted in a pre-tax charge of $3.9 million for land and buildings. Our disposal group assets held for sale are required to be measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. As a result of the consideration of offers received on our disposal group assets held for sale, we concluded that an impairment charge of $7.6 million was required for our long-lived assets relating to this group ($7.6 million was included in discontinued operations).

The Company concluded that for the three months ended December 31, 2015, there was no long-lived asset impairment. Long-lived assets were tested at the campuses as a result of classifying assets held for sale and certain financial indicators such as the Company’s history of losses, current respective period losses, as well as future projected losses at these campuses.

The Company concluded that for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there was an impairment of certain long-lived assets at one and six of the Company’s campuses, respectively. Long-lived assets had been tested at these campuses as a result of certain financial indicators such as the Company’s history of losses, current respective period losses, as well as future projected losses at these campuses. The long-lived assets impairment resulted in a pre-tax charge of $1.5 million for leasehold improvements ($1.5 million included in the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment) as of December 31, 2014 and $1.9 million for leasehold improvements ($1.5 million and $0.4 million included in the transitional segment and discontinued operations, respectively) and $0.5 million ($0.5 million included in discontinued operations) for intangible assets as of September 30, 2014.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company's cash balances with financial institutions typically exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance limit of $0.25 million. The Company's cash balances on deposit at December 31, 2016, exceeded the balance insured by the FDIC Corporation (“FDIC”) by approximately $46.3 million. The Company has not experienced any losses to date on its invested cash.

The Company extends credit for tuition and fees to many of its students. The credit risk with respect to these accounts receivable is mitigated through the students' participation in federally funded financial aid programs unless students withdraw prior to the receipt of federal funds for those students. In addition, the remaining tuition receivables are primarily comprised of smaller individual amounts due from students.

With respect to student receivables, the Company had no significant concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“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 period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, impairments, fixed assets, income taxes, benefit plans and certain accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans—The Company measures the value of stock options on the grant date at fair value, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Company amortizes the fair value of stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, utilizing straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant.

The Company measures the value of service and performance-based restricted stock on the fair value of a share of common stock on the date of the grant. The Company amortizes the fair value of service based restricted stock utilizing straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant.

The Company amortizes the fair value of the performance-based restricted stock based on determination of the probable outcome of the performance condition. If the performance condition is expected to be met, then the Company amortizes the fair value of the number of shares expected to vest utilizing straight-line basis over the requisite performance period of the grant. However, if the associated performance condition is not expected to be met, then the Company does not recognize the stock-based compensation expense.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). This statement requires an asset and a liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for years in which taxes are expected to be paid or recovered.

In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considered, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions are not significant to the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Start-up Costs

Start-up Costs—Costs related to the start of new campuses are expensed as incurred.

Reclassification

Reclassification—During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to teach-out the West Palm Beach, Florida, Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, campuses which are included in the Transitional segment. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2016, the Henderson (Green Valley), Nevada and Hartford, Connecticut campuses closed and are included in discontinued operations. In 2016, the Company reclassified related held for sale amounts reflected in the 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet and discontinued operations in Consolidated Statements of Operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 provides amendments to ASC No. 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350"), which eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Entities should perform their goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The amendments in this update are effective prospectively during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this update on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

The FASB has recently issued several amendments to the new standard on revenue recognition, ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments include ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Principal versus Agent Considerations, which was issued in March 2016, and clarifies the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations in ASU 2014-09, and ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which was issued in April 2016, and amends the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 related to identifying performance obligations.

The new standard permits adoption either by using (i) a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or (ii) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not plan to early adopt, and accordingly, we will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2018.

We currently plan to adopt using the modified retrospective approach. However, a final decision regarding the adoption method has not been finalized at this time. Our final determination will depend on a number of factors, such as the significance of the impact of the new standard on our financial results, system readiness, including that of software procured from third-party providers, and our ability to accumulate and analyze the information necessary to assess the impact on prior period financial statements, as necessary.

We are in the initial stages of our evaluation of the impact of the new standard on our accounting policies, processes, and system requirements. We have assigned internal resources to assist in the evaluation. Furthermore, we have made and will continue to make investments in systems to enable timely and accurate reporting under the new standard. While we continue to assess all potential impacts under the new standard, there is the potential for significant impacts to the timing of recognition of revenue.

While we continue to assess the potential impacts of the new standard and this standard could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, we do not know or cannot reasonably estimate quantitative information related to the impact of the new standard on our financial statements at this time.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” This guidance was issued to address the diversity that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments will require that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. The amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company anticipates that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15: “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” to address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company anticipates that the adoption will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. The guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures.

In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes requiring that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and for interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted as of December 31, 2015. While the guidance does have an impact on our balance sheet classification, it does not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or the financial statement disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern that requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. According to the standard, substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists if it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date the entity’s financial statements are issued. In order to determine the specific disclosures, if any, that would be required, management will need to assess if substantial doubt exists, and, if so, whether its plans will alleviate such substantial doubt. The standard requires assessment each annual and interim period and became effective for the Company on December 31, 2016.